At RWCMD |
| Welsh College of Music and Drama- Hansel and Gretel , Sherman Theatre , July 4, 2001 |
| It is a real, privilege (Yes I mean that!) to be able to reflect on and review the sheer JOY presented by the Welsh College in their very fine production of this fascinating opera. I have recently attended end of year shows here in Cardiff and at Guildford and the Royal Academy of Music in London. There is an almost frighteningly high standard executed my many of our young emerging performers. If they are able to reach work of this standard 'just out of college' however good will they be after one or two years of experience. And sadly what happens to those who, because there will never be enough work, in this field to go round, remain unsuccessful in obtaining professional employment. But back H &G. Here the highest standards of professional excellence were employed in the presentation of the work with a conductor of international renown, Howard William, now head of conducting at the college, an established professional director, Nicholas Bone plus Francis Newman - Choreographer. The youthful orchestra showed an extremely sympathetic feel for the music and varied its playing between great gusto and great moment of sensitivity and delight. The clarity and tunefulness of the singing of all the cast was of a very high order. In the delightful opening scene the two sopranos, Katherine Squire - Hansel and Gillian Wilson - Gretel bring off a wonderfully convincing achievement in child acting and are able to communicate the joy of being alive so brightly to the audience. The sparkling talent and personality of Gillian Wilson provides the keynote for the whole show. They are well contrasted by a very grown up mummy and daddy sung with extraordinary maturity by James Brash and Emma Davey who also give very convincing acting performances as do all the singers in this performance. Michelle Moran, in her towering high heels makes a wonderfully menacing Witch. So much so that the audience applauded spontaneously when Hansel and Gretel succeeded if pushing her into the fire! The set, costume and puppet design by Rachel Canning was extremely appropriate to the story and again of a very high visual order. It sat extremely well on the excellent Sherman Stage with its orchestra pit stretching well into the audience and the stage picture so clearly seen with the low stage and well raked seating. This performance really bought home what a good design has been incorporated into the Sherman Main Theatre. This contrasts very much with the somewhat remoteness of the old fashioned stage at the New Theatre and may have an influence on developments if and when the Millennium Theatre ever opens! All this artistry came together in the very joyous ending with the happy family reunion celebrated in a more elaborate, but equally wonderful, manner in contrast with the simply joy of the opening scenes. |
Reviewed by: Michael Kelligan |
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