Saul

Originally written as an oratorio, Handel’s Saul has seamlessly been transformed into a full blown opera in this glorious production. Goliath has been slain, and Saul in gratitude welcomes the young hero David. But as the court and family embrace David, Saul is driven mad by the realisation that David is a threat to his crown. Christopher Ainslie beautifully portrays David’s shell-shocked bewilderment and Henry Waddington’s Saul, torn apart by jealously, viscerally unravels.
The rest of the cast are all excellent, but the Glyndebourne Chorus are the stars of this show, revelling in the exquisitely colourful excess of the opening banquet, to post-battle monochrome, as they confront the audience, starkly lit by the footlights, as David becomes king.
Glyndebourne

27 and 30 October, then on tour

Martin Lovelock

5 stars