Performer: Timothy Dawkins

OperaUpClose's vision of a dystopian England through Wagner's Flying Dutchman, distilled for chamber forces, receives strong performances from the cast and Manchester Camerata players.

A Rossini comedy should sparkle, but this new production, starting its tour from Hackney, is decidedly lacking bubbles.

In its 25th anniversary season, Richard Eyre's production continues to attract the world's great sopranos to the role of Violetta, the latest being Aleksandra Kurzak. 

Violetta Valéry was Armenian soprano Hrachuhí Bassénz, who made a strong impression on the audience, certainly by the end.

Ariadne auf Naxos shines in an ultra-contemporary world of high net worth tantrums at Longborough Festival Opera, complete with glam rock fairies, giant string, and glorious music. 

A great return appearance for English Touring Opera's Puccini double bill opening its spring tour at the Hackney Empire.