THE curtain is already up as you enter the auditorium for this second in a trilogy of operas at the Millennium Centre this week - with some of the cast on a bare stage, lounging around, chatting and reading and wearing 21st century dress.

For a moment you assume that this is going to be a very modern version of Mozart's Marriage of Figaro - until Figaro himself in traditional costume, rushes on stage, panicking, pushing them all off stage to hurry and change, and for the scenery to brought on, while the orchestra plays the overture.
Just like a play within a play, the cast then return in their 18th century garb, and this atmosphere of haste continues throughout as conductor Lothar Koenigs sets a brisk pace, especially in Acts I and II, slowing to a slightly gentler rhythm in the later acts.

The libretto is in English, with subtitles high above stage in both English and Welsh, and for those unfamiliar with the story or new to opera, this adds hugely to the enjoyment of the evening. Especially so in Marriage of Figaro, as some of the lines are short but so witty that it would be a shame if even one were lost! 

Anna Devin as Susannah with her rich voice really steals the show, especially in the tender finale, but there are also very classy performances from Mark Stone as the Count and soprano Naomi O'Connell in the trouser role as Cherubino and David Stout as  Figaro - while Julian Boyce perfects his small but very funny role as the gardener.

There are many highlights - the bedroom scene in Act II is hilarious and beautifully directed, the characters engage well with the audience by appearing occasionally in various parts of the theatre, and the wedding scene with its dances are aesthetically delightful.

If there any criticisms, then it would be the rather clumsy and lengthy changes of scenery between acts, which would have been better carried out behind closed curtains.

But this is a minor point in a splendid opera that truly captivates from start to finish despite a three and a half hour running time.

*There will be one more performance on February 26.