MARIA DUARTE picks the best and worst of a crowded year of films
Lost in space
DAVID NICHOLSON applauds the intentions of a WNO production for kids, but finds the production itself inadequate
[Kirsten Mc Ternan]
JOSEPHINE BARBARO welcomes a diverse anthology of experiences by autistic women that amounts to a resounding chorus, demanding to be heard
PAUL BUHLE recommends an eminently useful book that examines the political opportunities for popular anti-fascist intervention
PETER MASON is entertained by the autobiography of Charlie Harper, one of punk’s most enduring figures
JAMIE BRITTON reaches for the sick bucket as he is forced to engorge detail after detail of the Royal Family’s wealth
STEVE JOHNSON picks his favourites from the many memorable albums of the year, and one stunning new festival
Play Opera Live, WNO
THE latest production from Welsh National Opera is aimed at children and is part of the company’s policy of making opera accessible to more diverse audiences. But while the aim of Play Opera Live — A Space Spectacular was praiseworthy the reality was way off the mark. When I arrived at the theatre I was kicking myself for not having brought my two granddaughters. By the end I was relieved I hadn’t.
Aiming opera at a very young audience requires considerable thought and simply cobbling together a narrative with some of opera’s greatest arias did not work.
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