Festival Theatre, Malvern – 21st October 2022
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
English Touring Opera delighted us this evening with their staging of Agrippina, an opera seria in three acts by George Frideric Handel first performed in 1709. This opera is widely regarded as his first operatic masterpiece.
The story revolves around the political machinations of the title character to manoeuver her son onto the throne by contriving to have her husband, Emporer Claudius, killed. Of course nothing goes quite to plan; including Claudius being saved by General Ottone. All the main male characters of consequence (i.e. power) appear to be in love with and actively courting Poppea and it isn’t long before Agrippina is playing all these characters off against each other and, soon enough, vice versa as plot and counter plot ensue.
A smaller orchestra befitting the Baroque period was dynamically conducted by Leo Duarte, giving us a vigorous reading which also provided sympathetic balancing, helping us to hear the vocals clearly. This was most welcome given the labyrinthine libretto.
Agrippina (played with delicious relish by Paula Sides) was duplicitous in the extreme. She revelled in sarcastic asides and insincerity. Her gorgeous tone was especially moving in the quiet held notes (often through a rictus smile) but I particularly loved it when she was in turmoil, thinking her plans were unravelling. Here her acting was superb, being equally convincing when charming or sinister giving us a character one could just as easily boo as woo.
Poppea (charmingly portrayed by Hilary Cronin) brought a lighter counterpoint to Agrippina. A compelling performance full of elegance and power – especially when she discovered she was being played by the Empress. I totally understand why everyone fell in love with her.
The entire cast playing male characters were superb and only don’t get a mention by name due to restrictions in this review’s word count. Ottone deserves special mention though; arguably the male star of the piece – or perhaps I just liked him most since he is the most sincere and tragic of them (being the target of many of the plots). Tonight he was stunningly wrought by Tim Morgan who was fantastic – especially in the moving finale to the first act when he finds himself betrayed and abandoned on all sides and sings of his anguish. Heartbreaking!
The set was almost a character unto itself, consisting of a central section in three parts, which revolved, depicting different areas; Agrippina’s room (or inner turmoil), a public square and Poppea’s room. Very effective. I also loved the screens with their witty exposition such as “Poppea displays her anger, horticulturally” as well as some scant lyrics at crucial moments. With a plot only slightly less convoluted and backstabby than the present Tory party, naked ambition burned all before it. Politicking in action which was just as relevant today as back then. A fabulous opera, staged with a gusto which did Mr Handel proud. A massive bravo from me! I can’t wait to see your next production. Wholeheartedly recommended.