I must have seen this production about 10 times and it never fails to bring a smile to my face and set my feet tapping. This is feel good opera, a fun night out, and ideal for anyone fancying dipping their toe into this often overblown and overdone art form.
Directors can learn a lot from Giles Havergal who created the work back in 1986 and returned to again refresh this wonderful show with new cast members. It stays true to Rossini’s music and story, brings the staging, libretto and humour up to date without naval gazing or psychobabble.
It allows the cast to sing and act, add their personality, but within a secure environment of a well-crafted production. This cast stakes its claim to be amongst the best, revelling in the arias and antics, banter and buffoonery, with fine conducting from Alexander Polianichko.
We have a set within a set which sounds complicated but isn’t. The action takes place on a set built on the actual stage - three levels of wooden scaffolding staging with steps and curtains allowing the singers to appear and disappear, scurry and flounce around, in a jolly, appealing way.
Around that set the townspeople of Seville can go about their business or sit and listen to the orchestra play that famous overture or even join in some of the action. Marvellous.
In the title role, South African baritone Jacques Imbrailo is great, full of humour, charisma and with a glorious voice and clear diction.
This wonderful pastiche of over the top 18th century fashions, including make-up, clothing and wigs, the character are visually hilarious. None more so than music teacher Don Basilio, sung rich and heartily by Clive Bayley.
Andrew Kennedy is something of a cheeky and jolly Count Almaviva, clearly loving the role.
Similarly his Rosina, Christine Rice making a happy and impressive company debut singing the role full of wit and character.
The production, however, belonged to Eric Roberts's Dr Bartolo who just delights with every gesture, word and song. He makes no pretence that he is playing a pantomime old fool with designs on his young ward. He shows immaculate timing and perfect delivery.
Philip Lloyd-Evans and Megan Llewellyn Dorke were charming as Fiorello and Berta.
Further performances Wales Millennium Centre September 24, October 1, 7; Swansea Grand Theatre, October 20, 22; Venue Cymru, Llandudno, November 3, 5 and touring England.
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