Pros: Hilarious performances, beautiful singing and outstanding design. Cons: Without an orchestra some of Mozart’s magic is lost. Walking through a charming pub straight into a small pocket of the South American jungle isn’t how most would expect to start a night at the opera. Fortunately for us, Charles Court Opera’s production of The Magic Flute at the King’s Head Theatre refreshingly does away with rows of seats, facing a stage, overlooking an orchestra, and puts us firmly in the thick of it. Simon ...
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Noh Time Like The Present, LSO St Luke’s – Review
Pros: A rare opportunity to appreciate a form of theatre which has been performed without interruption since the 14th century. Cons: As with anything out of the ordinary, this show can be quite challenging to follow, due to the lack of clear narrative elements. In the wonderful world of performing arts there is a theatrical discipline that has been kept alive from the 14th century to this day. Its name is Noh, or Nogaku, and it is a form of classical ...
Read More »Madam Butterfly, King’s Head Theatre – Review
An accessible production with some captivating performances.
Read More »Scenes from the End, Tristan Bates Theatre – Review
Pros: Héloïse Werner’s hauntingly beautiful, intense and masterful performance. Cons: The abstract nature of the piece means that it is sometimes hard to empathise with the characters and to feel a connection with the emotions portrayed. Grief is a personal experience that we all grapple with in our own way. The loss of a loved one is hard to stomach and often hard to talk about. One feels isolated, empty and confused. In this abstract, almost excruciatingly intimate, one-woman opera at ...
Read More »Rough for Opera #14, The Cockpit – Review
If you are open to an evening of experimental theatre, you will not regret it.
Read More »La Bohème, King’s Head Theatre – Review
Humour outweighs tragedy in this enjoyable new version of a classic romantic opera that takes audience participation to the next level.
Read More »Gianni Schicchi / Pagliacci, Arcola Theatre – Review
Fantastic value (if slightly too up-close for some) double bill in London's most exciting opera festival.
Read More »Drifting Dragons, Arcola Theatre – Review
This site-specific piece offers simplistic opera in a great location with good performances from all.
Read More »Coriolanus and Du Liniang, Peacock Theatre – Review
This is a stunning production but at over 3.5 hours long, and in such a hot theatre, it was difficult to stay engaged throughout.
Read More »Popup Opera: I Capuleti e I Montecchi, Carousel – Review
A close-up on opera, where Bellini’s bel-canto is stripped down to its delightful essence.
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