Aspects of Love at the Buxton Opera House, Review
Aspects of Love
Buxton Opera House
28-30 August 2014
Reviewed by Sue Surgey
I love Buxton Opera House so was thrilled I had the opportunity to watch another performance in the absolutely beautiful, quaint, Derbyshire theatre full of charm. I find any experience in this establishment a pleasure… the many staff on duty are always on hand to show you where to go and always have a smile on their face – nothing is too much trouble.
I was asked to review Present Company’s version of “Aspects Of Love”, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Don Black and Charles Hart, based on a novella by David Garnett.
The only experience I have ever had of this musical is the song ‘Love Changes Everything’ which Michael Ball made famous when he stared in the West End production – so I was viewing with a very open mind, and after reading the brief introduction I wasn’t sure if I was going to follow, what seemed a very complicated plot!
It is an Andrew Lloyd Webber modern opera. It is set in France, and based on a story of Alex, a star struck teenager, who falls for a French actress Rose which then soon turns into a tangled love triangle bringing in Alex’s artist Uncle George and his on/off lover an Italian sculptor Giulietta. Without spoiling the plot… Rose’s young daughter later also joins the love tangle – showing many “Aspects of Love”.
There are many twists and turns and passion filled scenes (this one is not for children!). “Seeing Is Believing”, “Love Changes Everything”, “Anything But Lonely” are three of the fabulous songs that tell the complicated story excellently along the way. The actors played their parts brilliantly and performed their songs faultlessly (especially Alex and Rose). I had no trouble at all piecing together the complicated love interests of each of the characters, it was very well done!
Scene changes in this small production where done the best they could be in a theatre of this size and usually without hiccup.
In summary… A thoroughly enjoyable evening in a perfect venue, would I recommend? Definitely, in fact I already have!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £12.50 to £18 (plus £1 online transaction fee).
Aspects of Love is at the Buxton Opera House until 30 August 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0845 127 2190.
Buxton Opera House, Water Street, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN | 0845 127 2190
