Welsh National Opera: The Magic Flute at Milton Keynes Theatre Review

Reviewed by Ilze Lee

We had an opportunity to see ‘The Magic Flute’ by the Welsh National Opera last night at Milton Keynes Theatre.

This had our full attention right from the start, as Prince Tamino (Ben Johnson) has a lucky escape when he got rescued from a monster by the Three Ladies (Jennifer Davis, Kezia Bienek and Emma Carrington). They serve the beautiful Queen of the Night (Samantha Hey), whose exquisite voice sent shivers down my spine.

Tamino is given a photo of the Queen’s daughter, Pamina (Anita Watson). He falls in love with her immediately and answers the Queen’s sorrowful plight to rescue Pamina from her abductor, Sarastro.

Tamino is accompanied by (Mark Stone) Papageno, the bird catcher, who himself only wants to find love. Papageno’s humorous interaction caught the affection of the audience and he stayed a firm favourite throughout. They are given a magic flute and a set of magic bells to protect them, and the Three Boys are promised to guide them on their way.

The lecherous Monostatos, played by Howard Kirk, can’t keep his hands off the lovely Pamina. As it should be though, good triumphs in the end and he is left… well, empty-handed!

Sarastro (James Platt) fills the stage with his presence. Tamino quickly realises that the Queen’s version of events might not be all it seems.

The audience responded warmly to the ‘Three Boys’ as guides, these young people’s performance was outstanding.

I really struggled to think of anything negative to say and could only come up with the few minutes of fire and water scenes, which was not as strong as the rest. Overall, with an evening of Mozart, humour, heartbreak and suspense, this opera was an absolute delight. The orchestra was out of this world. I would give this a solid 5/5.

I would also like to mention the friendliness of the staff at this theatre, which made the experience even more enjoyable. 

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £16 to £55 (plus £3.65 transaction fee).

Welsh National Opera: The Magic Flute is at Milton Keynes Theatre from 28-30 March 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes or call the box office on 0844 8717652.

Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