Review: La Traviata, An Opera North Production at The Lowry Theatre*

La Taviata is an Opera classic with music by Guiseppe Verdi and libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, the story is inspired by the novel La Dame aux camélias, by Alexandre Dumas fils. It is a transportive performance and if you were dressed how people used to when visiting the Opera, you might even feel like you were back in 1853 when it was first ever performed. Like most Operas, it’s a story filled with drama and tragedy, but the production is one of the crucial aspects of this Opera North performance at The Lowry Theatre in Salford yesterday evening.

Often when Operas are re-visited, they might have a modern twist or some creative and abstract adaptations – well La Traviata was none of those it was a classic, rich performance, but to find out more keep reading our latest Opera North review.

What we thought of La Traviata

Well, not to stop you from reading any further, but I can confirm that last night, my father-in-law and I had the best time watching this Opera. Although I love most Opera performances, sometimes they can often feel long, especially in moments where there may be a lull in the drama. Well, with La Traviata, there were no lulls; each act was perfect and passed by far too quickly.

We arrived just as the lights dimmed to the performance, so we actually got to see the first act from the upper circle (as we weren’t able to enter our allocated seats) and believe it or not this was brilliant and the view from above the stage was fascinating. We could see a birds-eye view of the performance (so if you’d like to see the Opera, these seats are often slightly more reasonable than the stalls or the centre circle areas) – it was a perfect view of the first act, as you are introduced to Violetta the courtesan and how a man not wealthy enough to keep her somehow falls in love with her and she with him.

The acts that followed were just as riveting as the first. What’s more, the production was so tight. The orchestra were harmonious with Violetta (played by Márie Flavin) and Alfredo (played by Oliver Johnston) and the rest of the cast. For me, the most impressive moments included, when Flavin sang alongside the wind instruments in the third act and secondly when the chorus sang with the leads – throughout, which definitely created more drama and richness to the performance.

Other aspects that pulled everything together were the costumes and the sets. You don’t realise how important the full package of a performance is to the senses. To see the amazing and lush sets, alongside the fantastic costumes whilst hearing the opera singers and orchestra was truly a sight to be seen. The first act is at night and the back screen is light by a giant moon, when the courtesans are dancing their shadows were projected onto the back wall, which was hypnotic to watch. Then in the second act is daytime and the bright blue – sky-light backdrop – transports you from night to day so successfully. Finally, my favourite act in terms of scene visuals was the final act, where you are in a darkened room, and Violetta is ill and on her bed, in the back, behind, almost like you are seeing her state of sleep – there are clown-like figures dressed in dinner suits sat behind a sheer black screen looking like the voyeurs of her death. It was such a magical and almost scary moment when you could see them in the background…simply watching the tragedy pass by…

As you can tell, it’s a fabulous opera and one I would recommend seeing if you are new to the opera – as each act plays out so perfectly, and the music and production work so well together. It’s hard to believe that when it first opened back in the mid-1800s this opera was banned in several places and pretty much came to a dead end after around two years, but as opinions freed, it has had plenty of revivals ever since and is certainly worth taking the time to enjoy La Traviata opera.

How much are the tickets and how long is the show?

Tickets are priced from £20 to £69.50 with  special schemes for anyone new to opera and young people under 26. The show  is sung in Italian with English titles Lasts approximately 2 hours 45 minutes

How do I book tickets to watch these shows?

To book tickets please call The Lowry at 08432086000 or via their website here.

Performance diary – The Lowry, Salford Quays

Wed 16 Nov 7pm La traviata
Thu 17 Nov 7pm La traviata
Fri 18 Nov 7pm Orfeo ed Euridice
Sat 19 Nov 7pm Orpheus Audio described with Touch Tour

Where is The Lowry Theatre?

The Lowry
The Lyric Theatre
Pier 8
The Quays
Salford
M50 3AZ
Manchester
Tel: 0843208 6000

Other notes:

• From Thursday (27 January), they will no long be checking NHS COVID Passes. For the continued protection of their visitors, production companies, staff and volunteers they strongly recommend the wearing of face masks (except for those who are exempt) within the building. This includes during all theatre performances, visits to the gallery and movement around the foyer spaces. Face masks not required when eating or drinking and we sincerely thank all our visitors in advance for their co-operation.
• Contactless payments/tickets
• The Lowry welcomes all visitors regardless of their disability and strives to meet all individuals needs where possible.
• They welcome assistance dogs.
• The Lowry website is fully accessible and features BrowseAloud. Browsealoud adds speech, reading and translation support, facilitating access and participation for those people who need support reading print, dyslexia, low literacy, mild visual impairments and those with English as a second language. To use this feature, simply click on the grey ear logo located in the footer.
• If you are driving to the show, we would recommend for you to park at The Lowry Outlet which is opposite the theatre, but be aware as there is lack of signage from the car park area to the theatre, so best to ask someone or use google maps to find your way.

About The Lowry Theatre

The Lowry is a registered charity committed to using visual and performing arts to enrich people’s lives. They present audiences with a diverse programme of theatre, opera, musicals, dance, music, comedy and visual art as well as events and activities to expand the horizons of audiences and artists alike.  At the heart of their work is a commitment to the local communities and young people. Tapping into the work on their ur stages and in their galleries, they offer thousands of free creative participation opportunities each year. They are passionate about nurturing talent, developing creative professionals of the future and raising aspirations.

About Opera North

Opera North is a national opera company based in Leeds, and is a leading UK arts organisation. Rooted in the North of England, international in outlook, they create extraordinary experiences, every day.  Their award-winning work tours to theatre stages and concert halls throughout the North and beyond, including to London and major international festivals, and they curate an eclectic artistic programme of gigs, concerts, spoken word and film in the Howard Assembly Room. Their aim is to make bold, innovative, ambitious work and share it in new ways. Opera North believes opera and music is for everyone and champions diversity in artists, repertoire and audiences. Opera North Education connects with communities and inspires each generation, aiming to enhance the health and well-being of people in the communities where we work through arts participation and performance.  Opera North is grateful for the generous support of Arts Council England and Leeds City Council, sponsorship from the private sector, trusts and individuals, the Friends of Opera North, the Opera North Future Fund and the box office income from its audiences, which allows us to continue to mount our award-winning work.

Review by Lex Ward

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Photo Credit: The Lowry /Opera North