ALBERT HERRING Britten - Opera North

The village of Loxford is looking for its May Queen (the personification of spring time innocence) but all candidates are deemed morally unsuitable. Desperate, the locals decide a May King will have to do instead. They choose the blameless Albert Herring from the local fruit and vegetable shop. He isn’t keen but, stuck firmly under his mother’s thumb, he’ll do what he is told. However, after one rum-laced lemonade at the May Day ceremony, Albert disappears… and even greater chaos ensues.
The opera’s librettist Eric Crozier took a story by Maupassant and transformed it into a quintessentially English comedy. Britten’s music characterises the inhabitants with a biting satirical wit - but there’s a touch of affection, too, for a vanished way of life. Opera North’s delightful production is staged in the intimacy of the Howard Assembly Room, the perfect environment for Giles Havergal’s staging which set the action in opera’s own period, mid-twentieth century complete with woollen pullovers and gingham blouses. The excellent ensemble includes some rising stars already seen on OperaVision including the welcome of Dafydd Jones in the title role and Katie Bray (Nancy), who recently dazzled in Garsington’s Il barbiere di Siviglia.
Full performance streamed on OperaVision from 21 June 2024 at 19:00 CET to 21 December 2024 at 12:00 CET: operavision.eu...
CAST
Albert Herring
Dafydd Jones
Lady Billows
Judith Howarth
Mrs Herring
Claire Pascoe
Florence Pike
Heather Shipp
Mr Gedge
William Dazeley
Mr Upfold
Paul Nilon
Miss Wordsworth
Amy Freston
Superintendent Budd
Richard Mosley-Evans
Sid
Dominic Sedgwick
Nancy
Katie Bray
Emmie
Rosa Sparks
Orchestra
Orchestra of Opera North
Music
Benjamin Britten
Text
Eric Crozier
Conductor
Garry Walker
Director
Giles Havergal
Associate Director
Elaine Tyler-Hall
Sets & Costumes
Leslie Travers
Lighting
John Bishop
Movement Director
Tim Claydon
OperaVision is a freeview opera streaming platform, supported by the European Union's Creative Europe programme. Watch live streams as the performances themselves unfold in the opera house. Enjoy a variety of shows - including opera, operetta, musical theatre, dance, ballet and concerts. Opera connaisseur or curious newcomer, there is something for everyone on OperaVision.
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[@Ilska]

That was the most pleasant surprise I've had all year. I always say there's no such thing as a perfect opera performance, but this is the closest I've come to seeing one. A pure joy from start to finish. Thank you!

[@steinway1901]

I somehow believed that Opera North referred to a touring company from 30 years ago in the Northeastern US. Donald Westwood I believe organized it. So I was astonished by the quality of the voices - all major talents, and the extensive video editing. And the skill of the musicians and conductor. Bravi to all involved may this recording live for centuries.

[@jaydoggy9043]

What a cool venue! At a tech level it seems to have caused some audio recording challenges but I'm sure in person it was wonderful. Thank you to all performers for this great show!

[@jobatridente2638]

..., Amei este espetáculo!!!! ..., gosto demais quando cantores e personagens estão na mesma idade.

[@user-gs8hj6fb7y]

Britten is a saver of english opera!

[@barbaranorthwood]

Delightful. Thank you

[@michelscheir6556]

Bravi Tutti!

[@nathanankrom3872]

Act 3 1:55:05

[@user-ck9qm3qi3p]

P.260 1:42:50
P.292 2:00:50
What the hell

[@FCOLAXCDG]

❤️🇱🇨!!!