The Selfish Giant/Amahl and the Night Visitors, Opera Anywhere

2:39pm Wednesday 5th December 2007

Oscar Wilde's story of the giant who undergoes a transformation from disagreeable tyrant to generous benefactor may be a little saccharine for some tastes, but there's no denying it's a heart-warming story, and as such ideally reflects the Christmas spirit. Opera Anywhere's operatic version, penned by local music teacher Deborah Rose, with some additional lyrics and script by Opera Festa director Rebecca Moseley-Morgan, captures the essence of the story simply and succinctly, enhanced by its recurring theme of hope and renewal and its reinforcement of the Christian message of peace and goodwill.

Children from about nine to15 cope well with the demands of both music and choreography. I would have liked to see them relax more and look a little less tentative, but their ensemble singing is impressive and inspiring. Professional input comes from Nick Gee, in a masterful performance as the Giant, and from Vanessa Woodward and Hugo Tucker as Snow and Frost.

The themes of unselfishness and hope are continued by the festive favourite Amahl and the Night Visitors. The production retains the simplicity that Menotti intended, allowing its poignancy to shine through with exceptional clarity. Once again, Nick Gee impressed as Melchior, one of the three kings; Gee has the kind of velvety-toned baritone that I could listen to for hours, and it seems particularly suited to this score. There were strong performances, too, from Thomas Kennedy and James Lonsdale as Balthazar and Kaspar, and from soprano Beth Cameron as Amahl's mother. But the star, for me, is young James Allen as Amahl. Confident acting and a voice of exceptional purity and strength combine to make this a truly remarkable and memorable portrayal.

Opera Anywhere's Christmas double bill continues on December 15 with two performances at Sulgrave Manor, and finishes on December 20-21 at the Holywell Music Room, Oxford. Box office: 01865 305305.

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