SAMSON AND DELILAH

Samson and Delilah is classed as grand opera, in three acts by Saint Saens, which started as an Oratorio, but which became the Opera after discussion with the Librettist Lemaure who recommended that it become an Opera. Based very loosely on the story of Samson and Delilah found in the Book of Judges from the Bible. It was eventually performed in Weimar in December 1877 and is the only opera of his that is regularly performed. Perhaps better known for the two arias “Printemps qui commence” (Spring Awakes) and “Mon Coeur s’ouvre a la voix” (My heart opens itself to your voice or Softly awakes my heart) both are popular recital pieces in a mezzo soprano and contralto repertoire, the other piece that is well known is “The Bacchanale” , the dance of the Priestesses of Dagon.

SET

The set designed by Robin Davey and Scenic Designer and Artist Clare Daly assisted by their team was well designed and created the right impression and allowed the cast to move around without looking crowded. The ending with the collapse of the Temple was very effective. Congratulations to all of you.

COSTUMES

Costume Designer Chrissy Fryers and assisted by Teresa Gale are to be congratulated for their hard work and attention to detail, they were colourful and in the correct period and created the right impression. (I did think that the High Priests Breastplate looked more Hebrew than Philistine) Otherwise his costume was excellent as were Delilah’s

MUSIC

Arne as always kept a tight rein on the Orchestra making sure that they did not over power the soloists or the chorus, it was obvious that you had rehearsed them all well and we were treated to some excellent harmonies and solo singing.

LIGHTING

Lighting Designer Peter Richards made sure that at all times the cast were well lit and there was some very effective and atmospheric lighting

CHOREOGRAPHY

It is always hard to move a large company around on a limited space but Choreographer Herbert DesLauriesr assisted by Marianne Machin had no problem and the chorus handled the moves well as did the Dancers of Dagon and The Bacchanale who were suitably seductive in their routines. Congratulations to you for your hard work.

THE CAST

SAMSON (Richard Lloyd Owen)

Richard looked the part and took on the role of Samson and created a believable character, this was a demanding role and there was good interaction with Delilah, and we could see the attraction growing between them despite their religious differences, but love blinds anyone and this was happening here. Excellent singing voice and good command of the stage. We felt for you as you were pushing the heavy mill wheel around, the final scene where you were chained to the Temple Pillars was very effective. Well done on an exceptional performance.

DELILAH (Rebecca Chellappah)

This is another demanding role which Rebecca handled with ease. Rebecca has a beautiful mezzo - soprano voice and you took command of the stage on each appearance, you were Delilah, a temptress, sultry and seductive, this was a believable interpretation of the character. Your songs, the solos and the duet with Samson “My heart opens to your voice” were outstanding and you interacted well with Samson and the High Priest. Congratulations on another memorable performance.

HIGH PRIEST OF DAGON (Niall Hoskin)

Any role that Niall has to play , you always manage to create that character and this was no exception, you had a commanding presence, a well thought out role, superb costume which helped to create your role, and your clear baritone voice handled the trio, “I come to celebrate the victory,” with Samson, and Delilah, the Duet with Delilah and your solo at the start of the opera were of a high standard and  handled tastefully,  this was a pivotal role and you gave a natural performance, well done.

ABIMELECH (Robert Marson)

Robert had the role Abimelech and in his costume helped to create the character. Strong voice with his song taunting the Hebrews “This God that your voice implores” and the fight with Samson was well handled, well done.

OLD HEBREW (Steve Harris)

This character is not a minor role, and was concerned for Samson’s well-being, and tries to warn him of the dangers of Delilah, your singing was of a high standard and you created just the right character, well done

PHILISTINE MESSENGER (Clare Daly) – 1ST PHILISTINE (Graham Billing)

 2ND PHILISTINE (Saul Formoso)

These three supporting roles are essential to the story and you all created believable characters, good stage presence and good interaction with Samson and the cast.

DANCERS OF DAGON AND THE BACCHANALE

These six girls were suitably scantily clad in diaphanous costumes which allowed them to dance seductively and at all times they were together and created the right pictures with their dancing, well done to all of you.

CHORUS OF HEBREWS AND PHILISTINES

The strong chorus were well rehearsed and excellent singing and harmonies, suitably dressed in appropriate costumes, and in their dances they moved as one, this was an impressive chorus, always in character.

I must commend the group for taking on what must have been a challenging piece of theatre, but you brought out the story and gave the audience an excellent evening’s entertainment. Congratulations to Director Charlotte Monk and Musical Director Arne Kovac and most of all to the strong cast and all the people in the background who helped to create the picture.

Thank you once again for your kind invitation and as always the warm welcome front of house. I look forward to being invited to your next production.

Tony Winstone

NODA Representative -  District 13

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