BWW Reviews: MET OPERA - LA DONNA DEL LAGO, Cineworld Wandsworth, March 14 2015

In HD, supported by the magnificent sound systems of 21st century cinemas, one does not need to suspend disbelief for long before one feels right there, front row, dead centre at the New York Metropolitan Opera for La Donna del Lago.

What a thrilling experience it is! Don't worry too much about the somewhat pedestrian and unlikely plot (love triumphing over enmity in Highland clannish conflict, explained in a handout and via subtitles) just luxuriate in the singing, the music and the spectacle.

Joyce DiDonato's mezzo-soprano powers her Elena, as she pursues Malcolm while herself being pursued by the King of Scotland (in disguise of course) and her betrothed, Roderick. This awkward four-sided love triangle (I told you the plot was unlikely) requires DiDonato to portray despair sufficient to invite death at the point of a sword, and the complete joy of a perfect resolution to her problems - this is achieved (and then some) with voice and music alone (though you can look at the subtitles if you so wish!)

If the bouquets are heaped on our Lady of the Met at the curtain, there's supercharged support for her from Daniela Barcellona in a trouser role (well, kilt role this time) as her brave lover Malcolm and John Osborn as nice, but a bit dim, Roderick. But I venture the opinion that the star of this show is Juan Diego Florez, whose Act II opener, Oh fiamma soave, che l'alma mi accendi! pietosa ti rendi a un fido amator, is a tour-de-force, the impact of which is undiminished at a distance of 3000 miles. The King of Scotland is King of New York for these three hours!

With a nod to Michele Mariotti's wonderful orchestra and Kevin Knight's sensational set and costume design - the final scene in the King's Palace is a feast for the eyes on the big screen - one is left awed by the world-class (yes, the adjective is definitely earned) production one has witnessed. Okay, we weren't there in person and it's not a cheap seat, even in the cinema, but what a show! There's just the double bill of Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci on 25 April to come in this season from The Met, but they'll be back for an eleventh year very soon. Don't miss it!

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