*****

“Opera needs this kind of intrepid eccentricity.”

Fiona Maddocks

*****

“a Flying Dutchman that will itself live in legend.”

Mel Cooper

****

“Thomas Guthrie’s production is one of the best I have seen at this address, stylised without being gimmicky…energised and engaging…against a backdrop of a livid and stormy sky (beautifully painted and lit by Ruth Paton and Ben Ormerod).”
Simon Heffer

“A superb production… without any of the pretentiousness or absurdity one finds in so many Wagner productions…”
Rupert Christiansen

****

“Longborough continues to be a refuge for British Wagnerians fleeing idiotic productions…impressive… magnetic… thrilling.”
Michael Tanner

“Extraordinarily moving… As the overture ends slow moving figures pass across the stage carrying model houses and a lighthouse, like the chorus in a Greek drama, reminding us that Wagner wanted to recreate Greek tragedy in a modern setting with music at its core… by remaining faithful to Wagner’s ideas and keeping the staging simple, director Thomas Guthrie with his designer Ruth Paton and lighting designer Ben Ormerod bring such clarity to this opera that its impact is far greater than many more elaborate productions, including the current one at Bayreuth… tremendously moving… a thrilling and marvellously simple production… a wonderful evening and a Dutchman to remember.”
Mark Ronan

“The music was wonderful but to see it come alive like that – words can’t explain… completely enthralling.”
Lady Solti