Glyndebourne’s La Traviata at Milton Keynes Theatre Review

Reviewed by Jayne and Alex Wiggins

I have to admit that when we were given the opportunity to review an opera, we were opera virgins! Having seen this – the opera ranked as the most popular – I am pleased to say it did not put us off and we will be looking to experience more of the same. Whilst I am not an opera buff, I am a music and theatre enthusiast and can say that this new genre was an unexpected experience which actually made my eyes leak!

Giuseppe Verdi is known for great musical timing to dramatic effect, luring the audience in and hitting us with great crescendos. This opera which was sung in Italian with English subtitles on the night had all of the drama I would expect from Verdi – delivered with powerful performances, especially by the lead lady – Soprano Mane Galoyan.

Set in three acts, this tragic love story has everything one would wish for from a night at the theatre, passion and love, scandal and humour, an underlying tragedy waiting to happen and families and regret. Set in a quite contemporary setting, the set was simple in its design, giving a feel of opulence with the chandeliers which lowered from the ceiling and half hidden banquet halls, a taste of a bedroom set and the lavish countryside surroundings.

Act 1 shows the party loving Violetta throwing a party to honour her return to health – a mistake we notice from the start. Her free spirit lifestyle is knocked off balance when she realises that the Baron she is with really shows her no attention or affection, and the young naive Alfredo has a genuine and deep love for her. She is knocked further when she realises that she loves Alfredo in return.

Act 2 shows the family interference side of love and how a dedicated father can mistakenly hurt his children whilst trying to save family pride. Germont – Alfredo’s father – persuades Violetta to leave Alfredo for the sake of family honour. Scene 2 of this act shows the lovers both hurting and being hurt as they come across each other at another party where they are no longer a couple.

Act 3 shows the result of such damaging passions and sacrifices. As Violetta lays on her death bed, her heart breaking from the loss of Alfredo, he finally comes to her side and both declare their mistakes and how much they have always loved each other. The audience is treated to heartbreaking scenes and powerful arias from Violetta who suddenly wishes for life again before dying before her lover.

Mane Galoyan was absolutely enchanting as Violetta. Her gentle approach to the vocals which then hit with such power, and her portrayal of such a changing character, had me crying unexpectedly towards the end. Her chemistry with Luis Gomes as Alfredo was perfect. I have to admit to being a little disappointed to not see a very charismatic tenor. Gomes’ vocals were perfect if not overly powerful and his portrayal as a naive love interest worked well, though I was not convinced by his anger towards the end of Act 2. Noel Bouley was a powerful presence as Alfredo’s father Giogio, though his chemistry with Alfredo as father and son did not sell it to me. He looked awkward in those scenes those his baritone power was impressive. The Bass – Donald Thomson – as the doctor was my favourite male. His admiration and devotion to Violetta comes across perfectly and his voice is phenomenal.

I will definitely give this a 5/5 for my first journey into this genre.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £20.40 to £83.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).

Glyndebourne’s La Traviata is at Milton Keynes Theatre on 27 & 30 November 2018, 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