REVIEW: La Traviata at Newcastle Theatre Royal

 Opera North: La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi

Newcastle Theatre Royal

Until Thursday 3 November 2022

The highly popular Opera North have returned to Newcastle with three shows this week. Friday sees the concert performance of Orfeo ed Euridice, Saturday’s performance is Orpheus. The week begins with the evergreen La Traviata which features 2 casts in order to have an intensive  number of shows in the time available. On Tuesday night we were entertained by a hugely talented cast in a sublime performance.

Alison Langer as Violetta Valéry with the Chorus of Opera North

They describe the show as “The ballrooms and bedrooms of high society are a dizzying whirl in the life of Violetta, the most glamorous courtesan in all of Paris.  Living life on her own terms, to her surprise she falls in love with the naïve young Alfredo. But this intoxicating romance takes a devastating turn when her past life catches up with her, and she’s forced to sacrifice what may be her only chance of real love.”

Alison Langer as Violetta Valéry with the Chorus of Opera North

Indeed much of the action centres around the initially carefree courtesan Violetta, a role role that gives Alison Langer her chance to demonstrate both her fine acting skills and the control of her sublime singing voice. The first act is just 30 minutes long and sees Violetta gaining the attention of Alfredo (Nico Darmanin), who launches into a drinking song which is the highly recognisable  Libiamo ne' lieti calici – "Let's drink from the joyful cups". Darmanin’s wonderful tenor voice seemingly effortlessly lifted over the large orchestra. 

Nico Darmanin as Alfredo Germont and Alison Langer as Violetta Valéry 

It is worth pointing out that, in addition to the large ensemble on stage, several rows of the stalls are removed in order to stick a significant orchestra in the pit. This show then relies on natural sound projection (rather than microphones and speakers) to fill the auditorium with sound.  Conductor Jonathan Webb guides the musicians and, thanks to the natural acoustics of the venue, we can clearly hear the singing over the top.

Nico Darmanin as Alfredo Germont and Alison Langer as Violetta Valéry 

The one obvious concession to modern technology are the large television screens in the boxes that carry an English translation of the Italian songs. By sticking them in the boxes it then becomes a choice whether you need to know the translation or you can just focus on the action and allow the sound to float across. The less apparent concession is the clever lighting design, from Matthew Haskins, that is not only able to highlight the action but it is also able to cast shadows when such a reminder of other characters is needed.

Nicholas Butterfield as Marquis d'Obigny, Nico Darmanin as Alfredo Germont,
Gavan Ring as Gastone and Matthew Stiff as Doctor Grenvil

Act two runs for an hour and sees the action, 3 months further on, move to Violetta's country house outside Paris. Alfredo’s father, Giorgio Germont, pays Violetta a visit as he wants to put a spanner in the works in her love affair with his son. Damiano Salerno has a wonderful baritone voice and he is able to portray a serious character that commands gravitas as he makes his demands.

Nicholas Butterfield as Marquis d'Obigny, Nico Darmanin as Alfredo Germont,
Gavan Ring as Gastone and Matthew Stiff as Doctor Grenvil

After a second interval a short third act completes the story and, once again, makes demand on the principal casts singing and acting quality. The audience was enthusiastic about the performances - and this was justly deserved.

Alison Langer as Violetta Valéry and Nico Darmanin as Alfredo Germont
with the Chorus of Opera North

So, is this a show in which to dip your toe into the operatic waters? It is certainly one possible entry point into the art form. The story is not hard to follow even if you are not following the italian lyrics (though the translation is on the screens if you’re interested).The show has stood the test of time as it is popular with audiences. You have to remember that back in the 1850s, this opera was the soap opera of its day. The girl meets boy story is familiar trope and that helps with the recognition of the action on stage.

Nico Darmanin as Alfredo Germont and Alison Langer as Violetta Valéry

Opera North continues to be consistent with their high quality offerings, and deliver them at a much lower price than one would pay in, say, London’s Royal Opera House. Director Alessandro Talevi should be very pleased with this production.

Review: Stephen Oliver

Photos: Richard H Smith

Tickets:  

Tickets from: £20.00. Friends discount 10%. Under 30s £10.00 (please call the Box Office to book). Under 18s 50% off, excluding Gallery, when accompanied by a full paying adult – up to 4 per adult.

Evenings: 7pm

Running time: 2hrs 45mins (including intervals)

Sung in Italian with English titles

Please note this production contains some flashing lights, haze and scenes of a sexual nature

Box office:  https://www.theatreroyal.co.uk/whats-on/la-traviata/