Page 35 - FINAL_Theatre of Sound Coverage Book

soprano Susan Bullock, bass-baritone Gerald Finley, baritone Michael Mayes and
soprano Gweneth Ann Rand sharing the principal roles of Duke Bluebeard and Judith
under the dynamic direction of Evans, Higgins and their creative team. In a new
chamber orchestration, players from the virtuosic London Sinfonietta accompany the
fourteen performances conducted by Higgins.

Credit: Mihaela Bodlovic

This intimate version of the opera for chamber orchestra takes the audience on a
unique theatrical experience placing them at the heart of the action, affording a rare
opportunity to hear these internationally renowned singers up close and personal.
Even though the storyline has changed to portray an old couple dealing with
dementia, with locked doors being replaced by a locked chest full of memories, the
music and lyrics of the opera were still beautifully sung to the original score. It is
quite unclear if the words are metaphors for the old couple’s condition, or if the
sense being illogical at times depicts what it is like to have dementia to the
audience.

Gerald Finley and Susan Bullock both delivered really strong performances full of
emotion, vulnerability. More importantly, there was a real sense of relatability with
the audience. The set was furnished to seem like a quaint little home, with an
armchair and various lamps dotted around to provide extra immersive lighting. The
action was literally happening right in front of your eyes, and for a full hour, it seemed
like you were staring from a window into someone else’s home and getting a
glimpse of their lives.