Performer: Jake Wiltshire

Presenting a work like Carmen is a punchy move by a conservatoire. The Royal Academy of Music's production has conceptual weaknesses, but features some good singing. 

Handel's oratorio is staged by Olivia Fuchs and conducted by Johanna Soller in Opera North's latest successful collaboration with Phoenix Dance Theatre. 

After 45 years, Ambroise Thomas' Hamlet returns to Buxton in a gripping, psychological staging by Jack Furness. 

We spoke about the job of lighting designer with Jake Wiltshire, who lights productions for English National Opera, Welsh National Opera, the Royal Academy Opera and many more.