Reviews and Testimonials
Director Nicholas Heath has created a dynamic in-the-round production, sung unhesitatingly in Da Ponte’s original Italian, which finds the key virtue of all small-scale opera: the power to bring us intimately close to the work. Classic period costumes by Costumologists (complete with wigs, powder and beauty spots) locate us firmly in 18th century Seville, but there is nothing fusty about Heath’s directoral approach, which incorporates moments of farce and even touches of comic surrealism: so, to improve the luxuriance of his orange tree, the ill-tempered gardener Antonio brings out the Bostik to glue on a spare branch while no one’s looking, while later, Figaro tactfully helps his newly-found father, Dr Bartolo, put his hip back in order after too much post-wedding dancing. Best of all, the enraged Count finds exciting ways to express his anger through the medium of fruit… Which I won’t spoil.
... this is a strikingly immediate rendition of Rigoletto from a very strong team; whether you are seeing it for the first, or fiftieth time, it offers much to enjoy, notice, and ponder
The opera was marvellous and the voices were so good we could have been at Garsington or Longborough.
The Barber was a great choice and I marvel at the ingenious way that Regents Opera tackles the challenges of singing in the round with minimum props.
I can say in all honesty that your performance was a life-changing moment for me and for that, you all have everlasting gratitude. Thank you.
The orchestration - the singing the costumes - everything came together in a most moving spectacle not to mention the atmospheric lighting.