Opera Bohemia: ‘The Marriage of Figaro’
Boat of Garten Community Hall - 05/04/22
Eager members of The Osprey Music Society packed this lovely modern community hub for an operatic treat. Organised by Ann Napier, members are treated monthly to classical performances by visiting ensembles. This time it was touring company Opera Bohemia who managed to bring one of Mozart’s most popular operas in its entirety. With a cast of nine and accompaniment by wizard Andre Brown on piano and Andrew Huggan on Cello.
This dynamic company formed in 2010 has admirable aims. To produce more operatic performance across Scotland creating opportunities for professional artists in all areas and to introduce opera to first timers and the younger generation. This is especially relevant in the Highlands with rare visits by Scottish Opera. To date they have appeared in over fifty venues across Scotland and it was the village of Boat of Garten that was treated last night.
In truth I was not expecting the full Monty! All four acts on a tiny stage in a packed hall? But miraculously they achieved it with an excellent standard of singing and performance. Comic opera is difficult to pull off, especially with an audience just a couple of feet from the singers, but they certainly raised many a laugh with fine staging and performances. As they are touring to seventeen venues, they can fine tune their timing both musically and performance-wise. As well as singing Mozart’s masterpiece. Tonight – Boat of Garten, tomorrow Lossiemouth Town Hall.
With an ingenious set which enabled the shenanigans of the plot to work, the singers never missed a cue. However, one aspect was sadly distracting. The costumes were unflattering and a rag bag of amateur styles. The women wore shoes which clattered on every movement, and they clomped around the stage. A first rule of teaching at drama school is to move silently. When I got over this faux pas the singing was robust and excellent. The company had decided to create a new English version of the opera, which was witty and obviously the singers enjoyed making it more accessible to new audiences. A talented group of professional artists.
Despite an ill-conceived costume, Heather Ireson as Cherubino delivered the popular ‘Voi Che Sapete’ beautifully and continued her performance in that vein. Despite a costume resembling an NHS nurse, Catriona Clark as Susanna delivered this long role with solid vocals and acting. Arthur Bruce was a convincing Count Almaviva. Particularly striking was Charlie Drummond as Countess Rosina with her beautiful delivery of ‘Dove sono i bei momenti’. This was a highlight. As for Figaro himself, he was ably played and sung by Andrew McTaggart, who held the show together with a large voice and personality. The supporting cast were all strong in characterisation and vocal ability raising the roof in the ensemble scenes. What an experience!
Looking at their programme and their funding situation they have managed to keep afloat through the pandemic and are obviously getting back to their punishing touring schedule. A lesson to other public-funded institutions, they also deliver an education programme alongside their touring programme.
If you want to catch this lively professional production, they are touring until 25th September. Details are available on their website.
