Though still staged in Germany, Albert Lortzing's amusing comedy, The Poacher, is a real rarity in this country. Patrick Mason's new production provides a superb opening for the annual feast of unusual operas presented as part of the Buxton Festival.
Successfully treading that difficult path that separates opera from operetta, it is a score full of attractive arias and ensembles that
provide a happy and totally disarming evening's entertainment.
A charming and brightly-lit set, together with
period costumes, create a European rural scene in the mid-19th century, thinly disguised characters of the aristocracy forming a love-triangle
that is loaded with misunderstanding.
James Rutherford is the epitome of the bumbling schoolmaster sacked after being accused of poaching, and comes as a perfect foil to a flirtatious girlfriend, sung with vivacity by the supple soprano of Laura Parfitt.
Benjamin Hulett, a remarkably elegant young British tenor working in Germany, Judith Howarth, Imelda Drumm and Ashley Holland complete the
sextet embroiled in the ever-increasing confusion that ends with happiness all round.
Conductor, Andrew Greenwood, keeps the action moving at a brisk pace, his virile festival chorus and outstanding Northern Chamber Orchestra adding the final icing to this totally enjoyable evening.
Further performances on July 18, 21 & 26.
Buxton Opera House
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