Seeing the funny side of Don Pasquale

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

That is especially true of Don Pasquale. With its disguises, dreamy young lovers and randy old goat, its humour seems pale at the best of times, but David Parry’s witty translation does all it can to help.

William Oldroyd’s production adds some japes of its own, the most eye-catching of which is making Don Pasquale a vain and temperamental Edwardian conductor.

Although that allows for a good joke to start the evening, it hardly transforms the drama. What makes a real difference is the singers’ commitment to timing and text, particularly in the case of Owen Gilhooly as the wily fixer Malatesta.

Keel Watson blusters mightily as Pasquale, but Nicholas Sharratt, strained by Donizetti’s punishing high notes, can do little with the feckless drip that is Ernesto.

He, like Pasquale, is mere fodder for Mary O’Sullivan’s Norina, sharp as a razor and twice as deadly.

Touring until 29 May. Information: www.englishtouringopera.org.uk

English Touring Opera: Don Pasquale
Sadler's Wells
Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN