Tales of Hoffmann

How good to see Norfolk 's only surviving opera company in this visually stunning recently refurbished Handa Theatre in Wells-next-the-Sea. What a challenge they set themselves by tackling Offenbachs Tales of Hoffmann an immense piece and extremely vocally challenging.  
This mixture of fantasy and reality covering all the human emotions offers a large scope for any opera company. The story revolves around a poet, Hoffman, who, while talking to friends and acquaintances in the Inn, is asked to tell the tale of his three greatest loves. His choice of lovers was a very mixed bag. 
A doll who, through magic glasses, appeared real to only Hoffman. A lady who could steal shadows and reflections to keep a hold on him, force him to kill a rival and then leave him with her actual lover. His third love who suffers from a congenital heart disease and in true operatic style sings herself to death.
Hoffmann’s mixed fortunes are overseen by an array of characters,(Councillor Lindorf, Copellius, Dappertutto and Doctor Miracle) and Andrew Masterson in these many guises treated us to some rich baritone singing. 
In the title role was Mike Hammond as Hoffman who battled his way through this extremely complex sing. He was helped on his way by his companion Nicholas, (Katherine Jones) competently sung and with movement that matched his elegant attire.
The three women in his life are all so different. The first one we meet is with Olympia, the doll, (Melissa Sampson). This sweet, strong soprano voice was a joy to listen to as she sang her very difficult aria, especially as she had to be rewound several times. Next, we meet Gulietta, (Samantha Hawkins), who, together with the chorus, sang one of the most well-known pieces, Barcarolle. Thirdly is Antonia, (Catherine Joule), who despite having a bad heart condition, sang beautifully up until she died. This was another of those “pleasure to listen to” voices.
Denise Bridge, (Spalanzani, voice of Antonia’s Mother and Nathaniel), has a voice made for opera. Clear, accurate and full of expression as she portrayed three completely different characters.
Finally, well done to Desmond Holmes for the lovely little cameo and comic piece as Frantz, the servant, it brought a smile to all our faces.
Mark Jones with his vast musical knowledge was his usual animated self, as he led both musicians and singers through this tricky piece.
I hope the rest of the production team and director Paul Hands were pleased with the show and may your audiences grow to help you fully enjoy your run.

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