REVIEW: THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO @ THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH

🎭 The Marriage of Figaro

📍  The Lyric, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2TR

🗓 Friday 6th June 2025

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CYCLONICALLY CAPTIVATING

As someone who is still relatively new to the world of opera, I am always overjoyed when Welsh National Opera returns to Plymouth and I am able to experience yet another classic story. The latest offering from WNO was Mozart's THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, which is an epic story of love, infidelity, cross-dressing and farce!

The story unfolds over a single day of absurdity. Figaro is set to marry his beloved Susanna, but with a rapid succession of setbacks and schemes going on all around them, will the celebration ever actually take place?

This production was presented in the classical style and exuded opulence and grace. The costumes were absolutely stunning, perfectly representing the style of the time. Each costume perfectly matched the character and expressed their standing totally.

The set design was functional, but not quite as grand as I have come to expect from this company. Things such as doors were quite flimsy, which for me somewhat tarnished the affluent feeling of the surroundings. A minor grumble, but noteworthy all the same.

The lighting design was pitched perfectly, wonderfully complementing and enhancing the action, and the orchestra conducted by Kerem Hasan played beautifully, creating a rich full sound which was absolutely breathtaking.

There were some very funny moments throughout, but the thing that stood out above everything else was the exceptional cast. Not just the singing, but the acting and intent of the company was phenomenal.

Christina Gansch was incredible as Susanna. Not only was the purity of her voice stunning, but her storytelling was a thing of beauty. I enjoyed her visual interactions with the audience and her transition between the comedy and more serious moments was done with flawless precision.

Chen Reiss was impressive as Countess Almaviva. Her characterisation was magnificent and she sang with amazing intent, giving what can only be described as a mesmerising performance.

William Stevens was commanding as Figaro and had an engaging richness to his voice. As Count Almaviva, Giorgio Caoduro was joyously unlikable and has a gloriously deep intensity when he performed. Harriet Eyley gave a high energy performance as Cherubino, whilst Jeffrey Lloyd-Jones was jovial and camp as Don Basilio.

This piece has quite a long run time at just over 3 and a half hours, but the story was engaging enough and moved along at such a pace that it didn't feel long winded. There was always enough happening to keep the concentration and overall THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO is yet another success for the WNO.

Welsh National Opera returns to Theatre Royal Plymouth tonight with a production of PETER GRIMES. Click here to grab the last minute tickets for what is sure to be another epic night out.

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one reviewer.

My ticket for this performance of The Marriage of Figaro was gifted by Theatre Royal Plymouth who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

CAST AT THIS PERFORMANCE:

William Stevens as Figaro; Christina Gansch as Susanna; Giorgio Caoduro as Count Almaviva; Chen Reiss as Countess Almaviva; Harriet Eyley as Cherubino; Monika Sawa as Marcellina; Wyn Pencarreg as Doctor Bartolo; Jeffrey Lloyd-Roberts as Don Basilio / Don Curzio; Eiry Price as Barbarina; Julian Boyce as Antonio; Angharad Morgan as First Bridesmaid; Stella Woodman as Second Bridesmaid

RUNNING TIME (approx):

3 hours 35 minutes, including 1 interval and 2 pauses