An understated production of A Midsummer Night's Dream

By Andrew H. King, 23 March 2015

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Reviewed at Royal Northern College of Music: Concert Hall, Manchester on 21 March 2015

Britten, A Midsummer Night's Dream

Royal Northern College of Music

Andrew Greenwood, Conductor

Garth Bardsley, Director

Michael Holt, Costume Designer, Set Designer

Anne-Marie Loveday, Helena

Joanna Norman, Tytania

Jessica Eccleston, Hermia

Charlotte Badham, Hippolyta

Jeffrey Taylor, Flute

Alex Banfield, Lysander

Alexander Grainger, Snout

Peter Edge, Snug

Thomas Cameron, Demetrius

Steven Griffin, Starveling

James Fisher, Bottom

Timothy Bagley, Quince

Eugene Dillon-Hooper, Theseus

Kieron-Connor Valentine, Oberon

Charlotte Christensen, Puck

RNCM Opera Ensemble

Jason Taylor, Lighting Designer

Bethan Rhys William, Choreography

Harish Shankar, Conductor

Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi in Manchester double bill

Leighton Jones, 9th December

In two equally impressive performances, students from the RNCM star in these two one-act operas.

****1

Lehar’s Merry Widow visits the RNCM for Christmas

Andrew H. King, 3rd December

The RNCM's beautiful production of Lehar’s The Merry Widow is the perfect musical accompaniment to the festive season.

***11

Sondheim's excellent Company at the RNCM

Andrew H. King, 25th June

Coming to a head in a production of wit, charm and depth, the RNCM's production of Sondheim's Company is splendidly designed and excellently directed.

****1

An Enchanting Gluck Double Bill from the RNCM

Andrew H. King, 16th March

Remarkable commitment from the RNCM Vocal Department in an entrancing Gluck double bill, of the forgotten L’ivrogne corrigé and the famous Orfeo ed Euridice.

****1

Royal Northern College of Music: L'Elisir d'Amore

Andrew H. King, 8th December

Gaetano Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore is perhaps one of the most delightful operas ever written; full of romance and comedy underpinned by a witty and charming score makes it the perfect light-hearted entertainment. The RNCM presented an excellently compelling production.

*****

Shostakovich's Moscow, Cheryomushki at the RNCM

Andrew H. King, 21st March

Shostakovich’s 1959 operetta Moscow, Cheryomushki (“Paradise Moscow”) is to date one of the most uncomfortable evenings I have ever spent in a theatre, though, I hasten to add, not because of the performance.

****1

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Andrew H. King

Following training as a singer and conductor, Andrew is now completing a doctoral thesis on the life and songs of Sir Granville Bantock. Interests include English and American music, with an emphasis on opera, choral music and song. Andrew has been published in MUSO, Early Music, and by BBC Radio 3 and the BBC Proms.

An understated production of Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream at the RNCM