Sponsored by
Top-quality opera on our doorstep
The Stowe Opera production of The Marriage of Figaro at Winslow Hall. Picture: Mike Kirby
Review by Hannah Richardson
I knew the Stowe Opera company, under musical director Robert Secret, had a good reputation. But not having seen them before, I simply wasn’t prepared for just HOW good the performance was.
The singing was first rate – but so too was the acting.
In particular Helen Massey, in the role of Susanna, had the voice of an angel, coupled with a superb sense of comic timing.
And in her duets with the Countess, the combination of her bell-like clarity and Yvonne Fontane’s warmer tone was a complete joy.
There wasn’t a single duff performance. Marc Callahan was a young and sexy Figaro, and Michael Davis did a great line in brooding anger as the Count.
The entire auditorium, in the grounds of Winslow Hall was enclosed in a marquee, giving a really intimate feel. Raked seating ensured a good view from anywhere in the house.
And in the interval, the beautiful garden of Winslow Hall was at our disposal for a very civilised picnic.
This was a fabulous night out, with top-quality opera performed in a magical setting, right on our own doorstep.
A few tickets, at £60 a head, may still be available for the final performances tomorrow, Thursday, July 26, and Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29.
See www.stoweopera.com
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Buckingham
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North
