Well done Longborough for impressive opera

This is my idea of heaven – Cotswold country bathed in sunshine and the start of Longborough’s long-awaited complete Ring Cycle with the prologue Das Rheingold.

Writing in 2007, I noted the production to be ‘uncomplicated – a refreshing change from some dodgy Rings of the mid 2000’s’.

Thank goodness the 2013 version remains uncomplicated and uses Designer, Kjell Torriset’s innovative sets to provide a singer-friendly uncluttered space, cleverly updated throughout the three acts by the Niebelungs, who join the action as the Rheinmaidens - wearing just enough to excite and tease many an Alberich - fail to protect the Rheingold on the bed of the river.

Andrew Greenan’s portrayal of the wretched dwarf Alberich received a well-deserved ovation. So too, Richard Robert’s Mime, Alberich’s tormented brother.

Jason Howard’s villainous Wotan is as close as we’ve seen and heard to Matthew Best’s Scottish Opera’s outstanding Wotan as he tries to secure Freia’s release, at any price from the giants, excellently portrayed by Geoffrey Moses and Julian Close. Marc Le Brocq makes an impressive Longborough debut as the cunning Loge and Lee Bisset is a welcome returning Longborough artist in the goddess-like role of Freia.

Anthony Negus and his 70 musicians provide outstanding support to the action on stage. It is hard to believe this cycle is Negus’s first full one – we’ve been delighting in his efforts in the pit for many years.

The second cycle begins on June 26 and the third on July 6. Longborough is the only UK venue to host full cycles in 2013 – well done Longborough.

Clive Peacock