The Bartered Bride

The Comedic Opera The Bartered Bride by Bedrich Smetana, premiered in 1866 and is originally set in a Czech village with villagers celebrating at a Church fair. The opera follows Marina and Johnny, whose love is threatened when the marriage broker Barker arranges for Marina to marry Vincent, the son of wealthy landowner Toby Mitchell. Unbeknownst to Marina, Johnny is Toby’s long-lost son, and by cleverly agreeing she may only marry Toby’s son, he ensures they can be together. After misunderstandings, comic twists, revelations, and even a circus performance, the truth comes out, the lovers are united, and everyone celebrates. Director Harvey Evans has set this production in a rural British Village in 1953, during a weekend street party celebrating the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

The simple static set consisted of two large picnic tables elaborately decorated with some beautifully made props, and overhead bunting depicting the street party. This remained in place until Act 3 when the Circus performers arrive, and the aerial equipment and circus pedestal was added. The director made excellent use of the space available, using all available entrances and exits ensuring the scenes moved slickly and smoothly.

The 11-piece orchestra led by Musical Director Robert Marson played beautifully. They were on a raised platform across the back of the stage. There were moments that I felt they overpowered the soloists, even with them behind the performers, making it difficult to catch all the lyrics, which when you are unfamiliar with the work can make it a little tricky to follow. I understand there is little desire to want to amplify the performers, but it may be something to consider??

This feels like a difficult venue to light, due to the size of the area and the availability of bars. As a result, the coverage had some gaps and on occasion and some principals were singing outside of the light. You’d also added in free-mounted lights from the side and the rear to help create additional effects. Some of these were really lovely – the magenta lighting for a trio in act 2 was memorable and the moving heads worked really well as spotlights in the circus scene. Some of the other effects didn’t quite fit the production, but I liked how you’d tried to create variety and interest.

Costumes and make up were generally very good and in keeping with the period, however I did notice a couple of more modern items of clothing particularly in the circus scene and some hairstyles were not of the chosen period. 

In reviewing the Principal characters:

Marina: Beautiful Soprano tone. You held yourself well as the Bartered Bride, with both humour and feist and formed a believable relationship with Johnny.

Johnny: A lovely quality in your voice and able to create a full character at the same time, which worked well. Excellent pairing with Marina.

Barker: A great character performance, well-sustained, with some lovely bass notes.

Vincent:an endearing performance, I felt genuinely sorry for your character at times, as is the intention. Beautiful vocals throughout.

Pamela and Brokenshaw: A lovely partnership, who sang and worked together believable.

Hattie and Toby Mitchell: Also a great partnership and some lovely vocals.

Esmeralda and Ringmaster: Really enjoyed your cameo performances, not only well-sung but well-acted too,

Chorus and Youth Chorus: some lovely harmonies and I could see some great characterisations from some members. I would just encourage everyone to stay fully in character, but it’s also important not to pull focus from the main action. I note that this is the Youth chorus’s inaugural appearance so well done it’s lovely to see youth talent being encouraged. Circus Performers: A lovely contrast and surprise to the proceedings of the show.

A highlight for me were the young dancers from the Annette Adams School of Dancing, right from the start they brought strong energy, character and beautiful dancing. If I’m being really picky, I would have like to see a polka when the villagers were “dancing a merry polka” But I loved the beautiful choreography and dancing throughout.

Another lovely performance, Well done to everyone involved. Thank you for the invitation and look forward to your future productions.  

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