Opera North – The Magic Flute: Review

Mozart’s The Magic Flute is enduringly popular because it is the perfect mix of fantasy and fabulousness in an accessible opera that entertains and enchants regular opera-goers and those new to opera alike.

Indeed, this Opera North autumn season at Lowry is clearly aimed at opening the art form to a wider audience. All shows on this tour are sung in English with subtitles at the side of the stage for clarity. And before each performance company members take to the stage to welcome the audience and point out approachable staff members who are happy to take any questions about the show.

It all helps in changing the perception some might have that opera isn’t for them. Saying that, The Magic Flute needs little introduction. It is a flight of imagination; a fairytale fight of good and evil where all is not always what it first appears. There is also instantly recognisable music and song, such as ‘The wrath of hell’: Queen of the Night’ aria, which half of the audience come out humming – if only we could sing it.

This production, last seen at Lowry in 2019, takes inspiration from a lot of popular culture in its design. Director James Brining describes it as a ‘mash-up of The Handmaid’s Tale, Black Mirror and Dr Who’.

Colin Richmond’s extravagant set and costumes immerse us in this fantasy world, of monsters, floating trees, light sabres, and magic musical instruments, as young lovers Tamino (Egor Zhuravskii) and Pamina (Claire Lees) are caught in a supernatural challenge between Sarastro, Priest of the Sun (Msimelelo Mbali) and the Queen of the Night (Anna Dennis).

Like all great fairytales there is a comic sidekick to lighten the adventure. Here that falls to Papageno, a role Emyr Wyn Jones brings to life with natural comic timing and relaxed warmth.

Colin Judson does a terrific job of bringing a sickening level of sinisterness to Monostatos – winning him pantomime-style boos at the curtain call.

All round the singing is beautiful and performances strong, although the crowning glory must go to Queen of the Night, Anna Dennis. Last year she was the recipient of the Royal Philharmonic Society’s best singer award. It is easy to see why. The power and clarity of her voice is nothing short of magnificent and hearing her perform live is worth the ticket price alone. In all it is a magical performance.

Opera North’s The Magic Flute is at Lowry, Salford on 15 and 16 November 2024 and returns on 13 and 14 March 2025. For more opportunities to see the show elsewhere visit the Opera North website.