MK Theatre: Welsh National Opera - Blaze of Glory

Rating: ★★★★★
Running Dates: Saturday 16th May
Where to see it: MK Theatre
Duration: 2 hours 10minutes (incl. interval)

SUMMARY

Last night was a performance to remember. A wonderful and empowering evening and one for those not sure on Opera or has yet to experience it, should go and see. Welsh National Opera has truly blown me away.

It is set in the 1950’s in a Welsh Mining community where times were hard. A show based around the men in this mining community. They form a choir of amateur singers and call themselves the Welsh National Opera Society. However, in 1953, the atmosphere became grim because of the mining disaster, which diminished member of the choir. Dafydd Pugh, the pit foreman played by Jeffrey Lloyd-Roberts was persuaded by Emelyn, a young choir member played by the talented Adam Gillbert to form a Glee choir to lead the men in song.

After much persuasion, Glee was formed with Mr Pugh as conductor and the lovely, vivacious Miss Nerys Hughes played by Rebecca Evans as the accompanist. She was amazing!

They were ecouraged to enter a competition, the local Eisteddfod and bid for glory. The choir found out that their test piece was Ambroise Thomas’s Le Tyrol so feeling challenged about this they asked Bryn Bevan, a brewer from Treochy, played by Feargal Hylton who spent time in Austria peforming the art of yodelling and began practising with the choir which was a very comical scene. Despite best efforts, their arch rivals and they were disqualified. This caused quite a scene as it ended up in a punch up, the marquee falling on top of everyone and this had all the audience in fits of laughter.

The choir again returned home disheartened but Miss Price now passionately involved with Mr Pugh refuses to let them give up so they carry on and after success at the Natoin Eisteddfod they won in 1956 and proudly wearing the bespoke blazers made by all the women in the textile factory they go on to their next goal which is the miners Eisteddfod in Porthcawl. This was an important event for them as there was a transatlantic link with American bass-baritone, Paul Roberton who was a musical icon and miner.

This was very poignant for a young African member of the choir called Anthony played by Themba Mvula who had settled in the town. As they prepare to enter the hall, Emlyn their star tenor played by the talented Adam Gilbert resigns and goes to Covent Garden. Disaster does not stop there..

REVIEW

The talent in the Welsh National Opera performing this opera was outstanding and breathtaking. The singing was so good it gave me goosebumps and filled me with emotion. The story telling whilst singing was particularly good by everyone. However, I have to say Mr Dafyd Pugh played by Jeffery Lloyd-Roberts and Miss Nerys Price played by Rebecca Evans were definitely stars of the show. I must mention the singing trio Bronwen, Angharad Morgan, Blodwen, Lea shaw and Branwen Angharad Lyddon. They helped tell the story with excitement, great singing and dancing. I also must mention Anthony played by Themba Mvula who sang with amazing tone to his voice and passion.

The costumes were great and very well organised change of scenery.

Lastly, the sometimes forgotten Orchestra. The conductor was James Southall who was very talented in keeping the orchestra in time and paid detail to dynamics which helped the singers on the stage.

Over a marvellous performance with a great range of harmonies and genres.

Written by Anne Moyle