Afternoon:
14°c
NEW: Taxpayers have been handed a £143,000 bill for protecting BNP leader Nick Griffin during his appearance on Question Time, it has emerged
More...
An awesome and ridiculous film that leaves you thrilled beyond the point of your natural endurance
2012
Theatre
The show has suddenly become quite wonderful, and the galvanising factor is the terrific stage debut of Melanie C
Blood Brothers
Music
The British pop music industry may be eating itself but if Muse are the pick of what it can offer the world in 2010 then British music is in rude health indeed
Muse
I was smitten by both Gilberts enormous luxuriant moustache and the intelligence and nuance of this highly entertaining play
I totally recommend Babbo to anyone who is looking for really good and traditional Italian food
Always been a fan but never seen them live. I was ecstatic to be part of this epic event. WOW!
London,
Fiona Maddocks's rating
Reader rating
Description: Christopher Hogwood conducts Handel's labyrinthine blend of tragedy and comedy. With Iestyn Davies as Flavio.
Trains: Tube/BR: Moorgate/Barbican 
Phone: 0845120 7500
Website: www.barbican.org.uk
Email: info@barbican.org.uk
Extra info: Parking, Food, Pub
Assembling a strong cast: Composer Christopher Hogwood
Always driven by deadlines, Handel finished his London opera Flavio days before the premiere at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, in 1723. This three-act tragic-comedy, only restored to the repertoire 40 years ago, begins in comic mode, swings to darkness as the plot gets more tangled then is saved by a swift happy ending.
The ins and outs of the story needn’t detain us: Flavio, king of the Lombards who also rules England, is embroiled with his two chief counsellors, one of whom has a daughter he falls for but she is already secretly fixed up elsewhere. Muddle and torment ensue.
Christopher Hogwood had assembled a strong cast for the seven roles — there is no chorus — led by two countertenors: Iestyn Davies, crisp and alert in the title role, and the softer toned Robin Blaze, making the most of his poetic and expressive arias as the troubled, love-lorn Guido. James Gilchrist brought characteristic fiery energy to the role of Ugone, with James Rutherford and Renata Pokupic characterful in support.
Handel’s brilliance as an opera composer guarantees you have a crystal-clear understanding of the emotions expressed: love, jealousy, vengeance. If Flavio lacks the invention of some of his better-known operas, it nevertheless offers a fair share of marvellous arias, especially for Vitige (Maite Beaumont) and Emilia (Karina Gauvin). The Academy of Ancient Music, with only five woodwind and dominated by strings and the delicate colours of the theorbo, played with appropriate grace and gusto.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
