Die Meistersinger, Greenwood Theatre - ★★★★★ - Until August 17, 2019


Simply stunning is the only way to describe the singing in Fulham Opera's wonderful performance of Wagner's massive comic opera. With a super orchestral reduction by Jonathan Finney – who was also an outstandingly amusing Beckmesser - and a company of forty singers this was a major achievement, especially for Music Director Ben Woodward. All of the roles were well cast and superbly sung, but for me the outstanding voice was Philippa Boyle as Eva. Her glorious Italianate tone was so suited to Eva. Her scene with Keer Watson's beautifully warm and gloriously sung Hans Sachs was incredibly moving. Florian Thomas as Walther sang with terrific style, and he shone exactly as he should in the "Prize Song." I loved Edward Mout's youthful and bouncy David, absolutely spot on. To be able to assemble such a superbly varied collection as masters says much for the respect in which this company is now held. Of course, there are budgetary constraints and the physical production, whilst displaying deep insight into the characterisation, was necessarily minimal, but it was none the worse for that. It is wonderful to have the chance to see such works outside the major opera houses.

 Reviewed by D.S.J.

  Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

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 WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until August 17, 2019
Aug 9, 14, 17 at 5 pm & Aug 11 at 3 pm
Greenwood Theatre, King's College London
Nearest station: London Bridge
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/greenwood
Map & Location: 55 Weston St, Bermondsey, London SE1 3RA, UK

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