My first review
Jul 1st, 2007 by abi
I find every year with my theatre-goings that there are some things I really really look forward to that turn out to be good but not stunning and some things I am reasonably indifferent about but which turn out to be astonishingly good. The perfomance by Opera North at Sheffield’s ‘Lyceum’ last night falls firmly into the latter category.
When it comes to opera I would say I usually enjoy it but never anticipate it with relish (well, unless it’s Mozart or Verdi!). The same applied yesterday and I must admit that when I realised they would actually be performing two I had a feeling we would be in for a long night.
However, both were fairly short and the time flew by. First up was Les Noces, a short and fiery Stravinsky piece, and after the interval Purcell’s beautiful Dido and Aeneas. Both incorporated modern dance and a very effective minimalist set. The Stravinsky was good but it was Dido and Aeneas that really set it alight. The combination of modern ballet, a simple but clever set, and basic costumes circa 2007 with an opera from the seventeenth century was inspired and the result electric. Some of the imagery was wonderful, especially the sailors tumbling balletically (is that a word?) onto shore from the stormy seas.
I really enjoyed myself and, yes, I cried in a theatre. Again. I’m not sure if this is touring anywhere else but do try and see it if you can. I would especially recommend it for those not used to opera as it’s short, fresh and lively.
