THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO

Reviews

It is some years since I last saw Mozart's “The Marriage of Figaro” in its entirety so I was really looking forward to seeing this production and I was not at all disappointed. I was asked to see this production twice as the female parts had been double cast and I have to say in all honesty that I enjoyed both performances as much as each other. The singing and acting was superb on both occasions although there were understandably some differences in interpretation of the roles which made for a very interesting experience. Both casts worked together as a team with lots of energy and enthusiasm resulting in an outstanding production on both occasions. Martin Lamb’s interpretation of Figaro was outstanding at each performance, and I enjoyed one as much as the other, he was able to get into the spirit of the character splendidly and David Palmer not only produced this opera he also found time to give us a very good performance in the role of Count Almaviva.

Peter Bates and Steve Riordan gave vocally good sound performance in the roles of Basilio and Dr Bartolo and Peter McColgan was suitably comedic and sang well as Antonio. I would not wish to compare the two sets of female characters because it would be a very difficult undertaking, as each singer had different strengths and produced differing interesting interpretations in their characterisations; also they all possessed very good singing voices which suited their roles very well. Both audiences were treated to seeing performances either by Heather Heighway or Rebecca Godley as the cheeky Susanna, Pam Ashcroft or Louise Geatch as Countess Almaviva, Stephanie Guidera or Meike Wanjek as Cherubino, Valerie Watts or Isobel Jenkins as Marcellina and Jenefer Baker or Clare Hyams as Barbarina. The opera was sung in English, diction was clear and the story could be followed easily on both occasions

The chorus of ladies and gentlemen sung and supported the principles well although there was the occasional overacting by one or two of the members which could be a little distracting at times. The chorus should be aware and react to the action subtly and not take the audience’s attention away from the principle performers.

Well done to Musical Director Marco Bellasi for his superb musical direction and to the outstanding principle Accompanist Robert Chesters. Choreography by Jan Monkley was suitable for the production and the intimate venues used and I must also mention Repetiteur Yumi Cross and Guest Conductor Juan Ortuna for their input into the production.

Scenery was minimalistic and props were spot on which suited the intimate venues very well and they made a good platform for the performers to work on, also costumes suited the characters well and some thought had gone in to getting this right.

Congratulation must go to David Palmer Producer and Vivienne Sharp Assistant Producer/Wardrobe Mistress and to all involved in bringing this outstanding entertaining production to the stage including backstage and front of house, I had a very enjoyable evening on both of my visits, thank you for inviting me. I hope to see you again for your next production.