Guy Edwards
Macbeth
Kennet Opera
2012
Another wonderful production from Kennet Opera with professional singers taking the roles of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. A slightly 'steampunk' theme for the costuming, and minimalist sets, but nevertheless, superb, atmospheric lighting, excellent production and musical direction allowed Verdi's dramatic music to shine! The Newbury Weekly News review said:
"Full-bloodied performances for the 'Scottish opera'...an excellent production...
Guy Edwards was a forceful Macduff..."
Curtain call: Macduff (Guy Edwards), Lady Macbeth (Demelza Stafford), Macbeth (Simon Meadows), Banquo (Szymon Wach), Dama (Sue Whorton).
Another scene from the refugees'chorus at the beginning of Act Four. Macduff is busy inspecting a rifle! Costume design was by Lili Tuttle and featured an element of 'Steam Punk'.
The finale to Act Four - "Macbeth is dead!" (killed by Macduff).
Macduff has the wonderfully dramatic tenor aria "O figli, o figli miei" immediately after the refugees' chorus at the begining of Act Four.
The fabulous Demelza Stafford as Lady Macbeth.
The jolly brindisi in the finale of act two is interupted by Macbeth seeing Banquo's ghost. This photo was taken during rehearsal.
"My sword shall be his jury" sings Macduff - meaning he intends to track down the murderer of his wife and children and kill him. What a great aria to sing!
The Act Two finale - Macbeth (played by Simon Meadows) is ranting at Banquo's ghost!
"Death and Ashes" - the famous chorus from the beginning of Act Four. The lighting was by Dave Beever.