Marriage of Figaro

The Lowry Salford

12^th and 14^th March

*** Opera at its best ***

*** A sumptuous production, with glorious story telling ***

Marriage of Figaro is like an episode of Dynasty with surprising secrets, jealous rage and revenge, lots of love and lust and more plot twists then an episode of Poirot stuck on the snake pass in the snow. The story is set in Count Almaviva stately home. Figaro, who is the Count’s valet is planning to marry Susanna, the countess's maid. The count is married to the Countess Rosina, however he also wants to sleep with Susanna and puts many obstacles in the way of the marriage. Figaro, Susanne and Rosina find out about the Count’s desires and hatches a few plans to foil the counts. After a few dramas and Figaro nearly marrying his own mother, the two finally marry.

This is a great opera for those that have never been before. This version of the marriage of Figaro is set contemporary, is visually stunning and sung beautify by the cast. Madeleine Boyd set and costume design is lavish and elegant. It’s rare to see such a fantastic looking set for a touring company but Madeleine has pulled it together with superbly. There is always something special about a live orchestra. They were all superb this evening with Valentina Peleggi conducting the nights proceedings. There will be plenty of tunes that you recognise and maybe didn’t know came from this opera especially the well-known overture. All lovingly written by the great Amadeus Mozart in 1786.

For opera aficionado, there is plenty to sink your teeth into during the 3hour and 16minute performance. The fun duet ‘Se a caso madama la notte ti chiama’ in act one had everyone laughing in their seats as Figaro (Liam James Karai) and Susanna (Claire Lees) sing about their new room. The baritone and soprano’s voices blending in perfect alchemy.  There are plenty of wonderful arias to enjoy also, such as ‘Voi che sapete che cosa è amor’ sung by Cherubino (Hongni Wu). She had the audience soaring up to the rafters with her rendition. 'Dove sono i bei momenti' sung by Gabriella Reyes (Countess Almaviva) in the third act was simply beautiful, full of warmth and hope. James Newby plays a wonderfully cunning, constantly scheming Count Almaviva. We feel the Count’s fury during his Aria ‘Hai già vinta la causa – Vedrò mentr'io sospiro’. James deep baratone voice excels and we felt the fury from him. The chemistry between the principal cast was perfection. The audience felt at ease as they masterly took us through the evolving dramas. All sung in Italian with English subtitles.

Opera North know how to put on a great production, and this is one of their best. This is a sumptuous production, with glorious story telling. Simply put, opera at its best. Opera North’s Marriage of Figaro is on 12^th and 14^th March. Opera North is also presenting the opera ‘Peter Grimes’ at the Lowry on 13^th March.

For booking an info see below:

Opera North: The Marriage of Figaro | Lowry