Review: WNO’s The Magic Flute
Milton Keynes Theatre
Thursday 28th March 2019
This week, the Welsh
National Opera has arrived at Milton Keynes Theatre and we went along to see last
night’s fantastical production of Mozart’s timeless classic, The Magic Flute. This
Opera is a Singspiel (a German-language music-drama) however is sung and spoken
in English which was a nice change to see an opera performed in English, though
the subtitles certainly help you to understand the story! The mysterious Queen
of the Night coaxes the Prince Tamino to rescue her beautiful daughter Pamina
from the grip of the evil (or is he?) enchanter, Sarastro in exchange for her
hand in marriage. With only a magic flute, a set of magic bells and a funny
bird-catching sidekick for protection, he sets off on the long, perilous
journey and they must overcome a series of challenges to complete their quest
and find true love.
The Magic Flute first
premiered in 1791 at Schikaneder's theatre Freihaus-Theatre auf der Wieden in
Vienna and still enchants audiences around the world to this day. This
irresistible production transports you to a dream world, combined with a witty
story and Mozart’s sublime music and includes many colourful characters
including anthropomorphic creatures and a fish bicycle! The very surreal stage
set and costumes are inspired by Magritte (early twentieth century surrealist
artist known for challenging observers' preconditioned perceptions of reality)
so don’t be too surprised by floating heads and a sense of endless nothingness
behind the doors!
The orchestra were
brilliant as were all the cast on stage and in particular, The Queen of the
Night’s aria, performed by Samantha Hay was incredible. The audience’ applause
was wild after that one! Amongst the sophisticated seriousness and playfulness
of the opera, this show also includes a touch a good-old-British panto-esque
humour, so there really is something for everyone in The Magic Flute. Of
course, expect pitiful damsels in distress and frustratingly melodramatic
decisions to the slightest mishap, but opera wouldn’t be opera without it.
An
unforgettable opera for all ages, you can still catch The Welsh National Opera
in tomorrow night’s performance of Robert Devereux and Sunday afternoons
performance of The Magic Flute. For tickets visit www.atgtickets.com or
call 0844 871 7652
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