OPERA North have presented an excellent new production of The Marriage Of Figaro at Leeds Grand Theatre.
Initial disappointment that Mozart’s masterpiece was not given in the original language was forgiven by Jeremy Sams’s sparky translation in the expert hands of a bunch of lively singers who relished their parts.
Even during the overture we witnessed the atmosphere of frivolous activity within an accomplished stage-set.
First an expectant young couple, Figaro and Susanna (Richard Burkhard and Silvia Moi) dealt with unforeseen hazards in their first-floor attic.
Soon they were joined by several other fraught employees, all at odds with their employers, the Almavivas.
Developments in Acts I and II seamlessly transformed bedroom to sitting room and led to climaxes in Act III in the shape of two of Mozart’s masterpieces – the count’s Hai gia vinta la causa and the countess’s matchless Dove Sono, the former ruthlessly delivered by Quirijn de Lang in riding boots and gelled hair.
Finally in the fragrant garden of Act 4 the count came to his senses and all were made happy.
* Until February 27. Visit leedsgrandtheatre.com or call 0844 8442700.
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