Theatre / Catherine Wyn-Rogers
‘Messiah’ returns to Bristol Old Vic
The Bristol Old Vic/The English Concert co-production Messiah returns to BOV this week, following its sell-out debut at Bristol Proms in 2013.
Handel’s profound religious masterpiece was wildly controversial at its Dublin premiere in 1742. He insisted on the anchor alto role being sung by the disgraced divorcee actress Susannah Cibber and to have it performed in theatres and concert halls rather than churches reserved for sacred works, including its first performance at Bristol Old Vic in 1782.
Inspired by Handel’s early performances of the work, the BOV/TEC production explores the dramatic heart of the piece, taking as its starting point the bereaved community of a messianic leader and the struggle towards faith that must have confronted them.
is needed now More than ever
Renowned stage and screen actor Toby Jones, Theatre Ad Infinitum co-artistic director Nir Paldi, Extraordinary Bodies lead artist Jamie Beddard and actor and poet Jessica Murrain will each play the role of the Messiah for one night only, while lead singer Catherine Wyn-Rogers returns after featuring in the 2013 performance.
“In 2013, with the first Bristol Proms, we began a crazy experiment to see if we could turn classical music back into the ‘rock n roll’ it was in its day,” explains producer Alison Hargreaves.
“It was a roaring success and Proms has run every year since that point – using every weapon in the armoury, from 21st-century technology to good old-fashioned drama to make this type of music informal, accessible and fun once again.”
Handel’s ‘Messiah’ at the 2013 Bristol Proms. Pics: SWNS
“One standout event that year was our staged version of the Messiah, which presented the piece not as a music concert, but a full-on emotional assault on the senses using actors and musicians to depict the crucifixion woven around singers ‘acting’ the music onstage. Audiences were able to sit onstage, surrounded by actors, singers and a full orchestra, or make use of the standing pit, where they could see the whites of the performers’ eyes, in full-on ‘surround sound’ in a way classical music is never seen. It had such a powerful effect, we even had an attempted stage dive from one overcome member of the audience!”
“Classical music needs reclaiming by the masses,” Alison reflects, “and Bristol Proms has played its part in changing how classical music is watched and how music can move you to do things you wouldn’t expect!”
Messiah Bristol Old Vic, Thursday, April 6 to Sunday, April 9. For more info and to book tickets (including 2 for £12 in the standing pit), visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk/messiah.html
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
