Our specially-created production of Albert Herring had its first two performances at the Corn Exchange in Haddington as part of Lammermuir Festival on September 5 and 6, directed by Daisy Evans with designs by Kat Heath.
Benjamin Britten and librettist Eric Crozier’s loose adaptation of a Guy de Maupassant short story, full of quirky yet loveable characters and 1990s nostalgia, was brought to life by conductor William Cole and singers including Glen Cunningham as Albert, Susan Bullock as Lady Billows and Jamie MacDougall as the Mayor, Mr Upfold.
The production garnered a host of positive press reviews, with The National calling it ‘impressive’, whilst The Guardian praised the Company debuts of Emerging Artists mezzo-soprano Chloe Harris (Nancy) and bass-baritone Edward Jowle (PC Budd).
The Times highlighted Glen Cunningham’s ‘terrific portrayal’ of Albert Herring, and how he ‘perfectly treads the line between the gangly overgrown child, and the young man about to flower into something new.’
The Stage mentioned the show’s 13-piece orchestra, commenting on its ‘exceptional, characterful form, under eager direction from conductor William Cole.’
There are three more chances to see Britten’s beloved operatic comedy on 18 and 22 October at Theatre Royal Glasgow, and 13 November at Festival Theatre Edinburgh.
To view production images and buy your tickets for Albert Herring visit www.scottishopera.org.uk/shows/albert-herring/
★★★★ 'a score buzzing with textural virtuosity and humorous innuendo' - The Scotsman
★★★★ 'some of the best music in the entire Britten canon' - The Guardian
★★★★ 'A strikingly modern flavour' - The Stage
★★★★ 'the finest performance I've seen in an opera all year' - The Times