Society : Great Witley Operatic Society
District : 10 (Worcester West)
Production : Carmen
Reviewer : Trevor Guest
Date of Review : 22/03/16
Venue : Swan Theatre, Worcester
Director : Andrew Rawle
Musical : Director Sue Black
Choreographer : Andrew Rawle

Since 1952 GWOS has been synonymous with G & S productions but during the last few years emphasis has changed to increase their repertoire and include musical comedy (Namely Oklahoma and Fiddler on the Roof). This weeks production of the well known and popular opera Carmen was yet another change and one must applaud their commitment to change and versatility.

First night’s are notorious for producing unexpected problem’s but Thursday night’s performance held no such worry’s. There were no gremlin’s present. As expected, experienced singers took the leading roles. A newcomer to the Society Sara Jones, was excellent in the role of Carmen and I was delighted to see lovely Patricia Head back on stage playing (Micaela), and with Jo Hargreaves (Frasquita) and Eleanor Peberdy, (Mercedes) completed as fine a quartet of female performers you could wish for.

The principal male singers in the cast were not so accomplished as the ladies but Robert Forbes (Don Jose) has a fine voice and stage presence. Evergreen Paul Thompson (Zuniga) and charismatic Mike Faulkner (Escamillo) brought their experience to a receptive audience. The chorus and the orchestra under Musical Director Sue Black, marshalled the musical components into a fine production.
22/03/16