Sarah Tynan takes on the role of Lucia in this new revival of David Alden’s original 2008 production. Here’s what the critics have been making of it…
The Guardian: ★★★★ “Psychodramatic in approach and fiercely challenging the work’s reputation as primarily a display piece, was considered both groundbreaking and controversial when it was first seen in 2008. I had reservations about it when it was new, some of which remain. But opinion can change over time, and 10 years on it strikes me as a superbly cogent piece of theatre, subtle and disturbing in equal measure.”
The Telegraph: ★★★★★ “By any liberal definition it should rank as a masterpiece, as ENO’s superb revival blazingly demonstrates.”
Evening Standard: ★★★ “Stuart Stratford conducts with stylish flexibility, maintaining dramatic tension throughout.”
The Times: ★★★★ “No David Alden production is complete without an asylum-sized parade of creeps and pervs. And this 2008 Donizetti production — now revived with melodramatic gusto by English National Opera – is definitely one for connoisseurs of the kinky.”
The Stage: ★★★★ “Most of the cast are new, all of them committing to Alden’s punchy dramatic vision, which may seem to move the piece away from the traditional melancholy bel canto approach but which in so doing respects Donizetti and his librettist as creators of a compelling, pitch-black drama.”
Bachtrack: ★★★★ “ENO hasn’t had much luck with translations of late, so it’s salutary to re-encounter Amanda Holden’s stylish and superbly judged English version of an opera that can so easily tip into bathos. It’s the sprig of nightshade on a blood-red confection that deserves nothing less than a run of full houses.”
Culture Whisper: ★★★★★ “Whether you are new to opera or bathe in the stuff, here is a wonderful evening, musically, visually and dramatically, a big hit from the heart of the operatic repertoire that will have audiences coming back for more.”
markronan.com: “The chorus themselves were terrific, and while Stuart Stratford in the orchestra pit kept singers and musicians together well, emphasising the ominous nature of the music, I would have preferred more of the Donizetti sparkle.”
JohnnyFox.co.uk: ★★★★ “Stuart Stratford conducts with dramatic fire, and the energised orchestra and chorus are clearly relishing it: both are beyond first rate.”
Lucia di Lammermoor continues to play at the English National Opera until the 5 December 2018.
