Preview - ENO’s production of The Tales of Hoffman at the London Coliseum
Published: 16 February, 2012
by SEBASTIAN TAYLOR
American soprano Georgia Jarman demonstrates why she’s now ranked among the world’s top singers by delivering an outstanding performance in her English National Opera debut at the Coliseum.
She’s taking on the three soprano roles in the ENO’s new production of Offenbach’s final masterpiece, The Tales of Hoffman.
She’s the mechanical doll Olympia in the first act, winning the affections of poor-sighted Hoffman through her ceramic beauty and florid singing.
Next, she’s Hoffman’s former sweetheart, Antonia, suffering from the life-threatening consumption that killed her mother – she’ll die if she sings, which she does when Hoffman turns up again.
Then, in the third act, she’s the prostitute Giulietta out to steal Hoffman’s soul for a Satanist in exchange for a diamond.
In addition, she’s the silent Stella, the inspiration for Hoffman’s three strange and bizarre stories.
She’s very much at home as each of Hoffman’s loves, handling the wide range of characterisations with ease, her voice rich in texture, technique and phrasing.
Barry Banks is strong as Hoffman; Christine Rice most delightful as Hoffman’s muse Nicklausse; and Clive Bayley suitably evil in the differing roles.
The ENO’s new Tales of Hoffman is a co-production with the Bavarian State Opera, Munich, marked by witty direction often verging on the grotesque.
There’s not a hint of Wagner in Offenbach’s music, only effervescent French joie de vive in delightful tunes and melodies that make for an enjoyable evening despite the opera’s length.
• ENO’s new production of The Tales of Hoffman, is at the Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, WC2, on February 16, 18, 23, 29 and March 2, 6, 8, 10. 7pm (6pm March 10), tickets from £22, 0871 472 0600, www.eno.org