Magical Barber delights

The Barber of Seville (photo by Bill Rafferty)

By The Archers star Trevor Harrison

I know a few delightful tunes from Rossini's comic opera The Barber of Seville but I had never seen or heard the complete opera.

So when I was invited along to the English National Opera's first night I jumped at the chance.

Inside the Coliseum there was the excited buzz of a first night and as it had been 12 months or so since I had last seen an opera I was grateful to be back.

The plot was familiar - Count Almaviva, a Spanish nobleman is in love with Rosina the rich ward of Dr Bartolo and old doctor who plans to marry her himself.

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After the splendid overture, played with conviction and clarity, the curtain opened on what I can honestly say was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable evenings I have had for some time.

Confidence

My first surprise was that it was sung in English - I have previously only heard it in Italian - and what a superb and witty translation it was.

Right from the beginning there were chuckles and nods from the audience around me.

All the performances were full of confidence and energy and I have to say "hats off" to Christopher Maltman who is playing Figaro.

We were told before the opera that he was suffering from 'flu and was still on medication and had apparently missed the dress rehearsal.

Nobody, except the poor gentleman himself perhaps, need have worried.

He was superb, with a strong voice and a sparkling performance.

Go and see The Barber of Seville - I think you may have a new world opened up for you

Trevor Harrison

Apart from the wonderful singing and music, as an actor myself I was extremely impressed by the characterisations.

Wonderful

Count Almaviva and Rosina - played by Tony Spence and Christine Rice - were the delightful lovers.

Gordon Sandison was a very amusing Doctor Bartolo and Mark Beesley an impressive Don Basilio.

The set and costumes I thought were spot on and as far as the staging of the production was concerned, I do not think they missed a trick.

There were some wonderfully timed moments.

Though this was the first time I had seen this masterpiece, it will certainly not be the last.

On my way home my driver said that he loved listening to opera but did not think that he would like to sit through an entire work.

If you feel like this go and see The Barber of Seville.

I think you may have a new world opened up for you.