Cecilia Stinton directs a delightful new Barbiere at OHP

Stephen Gadd (Dr Bartolo) and Paul Grant (Figaro)

Paul Grant (Figaro)

Heather Lowe (Rosina)

By Dominic Lowe, 07 June 2024

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“a portrait of Queen Victoria glares disapprovingly at the Mediterranean hanky-panky”

Reviewed at Holland Park Theatre, London on 4 June 2024

Rossini, Il barbiere di Siviglia

Opera Holland Park

Charlotte Corderoy, Conductor

Cecilia Stinton, Director

Neil Irish, Set Designer, Costume Designer

Robert Price, Lighting Designer

City of London Sinfonia

Opera Holland Park Chorus

Paul Grant, Figaro

Heather Lowe, Rosina

Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Count Almaviva

Stephen Gadd, Dr Bartolo

Jihoon Kim, Don Basilio

Janis Kelly, Berta

Jack Holton, Fiorello

Dragos Ionel, Ambrogio

Born to sing Lucia: Jennifer France shines at Opera Holland Park

Mark Valencia, 18th July

Cecilia Stinton’s new production of Lucia di Lammermoor doesn't necessarily make best use of OHP’s performance space, but the singers excel.

***11

A mafioso Merry Widow at Opera Holland Park

Dominic Lowe, 19th June

Despite some excellent music-making, John Savournin's production is hindered by a laboured New York relocation.

**111

Jonathan Dove’s Itch at Opera Holland Park

David Karlin, 3rd June

Simon Mayo’s Young Adult novels are turned into an operatic romp which explores the fascination of the elements with excellent music and setting, albeit riddled with plot lacunae.

****1

Doomed Dutchman wants a wife: Wagner makes Opera Holland Park debut

Eleanor Knight, 27th May

Amid the rough winds of late May, Julia Burbach directs Opera Holland Park's first venture into Wagner – The Flying Dutchman.

***11

Trapped in a vice: Il segreto di Susanna and Pagliacci at OHP

Dominic Lowe, 17th July

Joining OHP's 2019 production of Wolf-Ferrari's charming domestic comedy, a blazing new production of Pagliacci delivers everything that one could want from Leoncavallo's infamous opera.

*****

Puccini's Edgar makes a rare appearance at Opera Holland Park

Dominic Lowe, 2nd July

Is Puccini's second opera unloved and unlovable? Opera Holland Park makes a commendable attempt to revive Edgar, but struggles to overcome its many flaws.

***11

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Dominic Lowe

Dominic Lowe recently completed a degree in Classics, and one of his great interests is the reception of Greece and Rome in opera. A regular opera-goer since his very early teens, he is particularly keen on the hidden operatic gems of the 19th century. He is largely based in the South of England.

Cecilia Stinton directs a delightful new Barbiere di Siviglia at Opera Holland Park