Review: Janacek: The Cunning Little Vixen ****

Janacek’s picture of life in the forest is one of my favourite operas, and of the many productions I have seen, Ryedale Festival Opera’s budget performance is among the most enjoyable.

The size of the delightful theatre required a much reduced orchestra in a version specially arranged by the excellent conductor, Iain Farrington, their onstage presence behind a gauze screen detracting in no way from Joe Austin’s imaginative and delightful production.

Indeed it was an object lesson to our large opera companies as to how much can be achieved from so little, the forest, the farm and the pub all suggested without recourse to expensive sets.

There were some variants on the usual presentation, the eventual death of the little vixen here so moving, though I did miss the usual children taking the part of the many insects. Rebecca Bottone could well have been born to take the part of the vixen, her voice and size so utterly perfect as she moves from shyness to motherhood. She shared top billing with Samuel Evans as the Forester, a young singer of immense potential.

Clare McCaldin did find the venue rather small for her powerful portrayal of the Fox, while the much experienced Thomas Herford as the Schoolmaster headed the group of fast-changing characters.