Every child in this family audience was on the edge of their seat with anticipation hoping that the wicked witch would not add them to her collection of children. The dark band scenery of this Opera North well paced production of Humperdinck’s story of Hansel and Gretel did not detract from this tried and tested opera. However, fairies and edible houses delighted all the family as the drama unfolded.

Sung in English this version of the opera was interpreted by a trio of Cambridge graduates Musical Director Martin Pickard, Director Tim Supple and Arranger John Longstaff. Humperdinck’s reworking of this German folk tale, originally collected by the Brothers Grimm, delighted with its singing of the libretto. Soprano Charlotte Kinder gave a nice performance as the girl Gretel and mezzo-soprano Katija Dragojevic let her voice do the same for the boy Hansel. Mezzo-soprano Fiona MacDonald give a convincing interpretation in her dual role as the misguided mother and the wicked witch. It was baritone Wyn Pencarreg who gave the performance of the evening with his clear near perfect diction and imaginative acting as the broom maker father. Soprano Claire Wild sung the Sandman and Dew Fairy. Twelve children from local schools provided a very good chorus. This was an evening filled with superb singing, and it was nice to hear a well rehearsed orchestra in a theatre.

With limited resources Opera North bought opera to the provincial towns and gave much pleasure to people who would have been deprived of experiencing great singing, but why did they not leave the metal chairs in Leeds. Despite the lack of thought a splendid musical evening was provided for the folk of York. © BA

“Hansel and Gretel” is in York to the 14th of July, 2001 after a tour of the region.