Falstaff - Scottish Opera

This new production of Falstaff was Domenic Hill’s first main stage opera production, although he has directed a small scale touring Macbeth opera as a taster.    I have enjoyed Domenic Hill’s work at Dundee Rep and have big hopes for him in his new role as artistic director at The Traverse.    So, how did he do?

In short - very well, and this was a very entertaining production.   The two set piece scenes where Falstaff gets his come-uppance were especially well directed- one sees Falstaff being bundled out of a laundry basket into the Thames, and the other, being surprised by a troup of ’spirits’ in a wood at midnight.

Peter Sidom sang Falstaff well, and among the others there were no weak links, but Lucy Crowe as Nanetta was outstanding - I remember her from Rosenkavalier last year, and she is one to keep an eye on.     I did have a problem with Peter Robinson conducting in the pit who produced a particularly dull account of a score that should normally sparkle, which was a pity.

And although Theatre Royal was reasonably busy on Saturday night, it really should have been busier for what is a popular and mainstream opera.      Under 26s can get in for a bargain £10.     As they say, those who were there really enjoyed the night.