The Marriage of Figaro at Milton Keynes Theatre Review
The Marriage of Figaro
Milton Keynes Theatre
30 March 2016
www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Reviewed by Clair Bellamy
On Wednesday 30 March myself and my daughter saw the Welsh National Opera’s performance of Mozart’s, The Marriage of Figaro at Milton Keynes Theatre.
The theatre itself is situated in the centre of Milton Keynes and is very well signposted as soon as you start hitting the famous Milton Keynes roundabouts. There are a number of different car parks surrounding the theatre, all with ample spaces, what looks like good CCTV security coverage and free to use after 6pm. We arrived at 6:30 and had no issue finding a space.
The Milton Keynes Theatre is a very modern building with a large glass frontage making it feel very open and light. There are multiple large doors making entry to the building very easy and comfortable even when busy. On entry the box office is almost immediately noticeable making collecting tickets very easy. The bars and concession stands are very clean and well stocked and also easily found. For those wanting to partake in something a little more substantial there is a small Bistro on site, I cannot comment on the menu as have not yet eaten there. Toilet facilities were ample and exceptionally clean. The general atmosphere in the Theatre was very relaxed, the staff extremely polite and helpful and make you want to return.
After seeing the amazing performance of The Barber of Seville the previous night we were excited to see how the company would adapt to performing three different operas on three consecutive nights. We were not disappointed by the quality of the performances even when they took on such a huge task.
The Marriage of Figaro moves on from the story of The Barber of Seville with all the same characters but years on. It has almost farcical qualities surrounding Figaro’s desire to marry his love Suzanna, the interferences of the Count Almaviva and the lady Marcellina with a side story of the cheeky Cherubino, who struggles to maintain a hold on his feelings towards any of the women in his life. I had not realised until actually watching opera on the stage just how much comedy is there. It is an entirely different experience listening to and enjoying the music in your own home and having the total experience of all the senses in a theatre.
As expected the set was well thought out and easily altered by cast and crew to adapt smoothly to all the scenes, both simple and lavish. The costumes were all in a classical style with some extravagant pieces that were simply stunning. The orchestra were again flawless and principals and chorus were absolutely wonderful and all perfectly fitted for their roles, the vocal ability of the company is beyond measure.
The Welsh National Opera have again excelled!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £21.90 to £53.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
The next performance of The Marriage of Figaro by the Welsh National Opera at Milton Keynes Theatre is 2 April 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 8717652.
Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ
