News

Eugene Onegin is going down a storm to packed audiences in our Factory Theatre. Here’s a round up of what the critics have had to say so far…

We’ll keep this topped up as the reviews come through, so do check back, or follow us on Twitter / like us on Facebook for up to date news and reviews.

Rian Evans, The Guardian * * * * Read the full review

“…Opera Project’s small-scale productions are approached with an open mind, characters and relationships thrust into the foreground…”
“The singers’ every note made you marvel anew at Tchaikovsky’s score…”

“It was all realised with the highest musical values; conductor Jonathan Lyness has assembled a remarkably strong cast…”

“Bisset’s voice has a rich, velvety sound throughout its range and seems so effortlessly supple.”

“This was strong stuff, with Stephanie Lewis as Olga, and Michael Bracegirdle’s Lensky also vividly portrayed under Richard Studer’s direction.”

Paul Riley, Venue Read the full review

“simplicity and sincerity were the two virtues Tchaikovsky believed his Pushkin opera embodied above all, and Opera Project’s new production delivers both in spades.”

“[Lee Bisset] packs an unforgettable punch in the great letter scene”

“[Grant Doyle has] a voice as deep and insinuating as the Volga, and making his entrance looking decidedly vulpine, dangerous and enigmatic,”

“Opera Project’s Tobacco Factory Onegin has kick-started the season with an emotional bang – and then some.”

Harry Mottram, Strawberry Line Times & Western Daily Press
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“If you’ve never been to the opera – then this production is the perfect introduction.”

“Tobacco Factory was transformed into a cauldron of high emotion in front of a packed house. Being so close as you are to the stage in the Factory, makes the production so much more enjoyable.”

“[Lee Bisset’s] voice of dark chocolate and sloe gin was rich and vibrant”

“Olga played by Stephanie Lewis was a delight with her golden ringlets and golden voice.”

“There was strong support from Catherine King as Filipyevna the world weary servant to Tatyana and Julian Close as Prince Gremin and his voice that appeared to come from the centre of the earth. A dazzling party turn by Stuart Haycock as flirty Monsieur Triquet was one of several brilliant set pieces which was superbly supported by a full cast and chorus.”

Barbara Michaels, The Public Reviews 4*s
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“In the title role of Onegin, Australian Grant Doyle’s rich and mellifluous baritone is a pleasure to listen to as always.”

“As the poet Lensky, Michael Bracegirdle is, quite simply, superb.”

Harry Keeling, Epigram
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“a production suffused with raw emotion and technical virtuosity.”

“The cast was uniformly strong, and it seems wrong to mention some and not all, but special mention must go to the two leads. Lee Bisset as Tatyana sweetly evoked the naiveté of the young and besotted… Alone on the stage, with nothing but a bed and a chair for company, she was simply mesmerising. Grant Doyle’s sonorous tones were a rock upon which the production surely rested.”

Audience feedback

“#EugeneOnegin @tftheatre was phenomenal last night. Bravo to the Opera Project and all involved. What an evening..” Audience member via Twitter

“BAM! Opera Project’s Pushkin-powered Eugene Onegin @tftheatre’s got plenty of bite and not a little polish; good stuff Bristol” Audience member via Twitter

Barbara Maxwell, Whatsonstage * * * * * Full review here

“Studer should be rightly proud of himself for producing such and excellent evening’s entertainment.”

“All the singers are outstanding. It seems churlish to single out one or two over the others but Stuart Haycock as Monsieur Triquet and Julian Close as Prince Gremin are most memorable in their minor, but stand out roles.”

“The orchestra, conducted by Jonathan Lyness, brilliantly plays with incredible feeling and passion. And to see grand opera in the intimate setting of the Tobacco Factory makes for an unforgettable experience.”

More on Eugene Onegin here.

More on Opera Project here.