Opera is subjective and while it isn’t perhaps everybody’s cup of tea one can appreciate its purpose when the work is of quality and sung with an ardent flair. Such artistry is seldom found in an abandoned warehouse space in Hull’s major shopping precinct.
The aim of the project is to make opera universal and accessible regardless of who you are or where you’ve come from.
Hull has been a cultural hub of artists for decades and works such as this, demonstrating that artistic experiences go way beyond the 2017 City of Culture year.
The End of the World Party is the latest offering by Hull Urban Opera, this show being their first full-length opera. The piece is out of this world. Unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Why are we even here? Where is the host? And will we ever get out alive? This new production, crafted for 100 seated guests, poses so many questions and, to the operas merit, leaves you guessing – what happens next?
With immediacy, intrigue and a surprise on every corner, this brilliant and bonkers immersive experience has all the traditional elements of operatic convention; Aria, Recitative, Coloratura to name but a few – weaved into a simple and relatable plot.
A string quartet, gifted with a truly hummable score set the scene and are virtuoso in their delivery. The dynamic and collective sounds of the vocalists sing with polish creating the air of mystery and backed by a chorus of local volunteers. This is community theatre – but not as we know it. The music is emotive and the actors perform with skill, but the real star here are the lyrics – with a libretto deftly imagined by Russell Plows. Funny and often poignant. One must also mention the vocal agility and ability of Ralph Thomas Williams as he maintains a faultless falsetto. Excellent.
With subterfuge and calamity being the order of the day there really are surprises on every corner and, though some of storytelling could do with tightening up a bit, allowing the characters to fully develop, it really is a palatable evening of theatre.
This event has been made possible thanks for to funding from The Arts Council, The Fenton Arts Trust and The Sir James Reckitt Charity. Long may these partnerships continue.
Bravo.
Runs until 20th April 2024
