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Wee liberties: Beauty and The Beast: A Horny Love Story at Charing Cross Theatre

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It may not be a tale as old as time, but it’s still the same old story, almost, with Beauty and the Beast: A Horny Love Story currently playing at the Charing Cross Theatre .  As the title suggests, this is not family holiday entertainment, but neither is it all gay gore. And a surprisingly large number of clever gags, a gorgeous-looking production, costumes, and an ensemble make for a classy night out with the occasional lashing of sluttiness.  It’s been a while since I have seen an adults-only panto. Like many things at the theatre—ticket prices, opening nights, age of social media influencers—things have changed. Happily, things have changed for the better here. The show focuses on assembling an excellent cast. Elaborate costumes by Robert Draper and David Shields’ set pieces help give this adult panto a touch of class. There are the usual lewd jokes and a quick flash of buttocks.   The setting of the story is in the northernmost village of Scotland, Lickmanochers. Not...

Old doge: I Due Foscari @TheRoyalOpera

Plácido Domingo in I due Foscari © ROH/Catherine Ashmore, 2014
The Royal Opera's production of I Due Foscari which opened last week is a chance to see Plácido Domingo in an age-appropriate role.

Verdi's opera is intriguing for its use of leitmotifs for each of the principal roles, but lacks much dramatic fire, other than to see the predictable  tragedy of an ageing ruler weakened and lose everything.

Thankfully it is short but it is also give much more interest with some star power and seems a perfect vehicle for Domingo.

When his voice was at his strongest, you could also be forgiven for thinking he was back in tenor territory with its rich and bright sound. And at 73, it is an event to watch see such an experienced master at work.



Plácido Domingo and Francesco Meli in I due Foscari © ROH/Catherine Ashmore, 2014The star power was shared with Francesco Meli as his condemned son Jacopo, and Maria Agresta as Jacopo's wife.

Maria Agresta and Plácido Domingo in I due Foscari © ROH/Catherine Ashmore, 2014
There was plenty of passion in their voices and some sublime subtle harmonies with the three principals together.

A night to remember for the performances and the fine music making, even if the opera is probably an acquired taste.

I Due Foscari is a co production with Los Angeles Opera, Palau De Les Arts Reina Sofía, Valencia and Theater An Der Wien, Vienna.

It runs for five more performances up to 2 November. Tickets are currently available.

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Photo credit: Production photos by Catherine Ashmore

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