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Wine time: The Frogs - Southwark Playhouse

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For a show called The Frogs, there isn’t much amphibian activity in the piece. But being a show with music by Stephen Sondheim, you could be mistaken for thinking it’s a critical theatrical piece. But like Sondheim’s final musical playing at the National Theatre, while it may not be a musical that fills you with provocative thoughts, it’s a fast-paced romp through hell and back to save the world for the sake of arts. With rousing choruses, thrilling choreography and plenty of cheap laughs, what more can you want from the theatre? It’s currently playing at the Southwark Playhouse (Borough) . There isn’t much to the plot, except that Dionysus (Dan Buckley), disillusioned by the state of a divided world, and his sidekick and slave, Xanthias (Kevin McHale), cross the river Styx to the underworld to find a great writer who they can return to the world to teach the world about life. He has his mind set on bringing back George Bernard Shaw until he hears the poetry of Shakespeare.  This v...

Opera last look: Fidelio

I had reservations about catching the final night of Fidelio at the Royal Opera. The bad notices for this production (although not for the performances) had lowered my expectations, but in fact there is much to enjoy about this work, and no doubt explains why it is a favourite among some people.

It is easy to understand why it is still performed. The leading lady gets to disguise herself as a boy, fend off the love interest of a woman, rescue her husband and inspire a minor revolution. All during this there are some very interesting arias to sing, and the second half things get particularly dramatic. It is a rather inspiring work with a strong central character.

Nina Stemme in the lead role was also strong and believable. She spoke on an earlier Royal Opera podcast about the role and she gives the piece a solid foundation. She also looks perfect for the role of a woman who disguises herself as a boy (and she is helped by some rather sensible trousers, jacket and cap)...

At times amongst all this political intrigue and outrage, it seems odd that there is such pretty music and magical choruses. If the music and the drama don't seem to gel, it is an interesting curiosity nevertheless.

The staging could have been much simpler and works better in the second half when things are less complicated. All told, a shame there were empty seats for its final night. Perhaps future productions should be just concert versions as things would no doubt work as well (and possibly be cheaper to mount)...

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