BREMF – La Liberazione di Ruggiero dall’Isola di Alcina

It’s a classic story of hero, Ruggiero (Nick Pritchard), as sex-slave to the sorceress Alsina (Anna Devin). He is released by Melissa (countertenor Denis Lakey), another enchantress who butches up as Atlas! Various sirens, bridesmaids, singing seaweed (?) and sailors intervene but, on the edge of panto, all is restored to peace and joy.

Fancesca Caccini’s music (1625) is beautifully realised by every voice, by the compact baroque band and the excellent continuo players, directed by Deborah Roberts. The terse and witty translation cards kept us informed and amused. This whole production just oozes quality and is a joy throughout.

The Old Market, 5 November 2015

Rating: