When: 24th October 2009
Where: Pleasance Theatre Islington, London
£: 14.50
What was it?
This was my first foray into Opera (not counting a marionette version of The Magic Flute), so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Iolanthe is a comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan about fairies and their relationships with mortals. In this production by the Charles Court Opera company the punkishly outfitted fairies are accompanied by the smart suited Eaton-Young Piano Duo. This version of the opera seemed far more accessable and funny than I had anticipated. The fairies were perfectly mischievous and the peers were highly convincing in their snobbery. The set was minimal but brilliantly done and there were some great little touches such as rowing the boat across the front of the stage.
I’m not sure I’m ready for a big opera production just yet, but I would definitely go to something like this again, no question.
More info: Iolanthe can still be seen on 27th November at the Vera Fletcher Hall, Thames Ditton. Visit www.charlescourtopera.com