For many, opera is another country; they do things differently there. Images of armour-clad Rheinmaidens and vain bass baritones with over-inflated girths and egos have permeated popular iconography for decades and not without reasons – in some places those stereotypes have and do exist, but not tonight, not at the WNO. The Welsh National Opera Company is peopled with performers, creatives and technicians clearly with their feet on the ground intent on delivering work which is accessible, engaging and truthful – and a prime example of this is tonight’s offering “Peter Grimes” which, on paper, could read as a dreary, sodden coastal tract but on stage is dances with wit, insight, and perception.
The opera, I’m sure I don’t need to remind you, has a libretto by Montagu Slater (a name itself which deserves to be the title of an opera) adapted from George Crabbe’s poem, “The Borough” and tells of the downfall of a local fisherman in a tight-knit community and its effect on the people and his life. It explores themes of prejudice, isolation, and how mob mentality can be fired up by a few misplaced words. First presented in 1945 it has established a firm place in the canon of classical music ever since.
Melly Still’s vision places this dreich tragedy on a set by Chiata Stephenson as spartan as the beach with only a few pertinent icons hanging around such as the empty fishing boat to remind us of its location. Despite being a little unsure of its period, this interpretation is peppered with invention notably the dances during the interludes and some vibrantly strong staging. The music, as one would expect is astonishing, Tomas Hanus helms a hardy bunch of musical mariners who navigate the choppy waters of Britten’s score with style allowing the three plus hours running time to fly by. Nicky Spence with his crystal-clear tone inhabits the role of Grimes – which he was clearly born to play. David Kempster as Balstrode offers solid support and Ellen Orford’s beautiful voice adds depth and poignancy to the antiphony sequence.
Opera of this breadth and scale would be unthinkable without funding and it’s a huge compliment to the powers-that-be that this company with all its brilliance, wonder and invention continues to thrive and strive in these hard-pressed times and give us something as outstanding as this. But the true stars of the show, as always, are the chorus whose glorious Welsh tones embellish and enhance this already great production. They form the heart of the company and core of its purpose. Long may they sing out their hearts again and again for future generations.
Reviewer: Peter Kinnock
Reviewed: 10th May 2025
North West End UK Rating: