The Magic Flute from Opera North at Leeds Grand Theatre 1.2

Now here’s something I have never done before – seen the same production twice. For those of you who are paying attention, you will notice that I have copied my original review and posted it next to this. I thought it would save you scrolling to last September, when The Magic Flute began its run. It has since been to various venues, during which time some of the cast have come and gone, and the whole thing has had the odd tweak.

As my original article was somewhat lengthy and the majority of the production was very similar, I thought that this was the best way to do it. If you keep reading to the end you will see that I will shortly be posting version 1.3!

People always say how great it must be to spend time at the theatre enjoying what is on offer. I can’t argue with that, but it isn’t normally a case of being able to take my seat and wait to be entertained – or otherwise. If I like or dislike something, I need to be able to give a reason, hence constant looks to areas of the stage checking out the effects, scenery, supplementary actors, etc in addition to making sure the sound, lighting and costumes are up to muster. Should an orchestra or dancers be involved, there are those elements too. Tonight, however, I decided to treat myself and, having done the heavy lifting already, I played at being part of the audience. That is not as easy as it sounds as I still had my notebook in hand and my eyes kept roaming away from the main action.

The problem with writing this piece is that, should you not have been fortunate enough to see the opera on its first lap, a comparison will mean nothing to you other than to enable you to adapt your reading of the original. There are also no images of the new cast so this will be a little more word heavy than normal – although somewhat shorter! One final caveat is to point out that The Queen of the Night is sung by Nazan Fikret on all of the February dates and the final one on 29th March. The other March dates see Anna Dennis, who is in my original review, perform the part. I hope you are following this as there will be a test at the end.

I will begin by saying that I noticed a few differences in the production, but not enough to affect it too much. The Director, James Brinning, had obviously read my article, as the creepy Monostatos, although once again portrayed superbly well by Colin Judson, had his part toned down somewhat, especially the incident with the young girl at the beginning. The tamperings with Pamina, this time sung by Soraya Mafi, were also a little less explicit. It still didn’t stop him being roundly booed at the curtain call, but, and this could have just been my mind playing tricks on me, I sensed that, as a result, the atmosphere was a lot lighter in the Bronx Cheer this time.

The singing was well up to the standard expected of an Opera North production, the newbies acquitting themselves very well, in fact, I would say that Justin Hopkins as Sarastro delivered a more powerful interpretation, his voice being strong throughout the range. The two main characters; Tamino, now sung by Trystan Llŷr Griffiths, and the aforementioned Nazan Fikret, as Queen of the Night, were both superb with the latter’s rendition of her feature aria amazing.

I was delighted that no change had been made to the role of Papageno, with Emyr Wyn Jones once again doing a terrific job as the bird catcher who brings a huge amount of humour to the whole piece.

The Chorus of Opera North are irreplaceable, as is the Orchestra, which was conducted by Patrick Lange, as it will be in all performances except those on 7th, 27th and 29th March, when Emilia Hoving takes the baton.

The Magic Flute is still a must-see opera so please do so if at all possible. Should you just want to dip your toe into opera then on Thursday, 20th February at 2.30pm at Leeds Grand Theatre, there is the 1.3 version I mentioned, which is a shorter performance. For the full monty at the same venue you need to book for Saturday, 15th February or Saturday, 22nd February, both kick-off at 7.00pm.

The tour continues on 6th and 7th March at Newcastle Theatre Royal, 13th and 14th March at Lowry, Salford Quays, 20th and 21st March at Theatre Royal, Nottingham. It ends at Hull New Theatre on 27th and 29th March. All performances begin at 7.00pm.

For full details, including video tasters, and to book, please go to https://www.operanorth.co.uk/whats-on/the-magic-flute-2024/

If you have never been to the opera, then this is a great start, especially when you take advantage of the brilliant Try It ON scheme. See https://www.operanorth.co.uk/your-visit/new-to-opera/ for details.

Now the test:

List one good reason why you shouldn’t go see The Magic Flute. I didn’t say it would be easy.

Send your answers to D Trump, The White House, Washington D.C., USA. – Second thoughts, better not or you might have a 25% tariff imposed on you ticket.

Photographs by Tristram Kenton