The Magic Flute At Milton Keynes Theatre Review

Reviewed by Hilz

This performance was unlike anything we have seen before! Fresh and new and so helpful in understanding and appreciating all the details of the plot.
This reimagination of Mozart’s opera took us to a different dimension.
Initially it did take us a little while to get used to something so different and unexpected in the format, concept and the lighting effects.
During the overture the cast seemed to act out a portrayal of some of the story – I’m sorry we were not 100% sure and as we said we found that part a little bit hard to grasp at the beginning.
However, our confusion was short lived and we soon happily settled into this amazing otherworldly adventure.
The setting for the story is the contrast between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light.
Neither are portrayed as better or worse than the other, unlike most stories.
Each kingdom needed to learn the equality and benefit of the other kingdom and to get through many challenges to achieve that.
The young hero Tamino had to go through physical challenges to win the hand of his beloved.
And the heroine Pamina had to go through educational challenges to get to be with her beloved Tamino.
There was a lot of hilarity in her challenges in the classroom and indeed a wonderful amount of humour throughout the whole opera.
Birds were central to the story. Papageno was the bird-catcher of the night and later on he found Papagena the bird-catcher of the day. Papageno was the reluctant companion of the young hero Tamino in his quest. He was lonely and your heart went out to him as he searched for love in his life.
Sarastro, the King of the daytime, moved us with his deep commanding tones.
And the Queen of the night, his wife, had the most incredible voice. Her solos were out of this world. Arias so very challenging to sing giving goosebumps with their beauty and perfection.
..Not to underplay the vocal excellence of every singer on the stage, we can’t express how impressed we were with the amazing abilities of every one.
Another delight was to see the joy in the faces of the performers who were obviously loving what they were doing.
It was great to see a large ensemble of orchestra for this piece and the sound resonated around the theatre beautifully
The soloists were amazing – particularly the flautist and the timpani with their special roles.
Going back to the lighting, this really does deserve a special mention. Well done to the designers choreographers and technicians who achieved this display which was integral to every scene.
Just one highlight was the moon lighting effect that went with the Queen of the night – it was stunning.
And the translation into modern English – very modern English! – is skilled, insightful and funny – we dare to say that we are sure that Mozart would approve!
So all in all this adaptation is a triumph.
Phenomenal!

Rating: 5/5 Stars

The Magic Flute is at Milton Keynes Theatre from Wednesday, the 19th of April to Friday 21st April 2023
500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ
The Welsh National Opera also have a performance of Blaze of Glory at Milton Keynes Theatre this week and then are touring
Tickets prices start at £13 with a transaction fee of £3.80 and can be purchased here:
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/welsh-national-opera-the-magic-flute/milton-keynes-theatre/