The Merry Opera Company: La Traviata

What can I say? I went to Merry Opera's "La Traviata" on Friday 10th feb. I was astonished to say the least. The energy, the singing, the acting and the playing was all beautiful. The set at first glance was slightly. Non descript but after watching the show it was extremely functional. This classic tale has been brought into the 21st century by Kit Hesketh-Harvey. He has done a wonderful job. It is set in a burlesque club- where the baron is a polish drugs Baron- I speak polish and was amused at what the two gentlemen at the start of the show were saying in polish... But I digress..

Robin Bailey's Alfredo (Al as he has been renamed) is passionate to the point of explosion and I loved it. His voice creamy and light and his acting is superb. I must mention the contralto Kristin Finnigan- wow! What a voice! I have heard her in other things before and each time the true richness to this unusual voice always blows me away! The death scene of. Violetta was certainly heightened by her beautiful acting. She is to play Mistress Quickly it says in her biog- I will not miss that!!
Now onto Violetta- sung by Claire Egan. And sung masterfully. The emotion, the depth to which this singer took us was astonishing. Her voice is bright and powerful and she was simply a class act.

I enjoyed the show so much I will go and see it again. Robin Bailey, Kristin Finnigan and undoubtably Claire Egan- names to take note of!