Under review: A Night at the opera

A stillness fell over the audience as the lights dimmed on Glyndebourne’s production of Billy Budd, and that stillness remained throughout bar the rapturous applause at the half and final curtains. Britten’s score is extraordinarily beautiful, capturing the camaraderie of the crew but more so the oppressive nature of their lives and the conditions in which they lived. Even the soft lilt and light humour of the sea shanty is underscored with an all pervading darkness. Andrew Davis and the London Philharmonic deliver this with intensity and power and under Jeremy Bines the chorus are at their very best, the voices lapping over the front of the stage in gentle waves or thundering in like a storm.

Mark Padmore gives an extraordinary performance as Captain Veer, his beautiful voice matched equally by his acting skills. Jacques Imbrailo is captivating as Billy exuding an innocence, energy and beauty so vital in making the drama work. Brindley Sherratt’s portrayal of Claggart is terrifying, the terror he feels as his emotions are challenged by the presence of Billy Budd and the reign of terror that he holds over the crew and even the Captain as the story spirals downward.

The work also allows for excellence in a host of minor roles, too many to mention but all of a calibre that will see the performers triumph on an international platform. Christopher Oram’s design is superb, as dark and oppressive as Britten’s score, and the entire production is one impressive and cohesive whole that held the audience rapt until an explosion of wild applause and cheering that in part felt like a release from the sadness of the tale. Glyndebourne at its very best!
Billy Budd, Glyndebourne, 15 August 2013
Rating:
Andrew Kay