Lucia di Lammermoor, London Coliseum - ★★★★★ - Until December 5, 2018


The first production of anything one sees is going to act as a touchstone. My first Lucia was Zeffirelli's production at Covent Garden with Joan Sutherland in 1964. As with most of his productions it went for hyper-glamorous realism. Sutherland was fabulous with the young Pavarotti. Recently styles have changed as demonstrated (detestably) in spades - and blood - at Covent Garden a couple of years ago. Here at ENO we have a brilliant production by David Alden. This is no grand romantic canary fancier's flutter through the ledger lines, but a wonderfully dark and dire horror story with some great singing attached. Superbly designed by Charles Edwards we're in a grey and crumbling baronial hall – it looks brilliantly creepy.

The small part of the housekeeper is almost a Mrs Danvers prototype. Lucia's brother has unhealthy designs on his childlike sister. The local cleric turns his back on anything distasteful and the family lawyer is certainly complicit in the dirty doings. Lucia is an Alice in Wonderland figure.

Terrific singing and acting all round, but an especially wonderful performance by Sarah Tynan as Lucia.

Reviewed by D.S.J.


 Our Score:   

Want to save on tickets? See our Tips page.

WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Running until December 5, 2018
London Coliseum
Nearest tube: Covent Garden
https://www.eno.org/whats-on/lucia-di-lammermoor/

Most Popular

José María Velasco: A View of Mexico ★★★★ The National Gallery | Mar 29 - Aug 17, 2025

Supersonic Man ★★★★ Southwark Playhouse, Borough | Apr 9 - May 3, 2025

Midnight Cowboy - A New Musical ★★ Southwark Playhouse, Borough | Apr 4 - May 17, 2025

THISISPOPBABY - WAKE ★ Sadler's Wells Peacock Theatre | April 2 - 5, 2025

St. Martin in-the-fields: Lunchtime Concerts ★★★★ FREE

The Carracci Cartoons: Myths in the Making ★★★ The National Gallery | Apr 10 - Jul 6, 2025 (Free Entry)

Cartier ★★★★ Victoria & Albert Museum | Apr 12 - Nov 16, 2025

Apex Predator ★★★★ Hampstead Theatre | Mar 22 - Apr 26, 2025

Men’s Business ★★ Finborough Theatre | Mar 18 - Apr 12, 2025

The Importance of Being Oscar ★★★ Jermyn Street Theatre | Mar 28 - Apr 19, 2025

The City Life Magazine | Reviews & Ratings