as fun as it can be, amazingly sung
Having never heard of this opera before, I was thrilled to experience it for the first time, and it did not disappoint! L’étoile was a delightful blend of humour and heart, brought to life by an incredible cast.
One of the production’s unique strengths was the combination of French singing with English dialogue, offering the best of both worlds. It retained the musicality and charm of the original piece while ensuring the humour and wit translated seamlessly for the audience.
Director Mark Burns, designer Adrian Linford, and lighting designer Jake Wiltshire crafted an immersive world that felt eccentric yet grounded. It was packed with inside jokes and populated by an eclectic array of characters. Emmanuel Chabrier’s L’étoile is already an opéra bouffe with quirky charm, and this team truly leaned into its surreal, extravagant, and postmodern essence. The score, performed by a full orchestra, was nothing short of a gem—melodic, dynamic, and uplifting.
The cast was exceptional, with each member bringing great comedic timing and believable relationships to the stage. The chorus, though immense, was beautifully melodic, adding richness to the overall performance. Everyone appeared to genuinely enjoy their time on stage, creating a contagious energy that spilt over to the audience.
If there’s one area where the production could improve, it would be the choreography by Bethan Rhys William. While the movement on stage was engaging and effective, the choreography itself felt a bit stilted and lacked the fluidity one might expect from such an energetic piece.
At its core, L’étoile humorously critiques the whims of monarchy and the gamesmanship of diplomacy, reminiscent of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado. This production leaned into its absurdity, emphasizing surrealism in a way that felt fresh and thoroughly entertaining.
Overall, L’étoile was a delightful revelation. The RNCM Opera’s interpretation was funny, heartfelt, and filled with stellar performances—an extravagant world brought vividly to life.