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Travelin' Through: Broken Toys @CervantesTheatr

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Things are a bit different at the Cervantes Theatre when you see Broken Toys. You enter through the upstairs dressing rooms and go down to the theatre. It is a circuitous route, much like the story of Marion. You end up in the same place but have taken a different journey. And like what the old prostitute said. It's not the work but the stairs. And there before you is the theatre, but not entirely as I recall it. It feels like an intimate cabaret venue with tables and a shiny stage. And there we are introduced to Marion. Marion grew up in a small town during the Franco regime. A place where looking a bit different could make you the subject of gossip and a threat to your life. And despite being assigned male at birth and the attempts of family and father figures, she was an outsider in her town.  And so Marion sets off on a journey to the city. And in the shadows, she finds a place to hide. But with guidance from drag performer Dorian Delacroix begins to find her voice. Her journe

Co-op Opera: Don Giovanni

In a week when Prince Harry's buttocks and a rowdy party were the topic of discussion, the opportunity to see young opera performers in an English modernisation of Don Giovanni cavort and brag about conquests seemed rather relevant. This Don Giovanni may not be royalty but he is a bit of a lad and the women he seeks look like they could be found at a Vegas pool party. It is probably a little too faithful to the Mozart's original which does tend to be confusing, but things move along at a pace you find yourself not minding it too much.

Helping things is the energy and enthusiasm coming from the cast of young opera singers. The Co-Opera Company is made up of members and associate members who wish to pass on their expertise to the next generation of performers. The company exists to provide aspiring artists a start in their career on stage, in the orchestra or behind the scenes. They are into their fourth season and they manage to do with no outside funding.

While perhaps after a long week of workshops and training the performances did tire a few of them by Friday evening's performance, there was still much to admire in both the performances and the philosophy behind the company. And it is great to see yet another outlet for young singers to develop their skills.

This minimalistic and stylish production generally worked although there were a few odd moments such as a food fight towards the end that seemed out of place in such a smart-looking show. Still things were brought back into focus for the finale where the voices, music and production came together rather well and highlighted some fine music-making.

The Co-Opera Company is about to set out on a UK tour in September starting at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton. Don Giovanni is one of three productions that are part of the tour, with the others being Hansel and Gretel and The Magic Flute. Check local papers or view more details on their website.

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