3 Comments
User's avatar
Mike Brook's avatar

Interesting write-ups and an atmospheric venue. I understand the misgivings, it can provide queasy moments.

For some reason the ‘like’ facility is not working for me on this page.

Expand full comment
Simon Spence KC's avatar

Thank you for such a positive review of BYO's Rape of Lucretia, Hugh. I saw both casts too (but on the two nights between your visits!) and thought exactly the same. So interesting how a change of cast can change the nuances of a production so significantly. As a (relatively) new Trustee of BYO, it was a very proud week for me and I hope the company will be contributing to the future of opera for many years to come. Something I believe in passionately (as you know!)

Expand full comment
Hugh Canning's avatar

Simon - thanks for the feedback. I surprised myself because Lucretia is not only NOT my favourite Britten opera, but one I tend to avoid because of my antipathy to many of the libretto's sentiments. I was hugely impressed both by the quality of the singing/acting and the resourcefulness of the staging in a tiny and not obviously theatrical space!

Expand full comment