As an opera virgin, I leapt at the opportunity to attend the performance of Verdi’s La Traviata by The English National Opera. Opera aficionados often say that La Traviata is one of their favourite operas, so I was very excited to see it first-hand – especially given its location at the gorgeous London Coliseum, a beautiful traditional theatre set in the heart of the West End. This year marks the 50th year that the English National Opera has been in residence at the London Coliseum. Unlike most operas which are performed in Italian, performances at The English National Opera are in English to ensure they are accessible to everyone. Behind-the-scenes tour at the London Coliseum Our evening began with a behind-the-scenes tour of the London Coliseum, which provided us with a glimpse of what happens backstage to bring the magic of the performances to life on stage. Being both in the orchestra pit and behind the stage gave me a newfound sense of appreciation for the wealth of people it takes to create a seamless production. Indulging in the new spring menu at the American Bar at the London Coliseum After the tour was complete, we headed to the dining room at the American Bar to try the new spring menu. The petite dining room reminded me a bit of Swiss chalet thanks to its abundance of wooden panelling. Diners can choose from either two courses (£20) or three courses (£25). Starters included: spiced parsnip, coconut and apple soup and toasted pine nuts; baked candied beetroot and heritage carrots with a mango chutney dressing; smoked salmon and Cornish crab parcel, crème fraiche, caviar, orange reduction; seared scallops, butternut squash puree and chorizo, parmesan and rocket oil. Mains included: Roast chicken breast, raz el hanout couscous, aubergine caviar, smoked yoghurt, pistachio and pomegranate dressing; seared hake fillet, shrimp and mussels, pickled shallots, purple sprouting broccoli; miso roasted sea bream, bok choy, mange tout and enoki mushroom broth; fillet of beef, celeriac puree, cavalo nero, king oyster, red wine and truffle jus; cannellini bean stew, roasted courgette and butternut squash, parsley oil. All the dishes we tried (the parsnip soup, crab parcels, seared hake and the roast chicken) were delicious and beautifully presented. The performance La Traviata is a tragic love story about a fallen woman, Violetta, a high-class Parisian prostitute (played by Irish soprano Claudia Boyle), who falls in love a young man named Alfredo (played by tenor Lukhanyo Moyake) who attended one of her lavish parties. After a whirlwind romance, Violetta and Alfredo leave the chaos of the city for a peaceful life together in the French countryside but alas their happiness was short-lived thanks to Violetta’s ill health (she had tuberculosis) coupled with a forced breakup instructed by Alfredo’s father who feared that her sinful past would prevent Alfredo’s younger sister from marrying into a respectable family. The entire cast gave a strong performance, although it was Violetta who really drew the audience in thanks to her beauty and emotion-laden vocals. The costumes were also gorgeous - I adored Violetta's elegant satin gowns and the fabulous statement hats she donned! The verdict
It's easy to see why this classic opera has been loved for many years. We liked that the performance was in English, which makes it easier to follow - especially for those who are not familiar with the story. The details London Coliseum St Martin’s Lane London WC2N 4ES For a full list of upcoming performances at the English National Opera, visit https://www.eno.org. Ashley Miln *With the exception of the images from Catherine Ashmore all other images copyright of Ashley Miln
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Summertime 2017 is set to be one of the biggest ever as far as festival frivolities are concerned, with Camp Festival (27-30 July) expected to reign supreme for its 10th year running.
A family festival at its heart, (but please don’t let this put you off if you don’t have any small creatures of your own), Camp Bestival is a wonderland that keeps on giving across three days of fun-filled festival deliciousness, suitable for all ages and musical tastes. The line up is tantalising. The beautiful grounds of Lulworth Castle are spectacular. The world’s biggest disco ball will be there. The locally sourced food is going to be sublime and hopefully the British weather will be on our side, too. This will be my second time attending this festival and even while I’m writing this preview, the acts and DJs that are appearing give me goosebumps. The line up Headlining Friday night is Grammy and Brit Award winner Mark Ronson, one of Britain’s most successful musicians who continues to set the music industry alight. His collaboration with Bruno Mars on Uptown Funk was the biggest selling tune of 2014 and the fourth most viewed video of all time on YouTube! Saturday sees 80s 2-Tone ska legends and comedic Londoners Madness, who will be performing their 15 top 10 greatest hits, ensuring a party on stage. But the best is saved for Sunday night where Leftfield will celebrate the 22nd anniversary of their ground-breaking album Leftism. This is expected to be an emotional moment for all hardy electronic fans and will be set against the backdrop of a fireworks finale. And if that’s not enough, The Beach Boys’ front man supremo Brian Wilson will present Pet Sounds also on Sunday evening during the sunset. Released back in 1966, Pet Sounds remains one of the greatest pieces of experimental music of all time and shouldn’t be missed. Additional acts over the weekend include All Saints, The Cuban Brothers, The Christians and T'Pau. Sing-along moments and childhood memories will be a-plenty. From a dance point of view – which is very close to my heart – Good Times maestro Norman Jay MBE will be playing along with Rob da Bank, Raindance DJs, Altern-8, Billy Daniel Bunter, Shades of Rhythm and Liquid. I think I might pass out when Liquid plays Sweet Harmony live! It’s my favourite track from way back in 1992. BBC Radio 2’s Sara Cox will also be playing an assortment of 80s nostalgia with Clint Boon from the Inspiral Carpets and Bez from the Happy Mondays taking us back to the glory days of Indie gems. To end each night, the amazing Silent Disco will ensure smiles all round. Something for everyone to enjoy This year, the theme is Pop Stars and Rock Stars and the festival organisers thoroughly encourage getting you involved with dressing up. Other activities taking place during the festival include comedy, kids entertainment, massage, creative workshops, gourmet cuisine and family friendly storytelling to spark your imagination. Plus Son Et Lumière Castle Fireworks, The world's biggest bouncy castle, giant kids’ disco with the world’s largest disco ball, the travelling barn, Bollywood, Dingly Dell, Art Town, Freesports park, science tent, Sunday Best Record Shop, wall of death, The Blue Coats' Clubhouse, dressing up area, fancy dress parade, pimp my trolley & beard and moustache competition, face painting tent, maypole dancing, Morris dancers, and the soft play tent for the under 5s ensure that no one will go home bored. I’ll be bringing you the latest news; photos and videos live from Camp Bestival on social media throughout the weekend, so follow me on Instagram mrbenricci and destinationdelicious for regular updates. Camp Bestival takes places between 27-30July at Lulworth Castle in Dorset. For more information visit http://www.campbestival.net/ and buy tickets from Ticketline. Ben Ricci |
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