Reviews: Autumn 04 Tour - Tobias and the Angel

“Among the professionals, Hal Cazalet’s nimble tenor serves Tobias well, while James Laing’s liquid counter-tenor and skimpy physique prove perfect casting for the angel prodding the chap towards sensitivity. Serena Kay’s expressive acting further enhances the role of Sara.

No Covent Garden or Glyndebourne chorus offers the thrill of ordinary people playing ordinary people.”

Geoff Brown, The Times

“Director Jonathan Fulljames knits together these memorable individual scenes to create an engaging piece of storytelling.The most ravishing music in the whole score comes at the end of the story, as counter-tenor James Laing’s stranger reveals himself to be the angel Raphael and the whole cast sings a hymn-like melody with rapt intensity. Inclusive in the best sense of the word, Tobias and the Angel is a compelling work of music-theatre.”

Tom Service, The Guardian

“A project that really does succeed in bringing people together for a common purpose without the slightest hint of being patronising.

The cast is impressive, headed by the highly promising tenor Hal Cazalet as Tobias and James Laing as Raphael, a countertenor with a lovely, ringing voice who affects a gentle kindness that is positively alluring.

The instrumental playing by the nine-piece ensemble is excellent, and conductor Tim Murray’s skills ensure a slick, cogent performance.”

Stephen Pettitt, Evening Standard

“Director John Fulljames interjects the ancient story with humour and contemporary touches.

Tobias and the Angel is a community opera at its best. It restores faith in the genre and even in angels themselves.”

Ruth Holmes, St Albans Observer

“As night fell, and the intimate lighting in the church bathed everything in a warm glow, it was hard to imagine anyone not succumbing to the charm and spirituality of this piece.”

Patrick O’Connor, Opera