MACBETH and IDOMENEO Come to The Marlowe

For their annual visit to The Marlowe Theatre, they will be presenting Macbeth (Friday 10 May) and Idomeneo (Saturday 11 May), with each opera featuring a large chorus and a live orchestra.

Macbeth brings together two geniuses, Verdi and Shakespeare. Verdi said, "[Macbeth] is one of the greatest creations of man" and this opera was the turning point in Verdi's career. The plot shadows that of the original play: The witches have a prophecy: Macbeth will be king. But royalty comes at a price. The cost of power is betrayal, murder and revenge.

Audiences will follow Verdi's Macbeth in a blood-soaked journey to the throne and watch a guilt-ridden Lady Macbeth descend into the depths of despair in this new production, starring Grant Doyle (Macbeth) and Madeleine Pierard (Lady Macbeth). One difference from Shakespeare is that there are not just three witches but a whole chorus of them. The opera is performed in English.

Mozart's Idomeneo remains one the greatest of his 'opera seria' (serious operas). This is an opera that explores royalty, high ideals and deep emotions. The plot features a sea monster, love triangles and mortals raging against the gods. Einstein described this opera as, "one of those works that even a first-class genius like Mozart, manages only once in his lifetime."

Returning from the Trojan War and caught in the midst of a storm, King Idomeneo promises the raging seas that he will sacrifice the first person he meets, in return for his safe passage. Cruelly, the first person he encounters is his only son, Idamante. The rivalry between the princesses Ilia and Elettra for the heart of Idamante coupled with a king's ill-fated promise provide a rich, emotional drama and unforgettable music. The opera is performed in Italian with English subtitles.

Both of these shows are on sale now, for performances at 7.30pm on Friday 10 May and Saturday 11 May. Tickets can be booked at marlowetheatre.com or by calling 01227 787787.