'Orpheus in the Underworld' at Heywood Civic Centre

Photo: Laura Wild

'Orpheus in the Underworld' at Heywood Civic Centre

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The Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society gave a breath taking performance of 'Orpheus in the Underworld’, at Heywood Civic Centre this evening.

Tonight (Saturday 24 April 2010) was the last of the four nights on stage and the society certainly gave it their all.

Chairman of the society, Edward Rigg said: “It is eighteen years since Rochdale Phoenix presented ‘Orpheus in the Underworld’ – and that was in the era when everything happened in the Kirkholt Community Centre.”

He added: “My thanks are due to all the Phoenix team for their hard work in preparing for a show such as this and especially to the audience, for supporting us. The audience’s presence helps us to ensure that live musical performances continue to flourish and give enjoyment to all.”

The performance began with a ten minute orchestral introduction which set the show off to a great start.

This set a high standard for the rest of the performance, but the cast shone through in their portrayal of Orpheus.

The story is based around Orpheus, a violin teacher who is bored of his wife Eurydice as he prefers to devote his time to music. She returns the compliment and is having an affair with Aristaeus, a shepherd, who reveals he is Pluto - god of the underworld.

Although it is a twist from the original show the new tale adds a vibrant a modern spark to a play first performed in 1858.

The show held a variety of musical numbers which allowed the audience to get lost in musical heaven and a romantic tug of war.

The singers who performed this evening were fantastic with very unique voices.

The society offers a three year cycle of shows, starting with light opera, grand opera and Gilbert and Sullivan.

The next production, to be staged in April 2011 will be one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operas.