OperaShots - The Doctor's Tale

Synopsis

OperaShots returns to ROH2 and invites leading contemporary talent from other fields to break the mould and take a brand new shot at opera. Lasting about half an hour each, OperaShots is short, sharp and experimental and offers a new angle on opera, for both experienced opera lovers and opera virgins. OperShots is part of an ongoing programme of opera development work across the Royal Opera House which ranges from full-scale commissions to development workshops, courses and observer programmes.

Our Review:

10 April 2011

The Tell-Tale Heart (1 star) & A Doctor’s Tale (5 stars)

A double-bill is supposed to double your pleasure, but it could equally double your disgust. In this mélange of modern miniatures ROH2 combined the two feelings by offering a dreadful 35 minute stinker based on an Edgar Allan Poe story, and a fantastic 60 minute opera about a doctor who happens to be a dog.

Two star names drew a crowd - Stewart Copeland (composer of The Tell-Tale Heart) was once the drummer in rock band The Police, and Terry Jones (who wrote the libretto for and directed A Doctor’s Tale) was, obviously, in Monty Python. According to the ROH2 mission statement this venture was all about “supporting the development of young creative practitioners”. Very noble, however Stewart Copeland is 59 years old and Terry Jones is 69 years old. Maybe they should revise that mission statement?

First up was The Tell-Tale Heart. What a let dow...

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Latest User Review

Gareth James - 14 April 2011:

I agree. The Tell Tale Heart is a 30-minute mess in a gothic / commedia dell arte style with a ragbag of musical styles; the design is the best thing about it. The Doctor's Tale is a 60-minute comic gem – tuneful, very funny and positively charming. ...

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