Opera Scotland

Show Boat 1991Opera North

Read more about the opera Show Boat

This was the first time Opera North had staged a classic Broadway musical - a tradition they have continued to pursue over many years since, and generally with striking success.  These performances were very welcome, the work being almost unknown in Scotland, and the quality of presentation helped to stimulate the idea that Show Boat may, in fact, be the greatest ever Broadway musical. It introduced a level of seriousness in its plotting never encountered before in an industry dominated by frivolous musical comedies. It's the earliest to survive in the repertoire (with the possible exception of No! No! Nanette, from 1923), and offers a strong challenge to such later wonders as Guys and Dolls, Carousel and My Fair Lady.

Ian Judge's staging was both elegant and characterful, in sets and costumes by Russell Craig and Alex Reid that could scarcely have been improved on, even if they did not look hugely expensive. While the romantic leads and the parents were all beautifully handled, and the entire company played with enormous conviction, the undoubted stars of the show were the wonderful Bruce Hubbard and Karla Burns, who had enjoyed similar success in the classic 1987 recording of the piece..