Mozart’s most famous opera was once again brought on stage, but this time WNO managed to add in some delightful new ideas.

Under the baton of Damian Iorio, the music was of extremely high quality.

The loving couple of Tamino and Pamina were sung by Ben Johnson and Anita Watson. They both rendered their lines beautifully and realised successfully these two very idealistic roles.

Besides, the most distinctive character of the day was perhaps Papageno, sung by Mark Stone who combined his lines with the acting seamlessly.

Anna Siminska, singing the Queen of the Night, also delivered a spotless performance, especially the famously challenging aria.

The decision to use the English translation of the original libretto was generally well-received. Together with some more local elements of humour, they made the opera more accessible to the audiences. Another highlight of this production was the stage design, which was economic but surprisingly effective.