THE LOWRY THEATRE, SALFORD – 13TH NOVEMBER 2024
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN
4****
This season (2024 – 2025), Opera North is on tour with a selection of exceptional operas, with drama taking centre stage in productions like Mozart’s enchanting masterpiece, The Magic Flute, and Gilbert and Sullivan’s extraordinary ghostly tale, Ruddigore. Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the remarkable operatic adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, composed by Benjamin Britten.
Opera North’s rendition offered a captivating and creative interpretation of Shakespeare’s cherished comedy, seamlessly intertwining its enchanting elements with the musical brilliance of Britten’s renowned opera.
Last night, the beautiful combination of Benjamin Britten’s rich, atmospheric score and Shakespeare’s enchanting story of love, mischief, and mistaken identities was expertly brought to life. Opera North’s production, directed by Martin Duncan for the original staging and Matthew Eberhardt for the revival, was not only visually stunning but also vibrant with physical theatre and musically captivating elements.
The set design by Johan Engels, which features translucent Perspex and large bubbles, creates a dreamlike atmosphere that amplifies the story’s ethereal qualities. Coupled with vibrant and imaginative costumes by Ashley Martin-Davis and innovative lighting by Bruno Poet, the audience is fully immersed in the enchanted forest, where the interplay of fairy magic and human folly unfolds beautifully. The staging choices do not overshadow the essence of the opera; rather, they enrich the timeless themes of love, jealousy, and transformation by introducing a new dimension. Originally composed by Britten in 1960, this production by Opera North draws inspiration from that era.
Henry Waddington shines as Nick Bottom, showcasing his exceptional theatrical instincts and remarkable vocal talent, which remain the standout features of the performance. He is wonderfully complemented by his fellow mechanicals during their lively Bergamasque dance!
The opera is performed in English, accompanied by subtitles displayed on screens on both sides of the stage. It lasts just over three hours and consists of three acts, with two intervals.
Whether you are a fan of Britten or Shakespeare, this production provided something truly unique—an enchanting fusion of opera, theatre, and visual storytelling that brought the mystical world of the play to life in the present moment.