Monday 30 August 2010







Despite it being possibly the coldest evening this summer, the sky was blue and the sunlight was brilliant, and the Westonbirt performance outshone even those at Bampton. Once again we were delighted by the warmest response of the audience both to the performance and to this version of Figaro. The pre-performance talk was, as always at Westonbirt, completely full, providing an opportunity to hear about Marcos Portugal's status and achievements. Temperature notwithstanding, the Westonbirt experience is very special, and the buildings and Grade I listed gardens are quite exceptional. This year the Italian garden has been restored (on-going) to extraordinary beauty and would itself have made a perfect setting for the garden finale of Figaro.... During the long interval the more intrepid picnickers remained outside to enjoy the gardens, but many took advantage of the sumptuous Victorian indoor dining rooms.

Sunday 29 August 2010


We had very good rehearsals yesterday (Saturday) with all the cast happily adapting to the inevitably different layout and acoustic at Westonbirt. The acoustic is always amazing but it is a relief that moving the stage from our usual position has in no way affected the clarity of sound. Today (Sunday) although the weather may be changeable this morning, full sun is forecast throughout the performance with a clear sky. We look forward to another outstanding performance of this utterly endearing opera.

Friday 27 August 2010




Four weeks on, and with a very happy holiday behind us, we now return to recreating Count Almaviva's castle of Aguasfrescas, this time on the delightful (and appropriately named) Orangery terrace at Westonbirt School in Gloucestershire. The heavy rain this week has been disheartening and on Wednesday when we transported the scenery from Bampton over to Westonbirt the rain prevented us from doing any more than storing it indoors. We'll have to make an early morning start tomorrow to build it in time for our rehearsals. Fortunately the sun is shining again and the forecast is fine for the coming weekend. It's always a delight going to Westonbirt where we have performed since 2000. We're hoping for a good audience, and a successful revival of this wonderful opera. The photographs show a sunny view from last year, and the damp state of play from earlier this week.