A night at the opera in Totnes

Opera lovers were treated to a bravura performance of Bellini’s ‘The Montagues and the Capulets’ sung in English by regional opera company, Red Earth Opera, at Chudleigh on Sunday, October 29 after an equally strong first performance was held at St John’s Totnes on the Saturday. 

The Devon-based chorus and orchestra, augmented by musicians from across the country, together with soloists of international acclaim, played to a packed venue. This was truly community-based, with non-singing actors drawn from the town making very credible first-time appearances to a home audience. 

Jane Anderson-Brown, the company’s musical director said: “Red Earth Opera has been staging operas and operatic recitals successfully in English for the last 10 years. We aim to make opera accessible to everyone, from opera buffs to young families and everyone in between.  

“You can see from the enthusiasm of this evening’s audience that we have, once again, brought the highest standard of musicianship to this area and made it affordable and relevant. The story of the star-crossed young lovers, Romeo and Juliet, and their warring families resounds even today.” 

Director Anna Gregory, herself an acclaimed soprano, coach and opera director, made imaginative and very effective use of the space available within Chudleigh church, interpreting the story with action in aisles and the central sanctuary. Even the pulpit was utilised as Juliet’s balcony to dramatic effect.  

Anna said: “I am always delighted to work with Red Earth Opera, previously as a singer and now as director of this exciting production. The chorus are so versatile and our singing actors, Carolyn Harries as Nurse, Sue Gunn-Johnson as Lady Capulet and Emily Grossman as her maid, were a joy to direct, interpreting their roles to great effect.” 

Those attending enjoyed a truly spinetingling performance from Welsh tenor, Ceri Davies as Tybalt, Juliet’s would-be suitor, declaring his deep love for Juliet only to discover with horror that her heart lay with another. Ceri is a familiar face on the concert scene and is returning to Chudleigh in March 2024. South African born tenor Hugh Legg was a convincing Lawrence, the Capulet family’s PA, endeavouring to unite Romeo and Juliet behind closed doors whilst her father raged. 

Special mention has to be made of Tim Bagley’s menacing father of Juliet and leader of the Capulets. His amazing baritone voice had the audience enthralled as he dominated the stage with chilling presence and stirred his followers to war against the dreadful Montagues. He has sung leading roles with a number of touring opera companies, and also chorus with Grange Park Opera for four seasons and is a welcome new face with Red Earth Opera. 

Grace Lovelass appeared with the company for the third time, and she was a revelation as Romeo. An experienced performer in the UK and France, she took time from her busy schedule to interpret the role of Romeo brilliantly, her amazing range on show in a thrilling performance that left everyone wanting more. The fight scenes with Tybalt were compelling and had people on the edge of their seats. 

Last but definitely not least was the beautifully delivered performance of Scottish lyric soprano Lisa Moffat as Juliet, in her debut with Red Earth Opera. Living in Devon, she is planning concerts in the South West which are definitely not to be missed including Strauss’ “Four Last Songs” with the Exeter Symphony Orchestra in Spring 2024. Her amazingly controlled and thoughtful interpretation of the lovely Juliet was both moving and thoroughly believable and her love story with Romeo came to life on the stage. 

Definitely an evening to remember. Devon is fortunate to have such home grown talent which can attract collaboration with brilliant professional artistes. Look out for Red Earth Opera’s next event 9th and 10th March 2024. I shall certainly be there and can recommend it to everyone. Amazing quality, excellent value for money and not to be missed! 

By Belle Stacey