Taunton Amateur Operatic Society

Director – Alistair Donkin
Musical Director – Elizabeth Hayley

Rose Bowl Awards – Adjudication in brief
This was a production that was a joy to see in many ways, especially with regard to the methods in which all principals were asked to use the stage, and deliver their dialogue. The chorus was well-drilled in some wonderfully complex moves and added to the ever-changing pictures in each scene. As a result any ‘static’ moment had real impact as a contrast. No word was wasted among the principals in their dialogue, and the men in particular carried this clarity into their singing with admirable skill.
It was wonderfully dressed and a spectacle throughout. The company clearly benefited from working with such a first class performer as Mr Donkin.
Overall, the production of the show was of a very high standard, asking much of an amateur company and succeeding admirably. It had pace, colour, humour and care over tradition. It made demands on a company that one would imagine was a revelation into the artistry in stage-craft, and produced a corporate chorus movement that was of a rare complexity rarely seen in an amateur production of this particular opera.