The Merry Widow – 2011
Merry show is a real Concordia classic
‘Louise Duguid’s Anna Glavari, the title role, is a joy to behold, merry, frothy, flirty and funloving in a production that captures what is, on the face of it, what operetta is all about – tuneful, escapist entertainment.’
‘Joe Cerkeliunas provides much of the comedy, not to mention a fine voice, as the baron and is superbly complemented by Debbie Dubberley as the philandering spouse.’
‘Steven Mugglestone as the count who is more than an ardent admirer of the baroness adds to the already not inconsiderable vocal quality.’
‘Robert Sansome is great as the baron’s factotum.’
‘With musical direction by Janet Bacon and choreography by Felicity Clarke this is well worth seeing.’
Mitch Irving, October 2011, The Hinckley Times
Rigoletto – 2011
Singers do rich score full justice
‘The chorus provided a feast for the eyes as well as the ears in the sumptious costumes of Venetian courtiers ...’
‘Particularly stunning was Louise Duguid in the role of Rigoletto’s daughter, Gilda. Her pure, sure voice made sweet listening ...’
‘A highly professional orchestra under the baton of Janet Bacon.’
‘A triumphant end to Hinckley’s two-week Festival of Opera.’
Shirley Elsby, April 2011, The Leicester Mercury
Rigoletto – 2011
Choose your own superlative for this excellent show
‘Brilliant, bravura, excellent - choose your own superlative and it could apply to every aspect of this production.’
‘An excellent company led by Chris Marlow in the title role, superbly capturing the twisted anger of the hunchbacked jester.’
‘Sooner or later the call must come for Kirsty Anderson from national companies.’
‘Another fine performance from Andrew Robinson.’
Mitch Irving, April 2011, The Hinckley Times
La Bohème – 2010
Singers sharing the tragedy and romance
‘All who see this will appreciate a fine production and once again count themselves extremely fortunate to be able to see such a talented company on our doorstep.’
‘Lynda Smart ... gets it exactly right as the director of this week’s production, the first time Stanley Opera have staged Puccini’s romantic tragedy at the Concordia Theatre since that time 29 years ago.’
‘Things have moved on ... and the company and presentation are far more professional in every respect – including what is always one of the best programmes.’
Mitch Irving, April 2010, The Hinckley Times
Così Fan Tutte – 2009
That’s another fine show you’ve gotten us to ...
‘The town premiere of Mozart’s Così Fan Tutte by Stanley Opera at the Concordia Theatre until Saturday is everything good that regulars have come to expect of the company in recent years.’
‘Nick Bacon’s direction and some great performances capture the comic essence of the piece but also the more serious aspect of the pressures put on both sexes by the storyline.’
‘Musical director Janet Ward highlights the number of duets, trios and quartets among the six characters which are a feature of Cosi, making full use of the fine voices which harmonise well.’
‘All women may not be like those portrayed here but if all operas were like this and produced like this, a lot more people would come to them.
Mitch Irving, April 2009, The Hinckley Times
The Elixir of Love – 2008
Think you don’t like opera? Try this then
‘As frothy as a freshly-made cappuccino, as bright as a button on love rival Sergeant Belcore’s tunic and light and crisp as a chilled Frascati, this is opera for all.’
‘... I doubt you will ever see a better amateur production of a work that is a perfect introduction for opera newcomers.’
‘All are in fine voice and backed by what seems a larger than usual but equally harmonic chorus for a company that carries you along, delighting, charming and entertaining on the way.’
‘If you think opera is not for you, try this one with an open mind and it might shatter one or two illusions. It’s funny, melodic, happy and if you still have doubts it’s not too long.’
Mitch Irving, April 2008, The Hinckley Times
Carmen – 2007
As I see it ...
‘… the production takes on a life and a momentum of its own that is more than just the sum of the cast’s individual contributions.’
‘… the performance reaches right across the stage into the auditorium and sends the audience home from the Theatre on a high’
‘a mesmeric performance from the cast that went beyond excellence and made everyone present in the theatre appreciate what a very special evening they had been part of.’
John Gibbon, May 2007, Hinckley Concordia newsletter
The Marriage of Figaro – 2006
Catching Bouquets
‘Musical director Janet Ward may gather one or two single blooms from the principals at curtain call but all involved in this marvellous production should be catching bouquets.’
‘unmatched in quality of presentation.’
‘Felicity Clarke, a petite and nimble Cherubino, commands attention at every appearance.’
‘If you ever thought opera was not for you, this could change your mind. It is funny, has tunes you will recognise and is brilliantly executed. What are you waiting for? Grab a ticket and have a great fun evening.’
Mitch Irving, April 2006, The Hinckley Times
Cavalleria Rusticana & I Pagliacci – 2005
Bravo Bacon!
‘Stanley Opera should save their Bacon because he has certainly rescued them. Since he has arrived as director in 2003 Nick Bacon has transformed the group and pointed it onwards and ever upwards.’
‘It would be a mistake to attribute the improvement to single-handed heroics but the change in a group so admirably amateur but really going nowhere can be traced to his introduction in 2003, what he has done for the surviving stalwarts who kept it going and the impressive newcomers he has attracted.’
‘a forceful, passionate and dramatic performance of the pieces Bacon himself refers to as ‘Opera’s Blood Brothers’ in the equally superb programme – another professional-type improvement he has made.’
‘(Andrew) Robinson, so powerful and intimidating that if he says it’s Sunday that’s what it is.’
Mitch Irving, April 2005, The Hinckley Times
Faust – 2004
Fiery Fate for Lovers
‘A flame haired heroine, burning passions and a fiery fate were matched in a glowing production by Stanley Opera ’
‘… reached a red hot climax with the lovers facing their different fates in a brilliant trio aria ’
‘the company ranks among the best.’
‘Everything about the production, down to the highly readable programme - a lesson here for other companies - exudes class nowadays.’
‘first class and opera lovers will look forward to next years show and the chance to see excellence at a price all can afford.’
Mitch Irving, April 2004, The Hinckley Times
Aida – 2003
Small company pulls off ambitious project
‘a masterful performance that will enhance the reputation of the company and the town theatre, but Stanley have set themselves a mighty benchmark now – after all how do you top Aida?’
‘Louise Clarke and Janet Cunnew — each in their own vocal way, punched her weight brilliantly’
‘Splendid sets, great direction by Nick Bacon, this was a night to remember.’
Mitch Irving, April 2003, The Hinckley Times