Rain, bratty children and pushy flyer-floggers – these are the top three things sure to get me into a foul mood. I had recently encountered all of them when, soggy and stressed, I threw myself into my seat to sample the operatic taster menu being proffered by ESO and, ahhh: hello, calm; furthermore, hello, talent. Beneath the apt gilded lettering “for the healing of the nations” that adorns the walls of this pretty venue, the company show off fantastic physical characterisation to match their shiver-inducing vocal pyrotechnics. Though conviction in ensemble movement flags very occasionally, inventive direction and polished attire turn the welcoming but basic setting into a visual delight. Excellent fun for the opera aficionado and newcomer alike.
St Andrew’s and St George’s West, 10, 11, 15 Aug, 12.30pm (1.30pm), 13, 16 Aug, 7.30pm (8.30pm), £6.00 – £10.00, fpp225.
tw rating 4/5
[kl]
Sections: by Kate Lister - ED2011 Musical Reviews - tw rating 4/5 | Tags: Edinburgh Studio Opera, St Andrew’s and St George’s West
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