Don Pasquale was not often performed at this time, though the production from the San Carlo, Naples, seen at the 1963 Edinburgh Festival, had been much liked. It also boasted a superlative cast.
In the case of this brand new staging, which had only opened at Leeds Grand on 29 March, the Herald reviewer was also enthusiastic, calling Harold Blackburn's performance in the title role impeccable, and drawing attention to the speed with which he sang his contribution to the great patter duet 'Cheti, cheti'. He also commented favourably on the set designs. It therefore seems surprising that the production did not tour again - nor did it survive the company's transfer from Sadler's Wells Theatre to the London Coliseum in 1968.
Cast details are from a programme in the OperaScotland collection.
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