Opera North – Tosca at The Theatre Royal And Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham Review

Reviewed by Katy Nettleton

Captivating Sinister Thriller would be my 3-word summary.

From the first Act I felt compelled to fully engage in the performance, the music, singing and performance just drew me in.

For full disclosure this was only my second time at an Opera, but I am so glad that I have been again. It certainly won’t be my last. Therefore, this review maybe slightly different to the ones I have read in the media.

Being new to the Opera I read up on the story before, so I won’t write in to too much detail on this, but on how it was a reflection of modern day; Tosca was written over 120 years ago, but yet the story was as relatable today, as it was then (there were some modern twists, with the use of technology and lighting). It had sexual tension, violence, oppression, torture, murder, love, infatuation all the adjectives used when watching a modern-day romantic thriller. It truly mirrors many modern days love stories.

The story follows the path of Floria Tosca (performed by Magdalena Molendowska), one of Rome’s most revered singers, as she fights for the love of her life Cavaradossi Performed by Andres Pesno) from the dictator, and merciless Police Chief, Baron Scarpia (performed Robert Hayward). I cannot describe the level of music, and tone which just brought the performance alive, I had tears in my eyes at one point, and chills up my back when the Police Chief was taking “control”. It was compelling and you could not take your eyes away from the stage, their voices and acting just brought you in.

For an Opera novice, it was surprisingly easy to follow, even in Italian. There was the added benefit of some translation (in written format on screens surrounding the stage), which helped me keep up with the fast pace of the performance.

The story is relatable, that has you hanging on every word sung. The pace of the performance is quick, with no talking at any point. The whole the story is told through singing, which is flawlessly supported by an Orchestra, led by the dynamic conductor Adam Hickox.

Tosca is promoted as a great Opera from first timers, and I am a testament to this! I do think it Is worthwhile reading the programme regarding the acts beforehand, as this helps you to be able to just “watch and engage” with the performance rather than seek to “guess what’s coming next”.

I think like many Operas the 3 acts, helped me appraise what I had seen, and felt before the next act. This to me, was key as it meant I was able to assess what had happened, as the pace meant I was being brought along without “thinking time”.

The staging was simple, but yet this didn’t need more, it reflected the history of the story with a modern twist and enables the voices to tell the story. I personally liked the “wheel” and its role for Act III.

For me, Act II was the most powerful, and truly got me sat on the end of my seat. It was thought-provoking making me want Act III to start sooner!

As always, the Royal Concert Hall provides a great venue, staging and acoustics for such a performance, with the voices truly being pertinent to the story telling.

Rating: Overall I would give this a 4 out of 5, and recommend anyone who is new to opera or even those who have watched it before.

Running time is approximately; Act I 45 minutes, Act II 45 minutes and Act III 25 minutes, with 20-minute intervals between.

Tosca is running on 16th March and Saturday 18th March, 2023,
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND, Tickets can be purchased from the Box Office: 0115 989 5555 or via https://trch.co.uk/.  Tickets are priced between £10 and £57 (including concessions).