Matthew Richardson’s new Rigoletto for Scotish Opera begins in the Duke’s Palace where there is a party in progress. The set is modest, rather boring, but the performers tell us what is going on.
Early on we can see the mockery that the court jester is so good at directing at many a courtier. The Duke wants rid of Count Ceprano so that he can have his wicked way with his wife. He finds Rigoletto overstepping his mark. Ceprano plots his revenge against Rigoletto in league with the courtiers.
Eddie Wade plays the hunchbacked court jester who has his own secret lover, and the plot thickens rising to a climax that was admirable. Drab, no doubt intentionally, is the word to describe the clothing, and slightly irritating too were the disco balls catching the light as they turned. But the story was of a sleazy underworld and this was achieved.
The star turn was the orchestra under Tobias Ringborg. Crisp and clear and happily more to the fore than other productions of Rigoletto.
Show times
24, 26, 28 May, 7.15pm