Tag Archives: Jonathan Lemalu

“Ecco un artista!”: melodrama aplenty in ROH Tosca revival

Posted on May 28, 2019 by Mark Pullinger

Puccini: Tosca Royal Opera, 27th May 2019 “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.” Like Norma Desmond, Tosca is no shrinking violet. Forget small screen acting. It’s an opera that requires big performances, singers able to depict larger-than-life … Continue reading →

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Harem capers: Copley directs a knockabout Seraglio at Grange Festival

Posted on June 25, 2018 by Mark Pullinger

Mozart: Die Entführung aus dem Serail *** Grange Festival, 24th June 2018 “Too many notes, dear Mozart.” The authenticity (and translation) of Joseph II’s judgement on The Abduction from the Seraglio may be creaky but the Emperor’s quip is oft-repeated possibly because … Continue reading →

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Hot ice and strange snow: an unseasonal return for Carsen’s bed-hopping Dream

Posted on March 2, 2018 by Mark Pullinger

Britten: A Midsummer Night’s Dream **** English National Opera, 1st March 2018 Heading to the Coliseum for A Midsummer Night’s Dream amid snow and ice is a disconcerting prospect – “hot ice and strange snow” indeed. Forget wild thyme blowing and substitute … Continue reading →

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That sinking feeling: ENO’s Pirates of Penzance scuppered at the Coliseum

Posted on May 10, 2015 by Mark Pullinger

Sullivan: The Pirates of Penzance ** English National Opera, 9th May 2015 In many ways, it seemed a natural choice. Mike Leigh has long been a champion of Gilbert and Sullivan, his love for the Savoy Operas epitomised in his … Continue reading →

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