Saturday evening saw me take out my favourite lady, my Mum, for a night at the opera in Leeds-Opera North‘s ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ to be precise, for a spot of culture!
Both opera fans, I have even worked with the English National Opera before, creating a film for them on a production they put on several years ago, Lucia di Lammermoor.
My work as a filmmaker was hugely diverse, every commission so varied from making social documentaries to fashion films and TV drama.
But back to The Marriage of Figaro-this Mozart masterpiece is a well known intricate, witty web of love and lust which unwinds over 4 acts in 3 hours (it is a little slow to start but picks up quickly) and the time soon flies as you find yourself thoroughly immersed in this outstanding ensemble cast’s performances (they can act as equally well as they can sing).
…Story-wise for those who don’t know it-servant Figaro learns that his master, the Count, is out to bed his bride-to-be, the stunning Susanna. The Count’s wife is heartbroken by her husband’s faithlessness – but she is the object of the adolescent desires of the page, Cherubino.
Figaro is also in trouble with the housekeeper, Marcellina, who has lent him money on the promise that, if he can’t repay her, he’ll have to marry her. Will Figaro marry the one he adores, will the Countess redeem her husband’s love and how will Cherubino fare?
It’s quite the farce with plot twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, anxiously anticipating the worst! Fear not though, this is a comic opera and will make you laugh out loud!
Written in 1786, this is a surprisingly modern piece, with the women characters proving to the be the strongest on the whole. The women are the smart protagonists in contrast to their dumb male counterparts, driving the plot and taking action. Yes they are lusted after but never objectified and always with the upper hand.
An understated but all-consuming spectacle, sung in English and unusually natural in delivery, you can follow the plot easily and effortlessly and the play felt cinematic to watch.
The attention to detail is breathtaking from the early 20th century take on the costume design (hunting boots and sweeping dresses) to the romantic lighting (sparklers in hand at the finale against a dark stage was magical) and the production design so considered (torn decor within the palace signified broken relationships and a nod to Chekhov and pre revolutionary Russia), gave the play the wow factor.
…It also must be noted, there is nothing that compares to a live orchestra, I was swept away by it and felt utterly soothed and renewed by curtain call. Opera, and all classical music, truly touches and feeds the soul. Like a breath of fresh air, I returned home almost floating on air.
What a night. Such a wonderful night at the opera. Do go see it if you can.
The Marriage of Figaro is on at Leeds Grand Theatre until 27 February before a UK tour.
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It must have been such a lovely time with your mum; and quite a roller coaster ride with the twists and turns in the story. O live orchestra … the stiring of the soul that music does, especially having it so up close! Thanks for sharing; a good review.
Adventures of a Novice Mum recently posted…The Gift of Precious Sparkle
It was utterly wonderful, an unforgettable night x
WOW, you both look absolutely gorgeous – style to outshine the divas on stage! And love the dress, really elegant! XXX
Hehe you are too kind sweetie, we had a lovely evening and I loved the dress x
Love your outfit. The opera looks amazing, I must go to the theatre again soon
Such a wonderful experience x
Ooooo it sounds amazing! I haven’t been to an Opera for such a long time. You’ve inspired me to go asap! Lovely post darling and you look so pretty and elegant in that spotty dress. X
#sharethejoy
Thanks darling, you must go again soon, Opera North’s productions are out of this world x
It looks like you had a lovely time and your dress is gorgeous! x
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Thanks Donna, going to blog about it on my style blog next week x
I love going to the opera, haven’t been for years… You both look so lovely on the pics, so great to take your mum out!
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Such a wonderful night out, we were lucky to be invited this last Saturday too, to see La traviata, I cried before the first interval, lots of love x
“Soothed and renewed” is such a super description of that feeling after watching a live performance. So wonderful. Looks like you both had a fabulous evening. Gorgeous dress!
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Thanks darling, such a lovely evening xx
I haven’t been to the opera for years but this looks like an amazing production that I’d love to get to. You and your Mum look gorgeous – love your spotty dress, navy is lovely for evenings out too I think – and what a fun night out for you both! x
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Thanks darling, going to link up on my day, such a joyous evening. We’re watching La traviatta tonight, very lucky and it’s my mum’s favourite Opera. Will be sharing both outfits on my style blog next week too x
Oh how lovely! Thank you so much for linking up at #sharethejoy darling x
My pleasure sweetie, I love your linky x
Gorgeous gals – both of you. Opera is music for the soul. I haven’t been to one for years but I definitely want to go again soon. Last year I took A to a kids opera and she really enjoyed it too. x
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You are so right Nomita, we’ve been invited to La traviatta tomorrow night too so after it being a while since we’d had a night at the Opera, two have come at once. So lucky. The child opera sounds incredible, we took the kids to a child friendly ballet at Christmas they loved. Thanks for your kind words too gorgeous x
Honest mum recently posted…A Night at the Opera
Oh you ladies have brightened my morning. So utterly gorgeous and what a lovely grown-up evening out.
Hayley Goleniowska recently posted…Poogate: The hilarious tale of a badly timed poo
Thanks so much darling Hayley, so glad you like it, we had a wonderful night x