The Turn of The Screw – A Live Stream First for Opera North (21 Feb 2020)

An effective adaptation of Henry James’ mysterious novella to the stage, an excellent handling of Britten’s challenging opera – and a first live stream for Opera North. Greetings from Verona, readers!  I did not think that I’d be doing a piece for Leeds Living from here, but the stars seem to have aligned for it:…

Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro at Leeds Grand Theatre (1 Feb 2020)

Charles Eager reviews Opera North’s Marriage of Figaro: ‘Despite one or two small blemishes this was an evening both moving and hilarious.’ The first blemish tonight was my fault: I forgot my glasses and, with my shortsightedness and seating position, I was in for a night of squinting. (Only after the performance did I notice…

Janáček’s Sinfonietta and Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle

Leeds Town Hall hosted Opera North’s latest production on Saturday 30 November, promoted by Leeds International Concert Season.  ‘A delightful concert and opera’ is the verdict of Charles Eager. The Orchestra of Opera North, conducted by Sian Edwards; the role of Duke Bluebeard sung by Christopher Purves; that of Judith by Karen Cargill. Janáček, Sinfonietta (1926)   It was…

Puccini’s La Bohème at Leeds Grand Theatre (Saturday 12 Oct 2019)

This is a winter’s tale which is full of warmth.  Charles Eager attended the first in a run of Leeds performances. Thanks to Opera North, Puccini is fast becoming one of my favourite composers. Within the past two years we have had superb versions of Madama Butterfly, Tosca and Gianni Schicchi, and now this gorgeous revival of Phyllida Lloyd’s 2014…

Handel’s Giulio Cesare at Leeds Grand Theatre – Saturday 28 Sept 2019

Charles Eager declares this revival of Opera North’s 2012 Tim Albery production is simply divine. Handel’s operas are beautiful; but they also have a reputation for being a bit long and turgid. Although a fan of the composer’s non-theatrical works, this was my first chance to see one of his operas on stage. I was…