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Brief awakenings: White Rose The Musical @MaryleboneTHLDN

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A fascinating and daring act of defiance in Nazi Germany by a group of university students in Munich is given a slightly perplexing rock musical treatment in White Rose, the musical. Something seems amiss in this earnest and occasionally tuneful show. It lags more than it inspires, which is surprising given the tragic and compelling history of the real-life characters the show depicts. Given that young people are increasingly likely to vote for far-right parties across Europe, it’s an opportunity to look at a time when they had a different perspective on the future. Perhaps something has been lost in the translation or the larger space of the Marylebone Theatre where it plays.  The White Rose were a group of university students in Munich who sought to undermine the Third Reich through publication of a series of pamphlets urging passive resistance to the Nazi regime. Over a brief period between June 1942 and February 1943, they distributed their pamphlets across campus using ...

Secret marriages and other rivalries: Il Matrimonio Segreto @popupoperauk


Cimarosa’s Il Matrimonio Segreto (The Secret Marriage) continues Pop-up Opera's tradition of semi-staging rarely seen works in unusual locations. It's playing at various sites across the country until 30 July.

This rarely-seen work is perfect for their style. It's a little bit silly. It has some great arias. And it showcases some fabulous voices from its young and energetic cast. Of course being Pop-up Opera, they add some 21st century flourishes to this  18th century opera. There are endless references to politics and on-point trends.



The story centres around two young lovers, Paolino and Carolina. They get married and tell nobody about it. Slight problem is that Paolino married one of the two daughters of the man he works for. Who just happens to be a rich Italian businessman. He's also working on marrying off the other daughter to a mad English toff... Who seems to bear some resemblance to Boris... Albeit he can sing. And doesn't waffle. But this toff fancies Carolina...

It's well sung and acted with a terrific performance by Peter Kirk as Paolino. He his unforced tenor voice was powerful yet fresh and perfectly suited for the role. Opposite him as Carolina, Chiara Vinci is a feisty soprano full of energy and wit.


In the surroundings of The Vaults at Waterloo it isn't the most magical of all the venues Pop-Up Opera will tour. But the appreciative audience were either cheering or in hysterics from the proceedings.

Directed by Max Hoehn and with Musical Direction by Berrak Dyer, Il Matrimonio Segreto travels around the country. The performers vary depending on the evening. There are future dates in and around London throughout the summer too. Don't miss it.

⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎

Production photos by Richard Lakos and rehearsal photographs by Lidia Crisafulli

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