Review by Mark at Leicester's De Montfort Hall
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review
Bizet's Carmen is one of the operatic heavyweights and performed on a UK tour presented by Senbla as part of Ellen Kent’s Farewell Tour. The production is a showcase of undeniable vocal talent. Staged by Opera International Kyiv, the evening is defined by the vocal skill of its performers. From the powerhouse mezzo-soprano of Mariia Davydova in the titular role to the soaring heights reached by Elena Dee and Viktoria Melnyk, there was never a doubt that we were in the presence of world-class soloists.
The entire company, from the full orchestra to the spirited chorus, delivers Bizet’s iconic score with precision and grace. The iconic numbers naturally stand out. From the Overture onward, you are impressed by the orchestra. 'The Toreador’s Song' and 'Habanera' are performed with the kind of polished professionalism you would expect from such a highly praised troupe. The Moorish-inspired sets provided a traditional backdrop that captures the sun-drenched atmosphere of Seville.
Despite the high level of individual talent on show, the production feels curiously detached. For a story centered on passion, the vital spark of connection between the characters was lacking. The chemistry between the leads felt choreographed rather than felt, making it difficult to fully invest in the tragic stakes of the finale.
While it was a pleasure to witness such gifted artists on stage, the performance felt more like a series of beautiful recitals than a cohesive, heart-wrenching drama. The show's most powerful moment came during the curtain call, with a startling reminder of Ukraine's current plight.
Whether this is your first or 50th opera, this staging of Carmen is a solid, musically impressive production that honours the genre's traditions.
⭐⭐⭐
Carmen tours alongside Madama Butterfly with the final performance on 13th May. You can find full tour dates and venues by visiting https://www.ellenkent.com/book-tickets/
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