Month: October 2018
Passion , Music Theatre Wales and NDCWales, Wales Millennium Centre
Passion was a very enigmatic production by NDC Wales in the way that the story was told to the audience. In this Michael McCarthy production, the stage was empty and dark, with the only design being a blue ladder leading up to the sky in the middle, and a long yellow curtain draped behind them,…
La Traviata, Welsh National Opera, Venue Cymru
Many regard Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviatato be one of the most famous and adored operas of all time, though with myself a true novice to opera it was interesting to attend this production by the Welsh National Opera with no prior knowledge or expectations of this opera. The first act had a clever opening which drew…
La Cenerentola, Welsh National Opera, Venue Cymru
I’ve been writing reviews on and off for 15 years – encompassing restaurant, theatre, cinema and music reviews – but I’ve never reviewed opera or ballet. La Cenerentola, Rossini’s take on the tale of Cinderella, was a perfect opera for me to start with. Angelina lives with her step father Don Magnfico and step sisters…
Rhondda Rips it Up!, Welsh National Opera, Pontio, Bangor
A riotous romp through the life of pivotal Suffragette Lady Rhondda Margaret Haig Thomas (played by Madeleine Shaw) is what was promised by Welsh National Opera, and indeed it was what was delivered too in their latest musical-opera Rhondda Rips it Up. The buzz in Pontio’s packed Theatr Bryn Terfel was enchanting as the all-female…
La Cenerentola, Rossini, Welsh National Opera
My second visit to the opera and what a wonderful evening. From the moment the orchestra under WNO Music Director Tomas Hanus played thefirst note, the pace and light hearted atmosphere was established. As the delicate organza curtain lifted, the oversized set added to the childhood memories of ‘Cinderella’ as a magical fairy tale. The…