Opera Scotland

Macbeth 2019Tayside Opera

Read more about the opera Macbeth

For the third time in their fifty years' history, Tayside Opera tackled the 'Scottish' opera.

The performance in St Andrews offered much to enjoy. This was a well conceived production devised by the experienced Alan Borthwick and his team.  The performance offered the audience a packed stage full of well-rehearsed artists. Verdi's great work, neglected for so long in Scotland, worked its spell once again. 

Lady Macbeth is one of the great dramatic parts, demanding throughout a wide vocal range and fine acting.  Moira Docherty was in grand form, in a role which tested her bottom register in particular, her voice showing both steadiness  and beauty.  She was partnered by another familiar singer, Russell Malcolm, whose Macbeth was also  in fine voice and well acted.

Other roles - Piran Legg as Banquo, Michael Doroszenko as Macduff and Paul McKay as Malcolm - were all striking, and all the smaller parts too were well delivered.  The producer's touch was evident in the murder of Banquo and the successful escape of his son Fleance, a difficult event to make convincing. In this case, Banquo was murdered in the wings, and Fleance (performed by Sarah Rae) runs away across to the other side of the stage and off, an effective solution.

The chorus sang with great enthusiasm, and moved impressively too.

There was a limited set, and effective use of a handful of props. The lighting provided an appropriate atmosphere, notably in the cauldron scene and when Banquo entered as an apparition.

The musical accompaniment was provided in a fine performence by pianist Robert Duncan; the conductor was the company's Music Director, Richard Johnston.

Sadly, there was a disappointingly small  audience, something that could have been discouraging to the performers, and indeed the production team.  They let nothing of their disappointment show, and provided a moving performance. When one sees and senses the effort to perform opera at this level, let us hope Tayside Opera will be back next year and be given more support from the town.

Tickets from Tayside Opera Box Office 07505 837313 or online from the Tayside Opera Website