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Tag: The Barber of Seville

Bradford Opera Festival stage The Barber of Seville…but with a distinctive local twist
Interviews

Bradford Opera Festival stage The Barber of Seville…but with a distinctive local twist

The opening event of the newly created Bradford Opera Festival is the world premiere of a Yorkshire dialect version of The Barber of Seville. To make this happen the festival team have been working with legendary Yorkshire poet Ian McMillan and conductor Ben Crick, who has long had a dream to stage a version of Rossini’s classic tale of class, lust and betrayal performed in the local vernacular. Alex Chisholm who has been a stalwart of the Bradford artistic scene for many years is directing, and she told our Features Editor Paul Clarke why this festival will help democratise a misunderstood art form for local audiences. Of all the great operas, why did you choose The Barber of Seville? This really came from Ben, and he has had this dream for the last 20 years, so it's not just...
The Barber of Seville – Festival Theatre
Scotland

The Barber of Seville – Festival Theatre

On the evening of November 3rd, 2023, opera enthusiasts gathered at Edinburgh's Festival Theatre to witness a remarkable production of Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville.' This comedic masterpiece, directed by Sir Thomas Allen, unfolded in English, featuring Amanda Holden's translation, and was a testament to the enduring charm of this operatic classic. The narrative centred around Figaro, a character known for his wit and resourcefulness, navigating a world filled with young love and the eccentricities of the elderly. Count Almaviva, smitten by the enchanting Rosina, sought Figaro's assistance in winning her heart. However, the journey was fraught with challenges, as Rosina's guardian, Doctor Bartolo, harboured plans of marrying her himself, keeping her under lock and key. This reviv...