Hinckley Concordia Theatre – 12th April 2025
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
4****
Orpheus in the Underworld is a satirical comic operetta by Jacques Offenbach. It’s a spoof take on the legend of Orpheus and Eurydice. In this version, by the Stanley Opera, Orpheus is a pompous violin teacher who is glad his wife is whisked away to the underworld, by Pluto, the god of Hell. He is forced by his mother, Calliope, and the villagers into rescuing Eurydice. Calliope and Orpheus set out for Mount Olympus to lodge a complaint before the Gods. The Gods are bored with Jupiter’s philandering ways and tyrannical leadership, so they decide to visit Hell to have some fun and see what Uncle Pluto has been up to. During the visit, Jupiter discovers Eurydice and, with the assistance of cupid, attempts to seduce her whilst disguised as a fly. Upon discovery, Jupiter, is chastised by Juno, Pluto is unmasked as a cad and Orpheus is set the task he is destined to fail. Eurydice is given the choice of any man she might choose and makes a rather surprising decision.
This rendition of Orpheus in the Underworld is a rip-roaring romp of a production. Brought to us by Stanley Opera which was formed in 1972 and performed in the beautiful Hinckley Concordia theatre which opened in 1973, this fresh libretto by Nick Bacon and Adam Lawrence is chock full of comedy. Doubling up as directors, they pack this piece full of imagination, locally referenced gags, panto like audience inclusion and the wholesome feel-good factor. Keeping it true to the story, they have added a wonderfully welcome twist of female empowerment.
Rick Scrine has created the most delightful set design. Staging 3 acts, simple but effective, colourful and rich in detail. Amping up the visual jokes where appropriate, with a pull-out sun, Icarus’s horse and a magnificent hot air balloon arduously pushed on by an extra, to name a few. Melanie Nute’s costume design is consistent, colourful and rich in detail. Adding oodles of comedy, from fluffy duck slippers and a shiny gold ‘Godfather’ dressing gown for Jupiter, to some awesome wigs, which deserve acting credits, it all adds to the overall hilarity of the piece. Throw in a bike and some rollerblades and it’s a riot.
The performances, as a whole are all spot on with everyone working together as a team bringing the show to life. Vicki Shirtliff as Eurydice has the most beautiful singing voice and confident stage presence. Chris Marlow plays the lothario, Pluto, to perfection, all swagger and smarm with a voice full of charm. Bravo to Sebastian Carrington for standing in as Calliope. The comedic interactions between Carrington and Chris Stocker as Orpheus is a joy to behold. Andrew Robinson as Jupiter and Marianne Duffy as Juno are the consummate comedic couple. Pete Henderson as mercury on rollerblades and Josh Robinson as Mars brought some brilliant physical comedy and some cracking one liners. The three goddesses, Alice Chambers as Cupid, Philippa Althaus as Venus and Debbie Dubberley as Diana are sensational with the most powerful and potent vocal ranges.
Stanley Opera showed exactly how this operetta should be played: full of fun, frivolity and farce. Throw in its famous ‘risqué galop infernal’, more well known as the ‘Can-Can’ and you have a sensational showstopper.