Phoenix Cinema, Falmouth

Marvels "Iron Man 3" pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemys hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man? (c) Disney

A court martial sends a veteran soldier to a distant planet, where he is to destroy the remains of an alien race. The arrival of an unexpected traveler causes him to question what he knows about the planet, his mission, and himself.

The Star Trek franchise continues with this follow-up to 2009s J.J. Abrams-directed reboot. Abrams and Bryan Burk handle producing duties on the sci-fi production, from a script by Damon Lindelof and the writing team of Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

The Star Trek franchise continues with this follow-up to 2009s J.J. Abrams-directed reboot. Abrams and Bryan Burk handle producing duties on the sci-fi production, from a script by Damon Lindelof and the writing team of Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

Drama. "The Great Gatsby" follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz and bootleg kings. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy (Carey Mulligan) and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton). It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.

Drama. "The Great Gatsby" follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) as he leaves the Midwest and comes to New York City in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz and bootleg kings. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious, party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) and across the bay from his cousin, Daisy (Carey Mulligan) and her philandering, blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton). It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super rich, their illusions, loves and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.

A technical failure has endangered the lives of the people on board Peninsula Flight 2549. The pilots are striving, along with their colleagues in the Control Center, to find a solution. The flight attendants and the chief steward are atypical, baroque characters who, in the face of danger, try to forget their own personal problems and devote themselves body and soul to the task of making the flight as enjoyable as possible for the passengers, while they wait for a solution. Life in the clouds is as complicated as it is at ground level, and for the same reasons, which could be summarized in two: sex and death. (c) Sony Classics

"The Hangover Part III" is the third and final film in director Todd Phillips record-shattering comedy franchise. This time, theres no wedding. No bachelor party. What could go wrong, right? But when the Wolfpack hits the road, all bets are off. (c) WB

From acclaimed director Matteo Garrone, REALITY is a darkly comic look at Luciano, a charming and affable fishmonger whose unexpected and sudden obsession with being a contestant on the reality show "Big Brother" leads him down a rabbit hole of skewed perceptions and paranoia. So overcome by his dream of being on reality TV, Lucianos own reality begins to spiral out of control, making for one of the most compelling tragicomic character studies since Scorseses The King of Comedy.

When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks hes hit the jackpot-fame and fortune are his for the taking-that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyones been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity-and even a bit of wizardry-Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz but into a better man as well. -- (C) Walt Disney

In theaters Earth Day 2012, Disneynatures newest True Life Adventure introduces Oscar, a baby chimp whose playful curiosity and zest for discovery light up the African forest until a twist of fate leaves Oscar to fend for himself with a little help from an unexpected ally. -- (C) Disneynature

The ultimate bel canto cast is assembled for this important yet rarely performed masterpiece. Based on Sir Walter Scott’s poem The Lady of the Lake, La donna del lago is the most fully Romantic of Rossini’s Italian operas.

In Renaissance Scotland, King James V travels to the tribal Highlands, where he falls in love with Elena – the lady of the lake. Her father is fighting with the clans against the King’s rule and has promised Elena’s hand in marriage to a clan leader, Rodrigo. Meanwhile Elena herself is in love with the young romantic hero Malcolm. The plot inspired some truly galvanizing scenes, most memorably the stunning confrontation between the tenors Uberto (James V in disguise) and Rodrigo.

In the hands of three of the leading bel canto voices of our time, Juan Diego Flórez (Count Almaviva in The Royal Opera’s Il barbiere di Siviglia, Tonio in The Royal Opera’s La Fille du régiment), Joyce DiDonato (who sang the title role in Cendrillon with The Royal Opera last Season), and Colin Lee (Tonio in the 2012 revival of La Fille du régiment), La donna del lago promises to be a musical revelation. 

Starring
Juan Diego Flórez, Joyce DiDonato and Colin Lee

Composer
Gioachino Rossini

Conductor
Michele Mariotti

Director
John Fulljames

Production Information
Opera in two acts
Sung in Italian with subtitles
Running time approximately 200 minutes
One interval

Don (De Niro) and Ellie (Keaton), a long divorced couple are forced to pretend that they are still happily married at their sons wedding. Among all of their family and friends, the hoax snowballs into a poignant and raucously funny story about the ties that bind.

Shakespeares masterpiece of the turbulence of war and the arts of peace tells the romantic story of Henrys campaign to recapture the English possessions in France. But the ambitions of this charismatic king are challenged by a host of vivid characters caught up in the real horrors of war.

Henry V, which opened the new Globe with the words O for a muse of fire, celebrates the power of language to summon into life courts, pubs, ships and battlefields within the wooden O - and beyond.

Much loved for his performance as Prince Hal in Henry IV Parts 1 & 2 (2010), Jamie Parker returns to Hals journey as Henry V. Other credits included The History Boys at the National Theatre, on Broadway and on film.

Cast
Brid Brennan, Graham Butler, Nigel Cooke, Giles Cooper, Sam Cox, Kurt Egyiawan, Matthew Flynn, David Hargreaves, Beruce Khan, James Lailey, Brendan OHea, Jamie Parker, Paul Rider, Olivia Ross, Chris Starkie, Lisa Stevenson and Roger Watkins.

