'Opera a delight for the audience', Shropshire Star, 27 Sep 2006

“THE BARTERED BRIDE” BY SMETANA

MID WALES OPERA AT THE MUSIC HALL, SHREWSBURY

Smetana’s comic opera “The Bartered Bride” was given a stylish, spirited performance by Mid-Wales Opera under their conductor Keith Darlington. As we have come to expect from this company, it was an intelligent production; the stage setting, lighting and costume were all excellent. Although the orchestra was only ten or so players, the conductor drew from them fine, sympathetic playing from the start of the ebullient overture . This was followed by a chorus welcoming the end of winter - but of course love will not be allowed to blossom freely in the spring!

The cast was excellent; they were well-matched and had a fine feeling for ensemble work. Simon Wilding as Kettle, the cynical marriage-broker, has a glorious bass voice coupled with a superb comic presence. Camilla Roberts as Myfanwy soared through her moments of anguished love and the tenors Christopher Steele and Adrian Dwyer excelled as Myfanwy’s prospective husbands.

Act Three opens with a wild-west circus, a fine comic interlude in which Victor is foolishly persuaded to dress up in a grizzly bear costume! This was acted out in great style to the delight of the audience.

Being a comic opera, love triumphs - though not until the very end. The closing chorus was beautifully delivered and rewarded with a well-deserved ovation. 

Director Stephen Medcalf, designer Nicky Shaw and choreographer Sarah Fahie as well as the conductor, the orchestra and the cast all deserve congratulations for a performance delivered with wit, style and affection.

Andrew Petch, Sept 25th 2006