Performer: Penny Woolcock

The second performance of the Met's Pearl Fishers saw one of the leads withdraw mid-performance again. A welcome performance by young baritone Alexander Birch Elliott could not rescue the evening. 

The casting was something special. Each of the principals was fun to watch, magnificent to listen to, believable in every gesture, look and touch. 

Penny Woolcock's shanty town production continues to improve with each outing. This time, ENO has found singers who can negotiate the vocal challenges more naturally.