Review: CARMEN, Opera North - The Lowry

Photo credit: Tristram Kenton

After not performing since February 2020, Opera North made their comeback to the world of live performance in the autumn of 2021 with their production of Bizet’s Carmen and now bring their latest performance season on tour to the company’s beloved regular venues.

The four-act opera follows the story of Don José, a young soldier who is tempted and seduced by Carmen and in return, he sacrifices everything in order to be with her.  But as Carmen’s feelings falter and Don José cannot bear to give her up to another, jealousy rages and confrontations are had over Don José’s feelings.

Bizet’s compositions for Carmen are a glorious masterpiece and of course well-known pieces such as “Habanera” and “Votre Toast” (aka the Toreador song) are featured.  The orchestra, conducted by Antony Hermus, accompanied by the many voices of the Opera North company create a magnificent sound that resonates within your soul.

This production of Carmen seems to have been condensed so that it is not as lengthy as Bizet’s original opera, and there are times when the narrative is a little difficult to follow. However it is unclear as to whether the reason for this is just the way it is written, or whether there has been any content taken out in order to condense the show which created a slight disruption in the flow of the storyline.  The original opera was first performed in 1875, but Opera North’s adaptation is set nearly a century after in the 1960s.  For the most part, the piece works in this time period; the cigarette factory being changed to a burlesque club being the first notable difference, which really suits the narrative of Act I, however the final act feels a bit out of place with the rest of the performance as it gives more of a 1980’s hoedown energy.  The fourth act is certainly still enjoyable, just a little unexpected following the rest of the show.

Playing Don José is French tenor Sébastien Guèze who is excellently fierce in his portrayal of the role and sings marvellously, but there are some moments when choreographed stage combat doesn’t quite match up to his powerfully intense and aggressive Don José characterisation.  One standout performance comes from American performer Chrystal E. Williams who plays leading lady Carmen.  Williams’ interpretation of the role is excellent, and she showcases astonishing vocal technique and fantastic acting skills; she really seems to embody Carmen’s spirit through the entirety of the performance.

Opera North’s Carmen showcases not only Bizet’s masterful compositions, but also the remarkably talented singers amongst the company and the exceptional musicians from the orchestra.  Despite the narrative not always being the clearest and the piece itself having what director Edward Dick refers to as “aspects of its dramaturgy that are… problematic now”, Carmen is a wonderfully fiery piece of theatre that enthrals audiences and blesses your ears.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Jess Dalloway

Opera North’s Carmen continues to tour until 2 April, with more information available here.