English National Opera's 'The Marriage of Figaro' Revival Garners Mixed Reviews

Joe Hill-Gibbins's minimalist production divides critics with its stark staging and unconventional choices, while vocal performances and musical direction draw praise.

• The production, initially staged for one night in 2020 before pandemic closures, returns to the London Coliseum with a mostly new cast and minimalist design.
• Critics are divided on the set design, which features a plain white box with four doors, praised by some for its creativity but criticized by others for limiting the storytelling.
• Nardus Williams’s portrayal of the Countess and Mary Bevan’s performance as Susanna received widespread acclaim for their vocal and emotional depth.
• The musical direction by Ainars Rubikis was noted for its energy and expressiveness, though some reviewers mentioned occasional disconnection between singers and orchestra.
• While the cast's acting and movement direction were praised for their dynamism, the unconventional staging and costume choices were polarizing.

3 Articles

The Telegraph The Times i