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.

Tom Richmond as the presenter and deep space explorer worked his socks off but was not helped by a dismal narrative, poor effects and some underpowered singing.

The audience had some very young children in it and they were enthralled by the opening bars of Richard Strausse’s Sprach Zarathusta. But it all went downhill from there as Richmond crooned Fly Me To The Moon, which did not fit the aim of enthralling an audience with opera.

Tenor Adriano Graziani was the star turn as at least his renditions could be heard over the orchestra. Unfortunately, none of the other singers consisting of a mezzo-soprano, soprano and baritone could really be heard. This should have been ironed out during rehearsals with the full orchestra and would not have been tolerated by an opera audience.

The final dismal failure was the large screen showing a rocket blasting off with a countdown from 10 — unfortunately, our hapless narrator had already counted down to eight with the audience before the onstage clock started.

The use of subtitles above the stage to translate the arias into Welsh and English is fine for adults or older children, but this was an audience not able to follow the words nor could they hear the singers. The result was that much of the audience was either chatting or wandering around the auditorium as frantic parents tried to retrieve them.

I have seen opera companies work with young children successfully and develop operas based on that collaboration. The BBC Proms also have successful productions aimed at a young audience and do not dumb down to engage them.

Three stars for good intentions, trying to engage a young audience and ticket prices for a family of four held at a reasonable £30. They must try harder next time, but at least the company is serious in its attempt to reach a more diverse audience.

On tour until November 25. For more information see: wno.org.uk