The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflote)

Synopsis

Bizarre and spellbinding. The Magic Flute features two love stories, a serpent, a Queen, a High Priest and a comedian, whose intrigues unfold to the beauty of Mozart's most popular opera score and Schikaneder's witty dialogue

Our Review:

2 February 2011

David McVicar’s much-loved production of Die Zauberflöte is receiving its fourth revival at the Royal Opera House, and its appeal hasn’t yet faded, judging by the absence of empty seats and the packed standing areas. The combination of McVicar’s utopian vision of a male-dominated world whose virtues are founded on knowledge and righteousness, Schikaneder’s witty and uncomplicated-despite-being-heavily-laced-with-freemasonry libretto, and Mozart’s feel-good music has become one of ROH’s staple productions – all the omens were good, as I settled into my seat.

But just over three hours later, I arose feeling distinctly unsatisfied. Not completely, I should add: this was the first time I’d heard Christopher Maltman sing the role of Papageno – I missed the 2008 revival of this Flute, in which he appeared as the bird-catcher for the first time – and his superb physical acting and excellent comic timing, alli...

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Latest User Review

Hanna C - 12 February 2011:

We were very lucky with our seats, saw perfectly and I had nothing to comment on Odinius, nor the other performances. I thought Franz-Josef Selig and Kate Royal were very impressive, and I very much enjoyed Christopher Maltmans Papageno. Jessica Pratt handled the pressure of "Der Hölle Rache" flawlessly. I almost expected to be disappointed since I have never warmed to opera story-wise, but it was a great musical experience. ...

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