Mansfield Park

This opera is scored for four handed piano (Tom Griffiths and Phillipa Safey) which creates a wonderful depth of sound. It is particularly appropriate for the dramatic events that are portrayed in this story. Fanny Price (Michaela Cadwgan) is treated as an outlier by the Bertram's but gradually shows her value and place in the family. Each of the characters in this performance are portrayed very much as they are penned by Austen. This gives the show great charm. Lady Bertram (Dimity Shepherd) is delightfully whimsical but acutely present in important moments. Her daughters Maria Bertram (Alessia Pintabona) and Julia Bertram (Olivia Federow-Yemm) are typically spoilt and self-centred. Edmund Bertram (Bailey Montgomerie) is handsome and sincere. The quasi villains in the story, Mary Crawford (Rachael Joyce) and Henry Crawford (Douglas Kelly) are striking and alluring. The irascible Aunt Norris (Natalie Jones) is a nice contrast to the array of personas and offers great opportunity for humour.

The two-act opera acknowledges its heritage by breaking down the story into chapters turning it into a series of vignettes amusingly announced by the characters. This taps into the inbuilt humour of the narrative and the characters, and this could have been exploited more in this performance. The strength of this show lies in the extraordinary quality and cohesiveness of the production and the powerful emotions conveyed.

The music is beautifully executed, and the singing of the entire cast is exquisite. The range of sentiments are elicited with crystal clear clarity and the story is wonderfully driven by both the music and the libretto. The staging is luscious but delicate. The set and the costume design (Louisa Fitzgerald) easily evoke the historical setting and give the performance a very stylish aura. The staging is dynamic and makes great use of the décor and the costumes. This results in a very special and unique performance of a beautifully crafted production.

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographer: Casey Horsfield