Click here for reviews and production pictures of The Tales of Hoffmann

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The Tales of Hoffmann by Offenbach (sung in English) New translation by Tim Hopkins Director: Tim Hopkins Conductor: Keith Darlington Designer: Anthony Baker Lighting Designer: Robert Wallbank accompanied by Mid Wales Opera Chamber Orchestra “Tales charged with passion and commitment...” “A stunner...” David Hart, Birmingham Post To read some full reviews and see some production pictures, please click here

“...a hugely enjoyable staging...” (Rupert Christiansen, Telegraph)

“...performed with conviction, conducted with panache and definitely worth a visit.” (Neil Fisher, The Times)

Following our highly successful and critically acclaimed production of Puccini’s La Bohème in 2007, Mid Wales Opera turned to less familiar repertoire for 2008 with a brand new production of Offenbach’s final masterpiece The Tales of Hoffmann. After the enthusiastic reception given to our production of Smetana’s The Bartered Bride in 2006, it was a logical step for Mid Wales Opera to choose one of the most original and fascinating nineteenth century operatic masterpieces, and one that is rarely performed in the venues that the company visits.

In his last and greatest opera, Offenbach succeeded in combining all the melodic beauty and dramatic genius that characterised his earlier works in what was, for him, a totally new direction. The opera's celebrated arias and ensembles, including the “Barcarolle”, the “Doll’s Song” and the “Diamond Aria”, are set within a constantly changing framework, where comedy, tragedy, reality and the supernatural continually vie with each other in kaleidoscopic variety. The result is theatre at its most enthralling, which inspires a spectacle that appeals to theatre-goers of all ages.

Our production of The Tales of Hoffmann proved a triumph, receiving universal critical acclaim and delighting audiences all round Wales and England. Please click here for reviews and pictures.

Venues

The Tales of Hoffmann received 30 performances in total at the following venues:-

In Wales: Theatr Hafren, Newtown; Theatr Ardudwy, Harlech; Theatr Felin Fach, Lampeter; Torch Theatre, Milford Haven; Theatr Elli, Llanelli; The Arts Centre, Aberystwyth; Theatr Brecheiniog, Brecon; Theatr Stiwt, Wrexham; The Arts Centre, Pontadawe; The Colliseum, Aberdare; The Riverfront, Newport (Gwent).

In England: Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield; The Roses Theatre, Tewksbury; Snape Maltings, Aldeburgh; Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds; Music Hall, Shrewsbury; Palace Theatre, Redditch; Mercury Theatre, Colchester; Assembly Rooms, Ludlow; Medina Theatre, Newport (Isle of Wight); Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury; Wilde Theatre, Bracknel; Courtyard Theatre, Hereford; Opera House, Buxton; Palace Theatre, Mansfield.

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