arts
Billy Budd review
Glyndebourne, SussexThis revival of Michael Grandage’s atmospheric production of Britten’s opera has numerous fine performances: Thomas Mole and Sam Carl are persuasive as Billy and Claggart, and Allan Clayton’s luminous Vere is a standout
TL;DR
- The production features a claustrophobic ship set designed by Christopher Oram, enhanced by Paule Constable's lighting.
- The opera explores themes of goodness, malevolence, and unspoken desires, particularly between Claggart and Budd.
- Thomas Mole as Billy Budd and Sam Carl as John Claggart deliver persuasive performances.
- The chorus and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas Carter, provide strong support.
- Allan Clayton's performance as Captain Vere is highlighted as a standout, particularly in his final scene.