Leeds Grand Theatre – on tour until 20th March 2026
Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood
4****
The revival of the 2006 production of Opera North’s Peter Grimes, originally directed by Phyllida Lloyd, is featured this season. Composed by Benjamin Britten and the libretto by Montagu Slater, and based on George Crabbe’s poem, The Borough. The opera premiered at Sadler’s Well, London in 1945 and the Opera North’s revival is directed by Karolina Sofulak and, musically, Garry Walker.
It is set in The Borough, a tight knit coastal community and the opera is about Peter Grimes (John Findon), a misunderstood fisherman, and the community itself. It begins with the death of William Spode, Grimes’ apprentice, at sea. Grimes is cleared of any wrongdoing and that the death is accidental. However, the community are suspicious of Grimes and his treatment of the apprentice and therefore he is even more ostracised because of his socially isolated status and circumstance.
A couple of the characters including Ellen Orford (Phillippa Boyle) is a pillar of support to Grimes and looks after his new apprentice, John (Toby Dray), when he is being fetched. However, any hopes and support are short-lived which subsequently become part of Grimes’ tragic downfall and the community’s decisive pursuit.
This opera is known for its dramatic, ambient, and atmospheric orchestral interludes between the scenes. This is known as the Four Sea Interludes which enhances all the characters, their livelihoods and vocations with the sea being a big factor on the stage.
This well constructed production has exceptional portrayals from Findon (Peter Grimes) and Boyle (Ellen Orford) and are supported by rest of the cast and the Chorus of Opera North who play the townspeople and fishermen. Britten’s characteristic and dramatic musical blends so well with the company’s singing and acting under the movement direction of Tim Claydon. Dark but simplistic and effective staging, courtesy of Anthony Ward, and Ben Jacob’s lighting compliments the opera and fits in the generic narrative and related themes.
Peter Grimes explores, between the characters and in depth. how misunderstanding and suspicions are manifested to a point where distrust, prejudices and suspicious become commonplace and catastrophically lead to injustices and tragedies. It sadly resonates and parallels so much today in society individually and collectively. This is another excellent production from Opera North and they certainly and confidently live up to their excellent reputation.