Having seen this production when it first opened in 2009, I went to see it again last night as I had a ticket to reschedule something else. <<http://www.eno.org/grimes>>
It was with sinking feeling that the assembling audience received cast change notes. Not only was Peter Grimes indisposed, so was Ellen Orford, what a bad start to the night!
So we had replacements: Peter Grimes was sung by his understudy, Michael Colvin, who normally sings Bob Boles in this cast. Ellen Orford's understudy was also unable to sing so Judith Howarth stepped in - she had sung the role in this production in Berlin last year. As there was no longer anyone to play Bob Boles, he was sung by Robert Murray who sang the role in Aldeburgh last year. (I think that's the correct history to these replacements, it could be that it was the other way round - if it is - sorry!)
Anyway, replacements aside, it was a cracking evening. Ellen was really good and very moving. Grimes himself, although not having the biggest voice in the cast, certainly had one of the most melodic. It was a soaring, moving voice.
A special bravo to the lighting designer, Adam Silverman. The lighting was terrific throughout. The shadows and light effects were stunning. Some of the shadow work against the sea and sky were very reminiscent of Magritte's work.
