Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Director: Louisa Muller
Conductor: Valentina Peleggi
Few operas arrive with the reputation of The Marriage of Figaro. Bursting with intrigue, mistaken identities and social satire, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s celebrated work has long been regarded as one of the greatest operas ever written. In this production by Opera North at The Lowry, the company attempts to bring the eighteenth century comedy into a more modern setting, though the results prove somewhat uneven.
The opera follows the quick witted servant Figaro as he prepares to marry Susanna while navigating the schemes of his employer, Count Almaviva. Along the way doors open and close, disguises appear and disappear, and loyalties shift rapidly in a story that mixes farce with moments of emotional depth.
Under the baton of Valentina Peleggi the orchestra delivers a superb performance. Mozart’s score sparkles throughout the evening and the musicians capture its energy and elegance with precision. The famous overture opens the production with a flourish, accompanied here by shifting seasonal imagery that helps set the tone for the evening. Later musical highlights also land well, including the duet widely recognised from The Shawshank Redemption, which proves a delight to hear performed live and reminds audiences just how powerful Mozart’s music can be.
The cast offer strong vocal performances across the board. Gabriella Reyes stands out as the Countess, bringing warmth and emotional clarity to the role and delivering some of the evening’s most memorable moments. Hongni Wu brings wit and charm to Cherubino, adding welcome humour alongside confident vocals.
Liam James Karai as Figaro and James Newby as Count Almaviva both sing impressively, though the modernised staging occasionally makes it difficult to distinguish visually between master and servant. In a production that updates the setting, a clearer visual contrast between the two characters might have strengthened the dramatic dynamic.
The production design is one of its strongest elements. The set is clean and visually appealing, shifting quickly between locations with fluid and efficient scene changes that keep the stage picture fresh. These transitions are handled smoothly and maintain a pleasing visual rhythm throughout the evening.
However, the modernisation of the opera does not always feel entirely convincing. Opera North often performs in English, so the decision to present the opera in Italian here feels slightly surprising. While the projected subtitles help guide the audience, their simplicity occasionally reduces the wit and nuance of the original libretto.
Pacing proves the production’s biggest challenge. At times the narrative momentum slows considerably, with scenes stretching longer than they might ideally need. One extended sequence revolving around the simple question of whether a door should be opened feels particularly drawn out, creating moments where the drama begins to move at something of a snail’s pace, drifting away from playful intrigue and testing the audience’s patience
For seasoned opera lovers this leisurely unfolding may be part of the charm, but for those less familiar with the genre the gaps between recognisable musical highlights can feel rather long. While the score remains undeniably beautiful, the overall evening occasionally struggles to maintain its comic energy or the audience’s attention.
That said, the production is far from without merit. The orchestra is exceptional, the design is elegant, and the performers deliver committed and vocally impressive performances. There are flashes of humour and moments of musical brilliance that remind audiences why Mozart’s work continues to endure more than two centuries after its premiere.
For audiences arriving through the cultural doorway of Amadeus or simply through familiarity with Mozart’s most recognisable melodies, this production offers a chance to experience the music performed live by a talented company. Yet for non opera regulars the evening may feel like a rather long and occasionally slow moving affair.
Runs until Saturday 14 March
