Coming Soon
Event Calendar
| M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pygmalion
Io Capitano (15)
Summer Term ’24: Parents & Wobblers (Monday)
Summer Term ’24: Chance to Dance
Summer Term ’24: Chance to Dance Flow
Event Search
- This event has passed.
ETO: Agrippina
21st October 2022 7:30 pm
Event Navigation
English Touring Opera return to Malvern with Handelfest, a celebration of the work of George Frederick Handel.
Agrippina is a devilish comedy that brings the machinations of one of ancient Rome’s most notorious characters to life. Presented in a revival of ETO’s 2013 production, with stunning set and costume designs by Samal Blak, performed in a rapier-sharp English translation.
★★★★★ “James Conway’s inspired production, in which the sightgags come thick and fast…is supported by an ingenious rotating set plus marvellous costumes by designer Samal Blak, and by Julie Osman’s perfectly judged choreography.” Independent
★★★★ “The razor-sharp precision of this meticulously rehearsed staging ensures that nearly three hours whizz by in a flash.” Evening Standard
Pre-Show Talk: 6.30pm. Numbers limited, please book in advance HERE.
Also available to book:
Ottone – Thurs 20th Oct, 7.30pm
Tamerlano – Sat 22nd Oct, 7.30pm
Related Events
Event Reviews
-
Michael
Agrippina – Malvern Handelfest
WELL! Talk about giving Rue Paul’s Drag race a run for the money’ camp as several pink tents! But still very good!
The first titter was when the plotting to put someone in the top position went wrong; this was not lost on the audience under the current political shenanigans(!) Even though it was just coincidence! Second titter when Claudio announced he had dragged the Britain’s into the light from their isolation! Again, not lost on a contemporary audience!
This was panto mixed up with Dynasty set to Handel’s music. Agrippina herself? Look of Dame Hilda Brackett and attitude of Alexis Carrington (younger readers, look them up!) Her aside looks to the audience and her facial expressions were a cross between a panto dame and Dame Maggie Smith!
A bit naughty too! Claudio with his highly suggestive codpiece was positively pornographic at times and Poppea cutting the “pricks off the roses” whilst talking about her unfaithful lovers left nothing to the imagination. Mummy’s boy Nerone was amusing and horrifying by degrees and of course, in reality, there were historical rumours about their relationship.
Great playing from the orchestra and costumes and sets also excellent. So yes, the music was light and the director very enthusiastic. The audience laughed (and did we ever need a laugh last night what with the news etc!) An entertainment of high camp amusement but was it really Handel?
