Die Fledermaus

Ellen Kent has created an intriguing new interpretation of the popular operetta by translating a Russian version into English and the result was fantastic. There were some truly funny scenes including a newly discovered lament from Eisenstein about how he is to be unjustly incarcerated for shooting his gamekeeper (played with skillful comic timing by Ruslan Zinevich). Vladimir Dragos (a veteran Kent baritone) was hilarious playing an over-the-top staggering drunk prison guard but there was also superb singing throughout. Maria Tonina was a real crowd-pleaser as Adele with a clear soprano tone and strong pronunciation, all the more important when singing in the audience’s mother tongue. There was a light, boozy atmosphere about the show and the crowd which made for a distinctly memorable evening, and a refreshing change for those already familiar with the work.

Theatre Royal Brighton, 6 October 2015

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