Reader Reviews
Impempe Yomlingo (The Magic Flute) (Duke of York's Theatre, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | It's helpful to be familiar with The Magic Flute before seeing this version because, although much of it is sung in English, the story is nearly imcomprehensible, Papageno being the least audible today. It's also very doubtful if Mozart's wonderful melodies are suited to the almost entirely rythmic marimbas and percussion. For me the highlights were some beautiful passages of unaccompanied choral singing and moments of wild exuberance when the original score was discarded altogether. It' also true that the story of masonic rituals translates superbly to an African setting with suggestions of witchcraft. I do wonder though if some of the plaudits for this show (and an Olivier) are less for the quality of the production and more for the fact that it has been done at all. - David Baxter | 12 Mar 08 |
