Hampstead Garden Opera
Partenope
Ashley Pearson, director
An opera not-so-seria…
Join us at the sea-side in Victorian England, where Partenope, proprietress of a leading establishment, faces takeover attempts (on her hotel and herself) from neighbouring hoteliers Arsace, Ormindo and Emilio, as well as the enigmatic Eurimene – can he really be what he seems? Threats, battles and surprises, and some thrilling singing, lead of course to a happy ending.
Ashley Pearson’s witty production and the talents of the HGO cast and orchestra, conducted by Bertie Baignet, bring Handel’s sly take on opera seria endearingly to life.
Nominated for an Off-West End award for Best Opera Production
★★★★ “a wonderful production full of gumption, which made the opera accessible, bright and fun… A perfect summer treat.”
“A seriously surreal take on Handel's Opera seria – don't expect to understand it, just sit back and wallow in the fun, lovely music, and amazing performances.”
“wonderfully kitsch HGO production (hats off to director Ashley Pearson)”
“Baroque opera buffs will love this production and Jackson's Lane gurgled with much knowing laughter.”
“spices seria conventions with gentle parody and self-parody.”