Spectacular Debut: Scottish Opera's Manon

As Cosi fan tutte opens to rave reviews at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow, what else have Scotland’s opera audiences got to look forward to this season? Alongside Cosi fan tutte, one of Mozart’s most famous and most performed operas, Scottish Opera will perform Jules Massenet’s feted French opera Manon, a first for Scottish audiences.

Not just a Scottish premiére, Manon is also one of Scottish Opera’s largest and most lavish productions to date. Featuring 63 performers on stage (including six Baroque dancers), 67 members of the Orchestra of Scottish Opera in the pit, as well as 165 costumes, 85 wigs, 75 hats and headdresses, 6 giant bird costumes and amongst other things, around 250 metres of French lace, Manon requires an enormous commitment from the entire opera company.

“Manon is a massive opera”, admits Australian mezzo-soprano Catriona Barr, who plays Javotte. “Putting a show like this together would stretch the resources of any company and I suspect that is the reason why it hasn’t been done before.” Director Renaud Doucet promises a traditional interpretation of the opera - faithful to the romantic and emotional score, set in the 18th century, and topped off with a dazzling set and array of fabulous costumes.

“The stunning costumes designed by André Barbe are all period eighteenth century with masses of embroidery and enormous bustles,” commented Catriona. And all this extravagance doesn’t come without its pitfalls, she explained. “It was a bit tricky learning to move in the costumes, the skirts are so huge we have to go through doorways sideways.”

Manon is the tale of Manon Lescaut, a naïve young girl, whose head is turned by the promise of a more exciting life just as she is about to enter life in a convent. Catriona plays Javotte, described as an actress but appearing a little differently. “In reality Javotte, Pousette and Rosette are prostitutes who move from lover to lover. Javotte is always up for a laugh and it has been great fun playing the role with fellow ‘floozies’ Sarah Redgwick and Louise Poole.”

As a mezzo Catriona is often called upon to play the role of a boys, so Javotte is a real departure. “I have been used to striding around the stage, so this role has taken a bit of getting used to. But I am enjoying finding my flirty feminine side.” French soprano Anne Sophie Duprels will sing the title role of Manon in her début with Scottish Opera. International tenor Paul Charles Clarke returns, and Scottish Opera’s Music Director Francesco Corti will conduct. Catriona’s insider's tip is to listen for “Adieu, notre petite table” Sung with heart breaking intensity by Anne Sophie Duprels in Act 2.

“Manon is an extravaganza and a great way to beat the global economic blues,” concluded Catriona. And with Scottish Opera’s tickets for £10 if you are between 16-25 you have no excuse not to join in with what promises to be one of this year’s biggest musical spectacles.