The Prologue

At a sumptuous home, two theatre troupes are preparing for their performances: a commedia dellarte group, led by the comedienne Zerbinetta, and an opera company presenting a serious opera, Ariadne auf Naxos. The major-domo announces that, to save time, both entertainments must be performed simultaneously.The idealistic young composer is loath to permit any changes to his opera. When his teacher, the music master, points out that his pay depends on his accepting the situation, and when Zerbinetta turns her charms upon him, he complies. But when he fully realises what he has agreed to, he storms out.

The Opera

Ariadne, who has been abandoned by Theseus, laments her lost love and yearns for death. Zerbinetta and her four companions from the commedia dellarte troupe attempt to cheer her by singing and dancing, without success. Zerbinetta insists that the best way to cure a broken heart is to find another love. Each of the four commedia men pursues Zerbinetta.Naiad, Dryad and Echo announce the arrival of a stranger. Ariadne assumes it is the messenger of death, but in fact it is Bacchus, who falls instantly in love with her. As Ariadne and Bacchus celebrate their love, Zerbinetta claims that she was right all along.

For the first time ever the worlds most loved ballet Swan Lake is being presented Live from the city where it was created - and by the company which produces many of the greatest dance stars. (Pavlova, Nureyev, Barishnikov - many more).

This special event - celebrating 275 years since Russian ballet began - will be available for cinema audiences across the globe to enjoy live in both 3D and 2D. The "genius" of Tchaikovskys incredible score and the "genius" of the choreography of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov bring you the version of Swan Lake the world loves.

Lyrical, mysterious and dramatic, the Mariinsky create an imaginary world where Prince Siegfried and the swan-princess Odette affirm their love for each other, conquering the forces of evil.Tchaikovskys ravishing music combines with peerless choreography showing the Mariinskys famed corps de ballet in all its beauty. Starring Ekaterina Kondaurova in the classic role of Odette/Odile.

Broadcast live in stunning high definition in 3D and 2D from the historic Mariinsky Theatre St Petersburg, the Imperial Capital of Russia on a unique occasion, the production will include Hollywood, Russian and other international guest stars - and exclusive, glamorous presentations exclusively for the cinema audience. 

Helen Mirren reprises her Academy Award winning role as Queen Elizabeth II in the highly-anticipated West End production of The Audience, broadcast live from London’s Gielgud Theatre as part of National Theatre Live.

For sixty years Elizabeth II has met each of her twelve Prime Ministers in a weekly audience at Buckingham Palace – a meeting like no other in British public life – it is private. Both parties have an unspoken agreement never to repeat what is said. Not even to their spouses. The Audience breaks this contract of silence – and imagines a series of pivotal meetings between the Downing Street incumbents and their Queen. From Churchill to Cameron, each Prime Minister has used these private conversations as a sounding board and a confessional – sometimes intimate, sometimes explosive.

From young mother to grandmother, these private audiences chart the arc of the second Elizabethan Age. Politicians come and go through the revolving door of electoral politics, while she remains constant, waiting to welcome her next Prime Minister.

The Audience reunites writer Peter Morgan and Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren following their collaboration on the critically-acclaimed movie sensation The Queen.

The Audience is directed by Academy Award-nominated director Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot, The Hours) and presented in the West End by Matthew Byam Shaw for Playful Productions, Robert Fox and Andy Harries.

A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind. -- (C) Warner Bros

Act I Scene 1

At the Garter Inn, Dr Caius accuses Falstaff and his followers Bardolph and Pistol of various misdemeanours. They drive Caius away, and Falstaff advises his men to steal more carefully. Falstaff, short on cash, hatches a scheme: to woo Alice Ford and Meg Page, thus gaining access to their husbands fortunes. He has written identical love letters to both ladies, and sends Bardolph and Pistol off to deliver them.

Scene 2

At the Fords home, Alice Ford and Meg Page discover that they have received identical love letters from Falstaff. Along with Mistress Quickly and Alices daughter Nannetta, they resolve to teach Falstaff a lesson. Bardolph, Pistol and Caius tell Ford that Falstaff has designs on his wife. Meanwhile, Fenton romances Nannetta. The four women decide to send Quickly to Falstaff with an invitation from Alice. Ford plans to lay a trap for Falstaff by visiting him under a false name.

Act II Scene 1

Quickly visits Falstaff to arrange a tryst between him and Alice, and tells him that Meg also desires him. After she leaves, Ford arrives, introducing himself as Mr Brook, and confides his failed attempts to woo Alice. He offers to pay Falstaff to seduce Alice, which he claims will then make her more susceptible to his own advances. Falstaff boasts that in half an hour Alice will be his, explaining that she has already requested a tryst. As Falstaff dresses for his rendezvous, Ford resolves to ambush Alice and Falstaff.

