After experiencing a rousing performance of Carmen under canvas a week ago, we were back in the Wiltshire countryside last night to sit in on a new English version of Oscar Straus’s The Chocolate Soldier.
It was a new one on us, and maybe on some of the other people who had come to Church Farm at Wingfield to support the performers and musicians engaged by If Opera for its 30th anniversary season.
The Chocolate Soldier is a light-hearted comic operetta set during the Serbo-Bulgarian War – a witty romantic farce about marriage, fidelity and the difference between heroic appearances and reality.
You view something for the first time and then are reminded – through the plot and the acting – of things you have seen in the past.
The whole joyfully enchanting and energetic production reminded me at times of a Brian Rix farce, a touch of Gilbert and Sullivan and, with one hapless character (Guy Elliott playing Lieutenant Bluntschli), a touch of Frank Spencer in Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em.
That’s not to demean any of the performances by members of the Opera Della Luna Company, keeping us entertained so professionally.
Cold flannels were being handed out at the entrance to this tented theatre, and fans rested on the seats, but the hot weather did nothing to dampen enthusiasm for this marvellous musical romp. Praise too for the musicians of the Bristol Ensemble.
Just before we took to our seats l had a word with If Opera’s Artistic Director, Oliver Gooch.
If Opera’s summer season at Church Farm ends this weekend. Thanks for letting us be part of it. For more info, see ifopera.com
We too enjoyed the Chocolate Soldier yesterday, Friday, evening . Apart from the performance we thought the grounds looked enchanting especially the lighting as we left – and lots of shade for picnickers.