A fun-packed Falstaff from Opera Bohemia

By David Smythe, 24 August 2018

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“Hazel McBain and Seumas Begg were a thrillingly sung pair of would-be lovers”

Reviewed at Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling on 23 August 2018

Verdi, Falstaff

Opera Bohemia

Alistair Digges, Conductor

Adrian Osmond, Director

Kenneth MacLeod, Set Designer

Andrew McTaggart, Sir John Falstaff

Douglas Nairn, Ford

Catriona Clark, Alice Ford

Seumas Begg, Fenton

Hazel McBain, Nannetta

Susan Moore, Mistress Quickly

Fiona Mackenzie, Meg Page

Kenneth Reid, Bardolfo (Bardolph)

Jonathan Sedgwick, Pistola (Pistol)

Christian Schneeberger, Dr Caius

Opera Bohemia Ensemble

Butterfly brings a flutter of excitement to the Fringe

David Smythe, 24th August

Only a piano and violin accompany this well-sung pocket Madame Butterfly from Opera Bohemia at the Edinburgh Fringe, which works surprisingly well.

***11

Gianni Schicchi delights the Edinburgh Fringe

David Smythe, 20th August

Opera Bohemia bring the boisterous tale of Gianni Schicchi to the Edinburgh Fringe in a fun-filled hour of musical delight.

****1

Richard Jones' clunky Samson et Dalila returns to Covent Garden

Dominic Lowe, 13th May

With Aigul Akhmetshina and Seokjong Baek in the title roles, there are reasons to be optimistic, but The Royal Opera's revival of Richard Jones' production is a mixed bag.

***11

Reality television: ENO’s Angel’s Bone in Manchester

Lawrence Dunn, 12th May

Kip Williams and ENO mount an extraordinary new production of Du Yun and Royce Vavrek’s multifaceted opera, with performances of great emotional directness broadcast live on camera.

*****

Sir Thomas Allen’s Figaro for Scottish Opera still entertains

David Smythe, 9th May

A traditional Marriage of Figaro entertains with a strong cast, eye-catching design and lighting, and Amanda Holden’s earthy libretto.

****1

Sasha Cooke brings sharp intelligence to Seattle Opera’s Carmen

Thomas May, 8th May

Sasha Cooke’s thoughtful role debut anchors Paul Curran’s visually and musically alert but dramatically uneven production.

****1

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David Smythe

David the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.

A fun-packed Falstaff from Opera Bohemia heading to the Edinburgh Fringe