The Valkyrie ★★★★★ London Coliseum | Nov 19 - Dec 10, 2021


From the moment Siegmund takes refuge at Hunding's hearth to the conclusion where Brünnhilde is surrounded by a ring of flames, this production is on fire! We were enchanted by Nicky Spence's Siegmund and Emma Bell's Sieglinde. They brought the doomed lovers to life. Brindley Sherratt did a terrific job as Hunding with a menace in his voice that absolutely thrilled. However, the evening belonged to Matthew Rose as Wotan and Rachel Nicholls as Brünnhilde. They both made these roles their own, entering the pantheon of great interpreters of this Wagnerian masterpiece. Also doing a wonderful job, while standing in for an ill Susan Bickley, was Claire Barnett Jones who gave us a suitably strong and impassioned Fricka. Due to enforcement of fire regulations in the historical Coliseum, we did not see the actual fire effect planned for the end of the opera, but even this unfortunate loss could not dampen the audience's enthusiasm for the English National Opera's thoroughly excellent production. For us, the modern day costuming was a distraction and we might have preferred more traditional sets, but the singing carried this installment of the Ring story to a triumphant conclusion in what was truly a blaze of glory.

Rated: ★★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Image © Tristram Kenton

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When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: London Coliseum, St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4ES, UK

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