HANSEL AND GRETEL, Welsh National Opera, Bristol Hippodrome
IT WAS with some sense of trepidation that I went to see the Welsh National Opera’s production of Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel”, the first time I had seen an opera in 25 years.
I was surprised to see a huge orchestra in front of the stage; worth going just to experience that.
I also didn’t expect the singers to perform without any amplification whatsoever.
It was like going back in time, experiencing every sound in this 1891 opera acoustically.
In contrast, director Richard Jones is bang up to date, producing a deliciously dark interpretation.
He revels in the nightmarish aspects of the story, dwelling on the themes of hunger, gluttony and cannibalism which lie beneath the story's surface.
If you haven’t been to an opera and would like to get out of your comfort zone, I would encourage you to experience The Welsh National Opera, next time they are in town.
Review by Russell Blackaller
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