I was in the audience at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton last night for Die Fledermaus by Welsh National Opera.
Thomas Roesner on the podium and the orchestra practically took off in the overture, which had wonderful attack. But the orchestra faded into the background for me as the stage took the full focus of my attention. Dialogue (in English) was crystal clear, with subtle and not-so-subtle business to make sure the audience got the plot signposts. The singing was clear enough to make the surtitles almost redundant.
Joanne Boag won the audience’s heart with her bubbly characterisation of Adele and fine singing, Nuccia Focile gave a fizzing portrayal of Rosalinde, and Desmond Barrit in the speaking role succeeded in portraying Frosch as a jailer from the valleys. All other cast were strong.
But the stars of the show were the outstanding English libretto by David Pountney and Leonard Hancock, and John Copley’s witty staging. There were lots of musical jokes, inspired visual gags and constant business in the chorus no matter what was happening downstage. Beautiful sets and costumes, too. The evening ended with an inspired set of calls choreographed to the Tritsch-Tratsch Polka (with enthusiastic audience participation).
Well done, WNO. Long may you prosper.
Altogether one of the most enjoyable evenings I’ve spent in the theatre in forty-odd years.
At Bristol Hippodrome next week, Plymouth 6 & 8 April and Milton Keynes 13 & 15 April.
Not to be missed.
Thomas Roesner on the podium and the orchestra practically took off in the overture, which had wonderful attack. But the orchestra faded into the background for me as the stage took the full focus of my attention. Dialogue (in English) was crystal clear, with subtle and not-so-subtle business to make sure the audience got the plot signposts. The singing was clear enough to make the surtitles almost redundant.
Joanne Boag won the audience’s heart with her bubbly characterisation of Adele and fine singing, Nuccia Focile gave a fizzing portrayal of Rosalinde, and Desmond Barrit in the speaking role succeeded in portraying Frosch as a jailer from the valleys. All other cast were strong.
But the stars of the show were the outstanding English libretto by David Pountney and Leonard Hancock, and John Copley’s witty staging. There were lots of musical jokes, inspired visual gags and constant business in the chorus no matter what was happening downstage. Beautiful sets and costumes, too. The evening ended with an inspired set of calls choreographed to the Tritsch-Tratsch Polka (with enthusiastic audience participation).
Well done, WNO. Long may you prosper.
Altogether one of the most enjoyable evenings I’ve spent in the theatre in forty-odd years.
At Bristol Hippodrome next week, Plymouth 6 & 8 April and Milton Keynes 13 & 15 April.
Not to be missed.