The Barber of Seville at Milton Keynes Theatre Review
The Barber of Seville
Milton Keynes Theatre
29 March 2016
www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes
Reviewed by Clair Bellamy
On Tuesday 29 March myself and my daughter went to Milton Keynes Theatre to see the Welsh National Opera’s performance of The Barber of Seville.
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 6:40 and had no issue finding a space with only moments of looking.
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, meaning gentlemen had no queues and ladies only a very short wait. The general atmosphere in the Theatre was very relaxed, the staff extremely polite and helpful and make you want to return. As I had my daughter with me it was lovely that a member of staff took time to tell us about upcoming events that would include a look at the backstage side of the theatre, we shall certainly be looking out for these.
The Barber of Seville by Rossini is a wonderful opera to introduce younger audiences to the genre. It revolves around a couple who face obstacles in their love, mainly a greedy manipulative guardian of the young woman, and the lengths they go to to overcome everything. As it is a comedic opera the visual gags that accompany the music make it more appealing to younger audiences too. The opera was sung in English with English surtitles making it even more of a child friendly performance but equally as appealing to older fans, maybe giving an extra level of understanding to an already well known work of art.
The Welsh National Opera are an amazing company with such talented people. The company is not just about the voices, it is the collaboration of the voices, orchestra, costume and scenery. Whilst looking simple the scenery was obviously well thought out and structurally very impressive allowing the cast the ability to change it as needed. The costumes were bright, fun and appealing to the eye giving a modern twist to a 200 year old story. The orchestra were flawless and chorus and main vocalists were superb managing to get their mouths around fast paced and in parts very difficult phrases.
This was one of the most enjoyable evenings I have had and my daughter has already asked about coming with me to see the Welsh National Opera perform The Marriage of Figaro (next performance 2 April 2016). Well done company you have created a new fan!
Great show, amazing performance.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £21.90 to £53.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
The next performance of The Barber of Seville by the Welsh National Opera at Milton Keynes Theatre is 1 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
