This new production is set in the Victorian era and opens with a large and old-fashioned box camera pointing up at a man in one of the Festival Theatre’s four boxes. Sung and spoken in English and with English supertitles it is easy to follow and very great fun. It is set in the steam punk real world, perhaps Glasgow and, if you know what to look for, there are signs of freemasonry. Simon Higlett, the designer, has done a wonderful job.
But all praise must also go to Sir Thomas Allen for this is his interpretation of Papageno’s part - one that he has performed in his baritone career around the world, and for which he was knighted in 1999. How well Richard Burkhard fitted the role. His performance made the show, there’s no doubt. His very character, his demeanour, his singing and his style gave us a huge amount of pleasure, and yet it seemed all so natural for him. No doubt his training at RSAMD helped him on his way.
Other notable performances were from Dumfries born Nicky Spence as Tamino whose Scottish accent was used to good effect, and wow! the high notes reached by Mari Moriya from Japan. as Queen of the Night, were sensational.
In all there was a chorus of 34 and all the men, in true Victorian custom, were beard wearers. I wondered how many had taken months to grow them, or were they stuck on? The three ladies were memorable, and so too were the three boys with rotating umbrellas slowly suspended high at the back.
The orchestra under German Ekhart Wycik was consistent and far from intrusive. It was a shame that the comings and goings of some of the players who had nothing to do for a while and wanted some fresh air caught my attention each time. Normally it is a privilege to sit with some sight of the players.
Great fun and well worth seeing.
Performance reviewed: Friday 16 November 2012 at 7.15pm.
Further performances on Sunday 18 November at 4pm, Tuesday 20 November at 7.15pm, Thursday 22 November at 7.15pm and Saturday 24 November at 7.15pm.