Welsh National Opera - The Magic Flute
Milton Keynes Theatre 19th March 2015

The WNO brings The Magic Flute to Milton Keynes Theatre - this is a quirky, witty production with a stage full of colour.

Set to the enchanting music of Mozart, The Magic Flute transports us to a magical place where good triumphs over evil...

"Tamino is rescued from a monster by three ladies.  He meets Papageno, a bird catcher and the two are sent to find Pamina, the Queen of the Night's daughter, who has been abducted and imprisoned by Sarastro.  A magic flute and a set of magic bells will protect them.  Guided by three boys, they reach Sarastro's realm.  Tamino is told that Sarastro is not the evil-doer he had thought.  He is invited to undergo an initiation into Sarastro's brotherhood.  After a series of trials, Tamino and Pamina are united.  They triumph over the ordeals of fire and water and the forces of light prevail."

When the opening scene has a giant lobster trying to thrash its way onto the stage, you know this will not be your usual opera.

Director Dominic Cooke takes the WNO into a world inspired by the surreal painter Rene Magritte with a scenic design (Julian Crouch) that has endless clouds, infinite doors and an orange suited chorus - complete with bowler hats and gentleman's umbrellas.

Into this surreal world comes Tamino (Benjamin Hulett), fighting the monster inside his inner dark and sinister world and comic bird catcher Papageno (Jacques Imbrailo).  Both give outstanding performances.

This fantastical opera by Mozart and staged by WNO brings us a host of wondrous characters, from a newspaper reading lion to a fuchsia pink ankle booted bird.

The chorus all decked out in their splendid orange suits are seen popping their heads through a stage studded with trap doors - the sound of the great arias bounce around the theatre with vibrancy and is such a visual feast.

There is quite a lot of spoken pieces and breaks the flow somewhat, however it is all in English (and also has English Surtitles if you miss anything) however, there are some great voices to hear and performances from both Samantha Hay (Queen of the Night)  and Sophie Watson (Pamina) were fantastic.

Mozart's music never fails to work its magic - The Magic Flute is a perfect first foray into the world of opera for children and a very entertaining night for everyone to enjoy.

Lily B X