Leeds Grand Theatre last Saturday hosted a very special event, the opening of the Opera North season with Benjamin Britten's Peter Grimes.
This is the first of three on the programme, cleverly marketed as Festival of Britten, correctly suggesting it is Britain's greatest opera as well as Britten's.
Jeffrey-Lloyd Roberts's magnificent assumption of the persecuted title role returned for a second time in Phyllida Lloyd's terrific production. Their joint efforts are not likely to be surpassed to celebrate the composer's centenary alongside upcoming productions of his A Midsummer Night's Dream and Death in Venice.
Giselle Allen was outstanding as Ellen Orford and Dean Robinson's Swallow was a perfect replacement for the tragic loss of Richard Angus.
Brazen village behaviour typified by the excellent Jennifer France and Aiofe O'Sullivan got the better of Robert Hayward's noble Captain Balstrode.
The huge 48-strong chorus was shattering; Grimes couldn't cope with this and took Ellen's heartbreaking advice to end it all at sea when the orchestra stopped playing and the conductor, Jae van Steen, lay down his baton.
Grand Theatre, Leeds, Saturday, September 27, October 10, 16 & 26. Visit leedsgrandtheatre.com or call 0844 848 2720 for further details
JOHN PETTITT
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article