Outpost 13

    Falstaff

    About

    Verdi’s great opera Falstaff explodes onto our stage this autumn in a co-production between Opera Project and Tobacco Factory Theatres.

    When the mischievous, lecherous Falstaff sets out to seduce the beautiful Mrs Ford and Mrs Page to get at their husbands’ money, he feels sure to succeed. But will the women let him get away with it? And what will happen when their husbands find out his plans? Much trickery, hilarity and humiliation ensues in Verdi’s Falstaff, not only one of the greatest comic masterpieces, but also one of the supreme challenges in all opera with its hair-raising ensembles and breakneck pace.

    Under the shadow of Herne’s mighty oak, a stunning cast headed by the inimitable Simon Thorpe will perform this wonderful opera.

    Boito’s masterly libretto takes inspiration from Shakespeare’s Merry Wives of Windsor and Henry IV. With Verdi’s exceptional score, Falstaff is universally regarded as the finest of all Shakespeare-based operas. Following last year’s sell-out Madam Butterfly, Verdi’s final farewell work. And his only comedy, is bristling with energy and awash with fabulous melodies.

    Farrows Creative

    Farrows Creative

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    Archived show. To book any of our productions please contact Kerrie Burke-Avery, Producer, on 0117 963 0963 or email kerrie@tobaccofactorytheatres.com

    RUNNING TIME 2hr 30 (inc. interval)
    AGE RECOMMENDATION 12+
    ORIGINAL VENUE Factory Theatre

    Cast & Creative

    Creative

    Music – Giuseppe Verdi
    Liberetto – Arrigo Boito
    Translation – Amanda Holden
    Reduced Orchestration – Tony Burke
    Conductor – Jonathan Lyness
    Direction & Design – Richard Studer
    Lighting Design – Matt Graham
    Repetiteur – Alice Turner
    Orchestra Manager – Tony Best
    Costume Supervisor – Bianca Ward

    Cast

    Dr Caius – Michael Bennett
    Mistress Quickly – Gaynor Keeble
    Nanetta – Joanna Foote
    Meg Page – Stephanie Windsor-Lewis
    Fenton – Robyn Lyn Evans
    Alice Ford – Angharad Morgan
    Pistol – Mark Saberton
    Bardolph – Samuel Smith
    Ford – Matthew Sprange
    Falstaff – Simon Thorpe

    Orchestra

    Violin 1 – Catherine Black
    Violin 2 – Lisa Betteridge
    Viola – Nerissa Valvert
    Cello – Kay Thomas
    Double Bass – Antonia Bakewell
    Flute / Piccolo – Nicola Barnes
    Oboe / Cor Anglais – Rosalie Watson
    Clarinet – Julia Holmes
    Bassoon – Alexandra Callanan
    Horn – Mark Kane
    Trumpet / Flugel Horn – Gavin Wells
    Harp – Ruth Kenyon
    Timpani / Perc – Jeremy Little

    Reviews

    Conductor Jonathan Lyness keeps Verdi’s fidgety energy on the boil, and the end of Act II oozes snap, crackle and pop

    Bristol 24/7

    The knockabout ensemble work and pacy direction by Richard Studer caused great amusement to the packed house

    Bristol Post

    The company showcases its impressive voices and an ability to balance comic timing with the renowned, fearful pace of the opera

    Reviews Hub

    Opera Project specialise in making the often pretentious world of opera more accessible to audiences outside the royal box

    Exeunt

    Without doubt, this is a comedy and a show that offers a glow on a chilly autumn evening

    Weston-Super-Mum