Figaro at Glyndebourne Festival: taut, funny and dazzlingly entertaining

I was lucky enough to get an Under 30s ticket for Le nozze di Figaro recently and it was some of the best fun I’ve ever had at any sort of show, be it comedy, theatre or opera. My guest, who tends to be more interested in the choreography and acting in opera than the music, was similarly enthralled, although Mozart’s spritely, stirring work undoubtedly completed the dazzlingly entertaining whole.

This revival of Michael Grandage’s 2012 Festival production has a novel approach of updating the scenario to the 1960s, and the spirit of free love reflects the sassy tone of the libretto. Rather than coming across as gimmicky, the ’60s setting proved inspired, injecting fresh life and vigour into the opera. Flares, miniskirts and striking haircuts were in abundance, and pop music dancing lent to the sense of mischief and adventure.

Beautifully, lustfully sung by the whole cast, the quality of acting and comic timing was distinctly memorable. Gyula Orendt’s Count was a funny, ineffectual and bemused villain, while Rosa Feola made for an energetic and commanding Susanna whose mature, rounded voice soared. The highlight for me however was undoubtedly Natalia Kawalek’s Cherubino who owned every scene she pranced into. Performing a trouser role, her balletic, graceless female dancing was farcically hilarious whereas her swagger and nuanced portrayal of innocence was charming and entrancing.

At the time of writing there are still some tickets left: I’m going again this week and can’t wait to see what the next guest makes of this perfect opera.

Le nozze di Figaro, Glyndebourne Festival, Until 24 August, www.glyndebourne.com, 01273 815000