Ariadne aux Naxos – The Lowry

Ariadne auf Naxos by Opera North can be seen as a musical within an opera. It tells the story of a composer, who himself has written a serious show, becoming frustrated that the sponsors want to follow it with a comedy and a firework display. This infuriates him as he believes it will detract from the seriousness of his work, and so begins an argument.

As the Composer furiously re-writes his musical and tries to arrange urgent rehearsals with the Prima Donna, the news arrives that the sponsors now want to combine the musical and the comedy to produce one simultaneous production.

The first act introduces the characters and their frustrations when third parties want to introduce change, whereas the second act is the musical itself.

The songs in Ariadne auf Naxos are sung in German and Italian, but translations are also shown on large screens either side of the stage. For newcomers to Opera, like ourselves, this was a welcomed addition to the stage and helped explain the scenes perfectly.

The whole second act is a really clever mix of a behind-the-scenes insight and of the production itself, giving the audience an almost directorial overview for whole second half. You get to watch the main performance from Ariadne on the main stage along with the behind the scenes drama off to one side.

As a theatre The Lowry is very welcoming and accessible. It is a very open area with ramps and lifts between floors and wide doors and aisles for any visitors with mobility issues.

Overall Ariadne auf Naxos is a fantastic opera and one we recommend you catch while you can!

https://www.operanorth.co.uk/whats-on/ariadne-auf-naxos/
https://thelowry.com/whats-on/