The Marriage of Figaro ★★★★ London Coliseum | February 5 - 22, 2025


As soon as any lover of farce sees the four doors that dominate Johannes Schütz's set, they know they are in for a good time, and Joe Hill-Gibbins’ production of The Marriage of Figaro doesn't disappoint. It wonderfully captures the comic spirit of Mozart's masterpiece. It is light, frothy and delightfully silly. It also has a particularly strong cast. David Ireland is in fine form as the rascally Figaro, and Mary Bevan is a charmingly artful Susanna. However, it is Nardus Williams as the Countess who absolutely dominates the stage whenever she appears. Her voice is simply extraordinary, and her two arias are definitely the high points of the evening. Also, contributing to the fun and displaying considerable vocal talents, as well as some slick dance moves, is Hanna Hipp as the infatuated Cherubino. Full marks also to US baritone Cody Quattlebaum as the lascivious and ultimately outwitted Count. Unfortunately, Johannes Schütz’s set which at first appears so clever later becomes just cumbersome. It really outstays its welcome, and at one point even blocks the heads of the chorus from certain sightlines. It is a clever concept that ends up being overworked. Some of the lighting in the second act also seems quite curious with the principals being bathed in various colours for no apparent reason. Such quibbles aside however, this is a production with some first-rate performances which marvellously manifests Mozart's musical genius while uproariously presenting Figaro's ever more preposterous manoeuvres and misadventures.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Zoe Martin

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

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