Rigoletto

Verdi's tragic clown Rigoletto is a complex, unlikeable chap unlike many opera "heroes". It makes perfect sense when you realise that Francesco Maria Pieave' libretto for this story is based on a play by Victor Hugo, master of creating sympathetic, flawed characters. Sung in the original Italian, this is a powerhosue of a production throwing everything on stage. With a number of front-of-tabs scenes it is not a traditional opera staging by any means but it really works alongside the theatricality of the costming and set. I found this a very accesible telling of the story in which (spoiler alert!) Rigoletto's machinations of revenge back-fire resulting in the death of his much-loved daughter.

Apart from Gilda, Rigoletto's daughter, there are no "good" people in this plot. The Count is cruel and debauched, his court (well played by all) sychophantic and immoral, Rigoletto is a schemer willing to arrange the murder of his boss and so it goes on - none-the less, we are pulled into their stories and plots and carried along to its inevitable, tragic, outcome.

Beautifully sung, excellently staged and supported by the ever-wonderful WNO Orchestrathis was a splendid night at the opera!