FOUNDED 11 years ago, by Brendan Wheatly and Bridgett Gill, and starting life performing amid the ruins of English heritage sites, Opera Box is still described as Britain's leading exponent of 'outdoor' opera, despite taking to the stages of theatres and leaving audiences astounded around the country.
Opera Box has presented over 70 performances of complete operas per year, including The Magic Flute, La Traviata and Madam Butterfly, featuring singers from the major British opera companies.
In its current tour, the company stunningly reveals the masterpiece that is Mozart's 'The Marriage of Figaro' through a tantalising and moving score, beautiful traditional costumes and the extreme talent in both acting and singing of the performers.
Sung in English, this tale of love, hate and humorously awkward social relations takes nothing away from the ideas of the opera, Da Ponte's libretto, after Beaumarchis, still contains much relevance in today's rendition.
Figaro and Susanna seek the consent of their master, Count Almaviva, to marry, and Figaro is more than a little concerned that his lordship will not allow the marriage as he covets Susanna for himself. The Count ignores his own marriage and Countess Almaviva consoles herself with her devoted page Cherubino who has now also taken to Susanna. To make matters worse, Dr. Bartolo, who despises Figaro, is scheming to marry him off to his elderly servant Marcellina!
Gripping to the final curtain, the actors are fresh and hardworking.
As part of Opera Box's tour, 'The Marriage of Figaro' visits the Torch Theatre, Milford Haven, for one night only tomorrow (Saturday) at 7.30 pm. Tickets are priced at £15 (£13 discounts) and can be purchased from the Theatre Box Office, telephone (01646) 695267.