Performer: Simon Lasker Wallfisch

The last of Jacques Offenbach's great buffo operettas provides an opportunity for topical satire but Max Hopp’s attempts at updating it fall short of the mark.

The Norwegian soprano scores a major success at Covent Garden in her role debut as Elisabetta, whetting appetites for more Verdi to come. 

A superbly-sung title role from Ed Ballard is the best part of this otherwise patchy, well-sung but ultimately unmoving Werther from English Touring Opera. 

Aylin Bozok's modern and minimalist Werther, beautifully realised and superbly acted with the innovative addition of a silent character, is utterly heartbreaking.