Press for CCO:
★★★★★ The Reviews Hub
★★★★ The Times
★★★★ BroadwayWorld
★★★★ 'Superbly sung' Evening Standard
★★★★ 'Wickedly funny' The Guardian
'Nothing short of inspired... sheer magic... this is what opera is all about.' The Arbuturian
Charles Court Opera make a welcome return to Wilton’s with a sizzling production of Rossini’s comic masterpiece, The Barber of Seville, which has been given a thoroughly inventive CCO twist and transported to the Wild West.
The famed Figaro has emigrated and finds Count Almaviva, disguised as a cowboy, in Bartolo’s Old Western saloon bar, sighing over the beautiful Rosina as she serenades the snoozing regulars. Cue bad disguises, barbering, and bar brawls in this perfect production for Wilton’s.
Rossini’s fizzing musical score and witty character illustrations in this delicious adaption cannot fail to exhilarate. Whether furtive or frenzied, restrained or reckless, The Barber of Seville truly is comedy in opera, with every nuance exploited.
The production is directed by CCO’s Artistic Director, John Savournin, whose previous productions at Wilton’s include Patience and Express G&S. It is sung in a sparkling English version written by CCO’s Musical Director, David Eaton.
'This really is opera at its best… an opera for everyone, fans and newbies alike.' The Reviews Hub
'This is definitely a show not to be missed. I beamed all the way home.' Susan Elkin
'Rossini meets Blazing Saddles in Charles Court Opera’s rootin’, tootin’ latest production.' The Times
'...the audience laughed and laughed... clever… beautifully sung... ingenious…' The Fine Times Recorder
Cast includes:
Figaro: Jonathan Eyers
Count Almaviva:
Joseph Doody (12th - 13th, 15th - 20th, 22nd - 23rd)
John Gyeantey (14th (mat & eve), 21st (mat & eve))
Rosina:
Meriel Cunningham (12th, 14th (eve), 16th (mat and eve), 20th, 21st (mati), 23rd (eve))
Samantha Price (13th, 14th (mat), 15th, 19th, 21st (eve), 22nd, 23rd (mat))
Bartolo: Matthew Kellett
Basilio: Hugo Herman-Wilson
Berta: Ellie Laugharne
Fiorello / Officer: Arthur Bruce
Production Team:
Director: John Savournin
Musical Director & Librettist: David Eaton
Set and Costume Designers: Good Teeth
Lighting Designer: Ben Pickersgill
Photo credit: Bill Knight
Photo credit: Bill Knight
Running time: Approx. 2 hours 20 minutes, including interval