Opera North: Tosca – The Lowry

Opera North’s return to the Lowry this month is reason indeed to celebrate; even more so with the revival of Edwin Dick’s acclaimed production of Tosca being part of this year’s touring programme.

Written over 120 years ago; Puccini’s Tosca is still just as thrilling, as captivating and gives you much more drama than anything you’d find on Netflix.

The heroine is a renowned prima donna, her hero an artist, and the villain the corrupt head of the secret police. With everything from love and blackmail, to revenge and even murder… Tosca really will leave you questioning just how far you would go to save the ones you love.

Giselle Allen returns as Floria Tosca alongside Ukrainian Tenor; Mykhailo Malafii as Mario Cavardossi, Both deliver powerhouse performances throughout with chemistry and emotion.

Robert Haywood as corrupt head of Police; Scarpia provides us with the perfect villain, and joined by a cast and ensemble who provide us in a masterclass of how Opera can evoke emotion and feelings like no other art form can.

The staging and set by Tom Scott is a triumph; featuring a large disc shaped portrait depicting a women’s face hanging over the performers; it stand there representing art and love in equal measure alongside wrap-around warm lighting designed by Lee Curran – which gives us focus and provides the perfect setting.

The Orchestra’s performance provides goose-bump inducing moments – the roar of the orchestra conducted by Garry Walker is the perfect accompaniment to the talented powerful voices on stage.

Opera North proves Tosca is not only still relevant to today’s audiences; perhaps more so with its themes of corruption within authority, but they also deliver perhaps the best incarnation of Tosca I have ever witnessed – it’s outstanding, breathtaking and emotional in equal measure.

Verdict: This Production is a Powerhouse of Talent!

Reviewer: Max Eden

Reviewed: 9th March 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★