Scene 2

Quickly reports that Falstaff has accepted Alices offer. Nannetta complains that Ford is forcing her to marry rich old Caius, but Alice, Meg and Quickly pledge to help unite her instead with her beloved Fenton. Alice is left alone to receive Falstaff, who declares his passion for her. Meg arrives, feigning agitation because Ford is approaching. Falstaff hides, and it becomes apparent that Ford really is approaching. Ford enters, and he and his men search the house. The women hide Falstaff in a laundry basket. Ford hears kissing behind a screen, tears it down, and finds Fenton and Nannetta behind it. Alice orders the servants to dump the laundry basket into the Thames.

Act III Scene 1

Outside the Garter, a drenched Falstaff consoles himself with wine. Mistress Quickly arrives with a new proposition: Alice will meet Falstaff in Windsor Park at midnight. He must be disguised as Herne the Hunter. When Falstaff leaves, Alice enters to plan the midnight masquerade, assigning disguises to all. Ford secretly tells Caius to dress as a monk, and says that he will marry him to Nannetta. Mistress Quickly overhears this.

Scene 2

In Windsor Park, Fenton meets Nannetta, who is disguised as Queen of the Fairies. Alice enters with a monks habit for Fenton to wear. Falstaff arrives as midnight chimes, and Alice soon joins him. Falstaff is terrified by the incantation of the Queen of the Fairies. Soon, maskers disguised as supernatural creatures arrive and torment Falstaff, demanding that he repent. When Falstaff recognises Bardolph, everyone unmasks, except a veiled couple who step up to be married. Alice presents a second couple to be wed, and Ford performs the double wedding. When the couples are unveiled, Ford admits his defeat and proposes a festive supper for all.

Pompeii Captured Live is the very first cinema event to be produced by a museum for a major exhibition and will offer an exclusive private view of the British Museum’s blockbuster show Life and death in Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The exhibition focuses on the homes and lives of the inhabitants of the thriving industrial hub of Pompeii and the small seaside town of Herculaneum nearly 2,000 years ago when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD.

Introduced by British Museum Director Neil MacGregor, this fascinating show will take you around the exhibition with insights from renowned experts who will bring these extraordinary objects to life. With accompanying music, poetry and eyewitness accounts, you’ll see specially made films of Pompeii and Herculaneum today, and go behind the scenes of the exhibition to explore the stories of these famous Roman cities.

Max Brooks epic tome of a fictional time of global war against the undead is brought to life in this Paramount Pictures/Plan B production. Quantum of Solaces Marc Forster directs from a script by Changeling scribe J. Michael Straczynski. Brad Pitt stars as a journalist covering the disaster, with Mireille Enos, Anthony Mackie, and Bryan Cranston heading up the rest of the cast. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

This important new staging of Gloriana marks three major anniversaries: 60 years since the Queen's Coronation, 60 years since the opera's premiere at the Royal Opera House and the centenary of Benjamin Britten's birth. 

Britten's portrait of the public and private faces of Elizabeth I is a brilliant depiction of the Tudor court and the tension between affairs of state and affairs of the heart. Award-winning director Richard Jones directs a Gloriana for our time and a superlative British cast brings to life this under-appreciated gem, a unique tribute both to the nation's monarch and to its greatest opera composer.

Starring
Susan Bullock and Toby Spence
 
Composer
Benjamin Britten
 
Conductor
Paul Daniel
 
Director
Richard Jones
 
Production Information
Live opera in three acts
Sung in English
Subtitles: English
Running time approximately 180 minutes
Includes two intervals

Helen Mirren reprises her Academy Award winning role as Queen Elizabeth II in the highly-anticipated West End production of The Audience, broadcast live from London’s Gielgud Theatre as part of National Theatre Live.

For sixty years Elizabeth II has met each of her twelve Prime Ministers in a weekly audience at Buckingham Palace – a meeting like no other in British public life – it is private. Both parties have an unspoken agreement never to repeat what is said. Not even to their spouses. The Audience breaks this contract of silence – and imagines a series of pivotal meetings between the Downing Street incumbents and their Queen. From Churchill to Cameron, each Prime Minister has used these private conversations as a sounding board and a confessional – sometimes intimate, sometimes explosive.

From young mother to grandmother, these private audiences chart the arc of the second Elizabethan Age. Politicians come and go through the revolving door of electoral politics, while she remains constant, waiting to welcome her next Prime Minister.

The Audience reunites writer Peter Morgan and Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren following their collaboration on the critically-acclaimed movie sensation The Queen.

The Audience is directed by Academy Award-nominated director Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot, The Hours) and presented in the West End by Matthew Byam Shaw for Playful Productions, Robert Fox and Andy Harries.

Music: Giuseppe Verdi
Conductor: Andrea Molino
Director: Alex OllLong

Synopsis

Prepare to be amazed by a breathtaking new production by La Fura dels Baus, the ingenious company that has staged a powerful version of Berliozs The Damnation of Faust and Gyrgy Ligetis spectacular fantasy Le Grand Macabre.

The innovative director Alex Oll and designers Alfons Flores and Lluc Castells have created a visually stunning, ground-breaking tale of deception, disguise and fate in a world where the wealthy have all the power and control the populace. While the benevolent ruler plans a grand masquerade for the pleasure of his subjects, his conspirators are plotting his end. The traitors, however, will only succeed if they can enlist an ally close to the king.

With its unforgettable melodies and fine balance of romance and tragedy and one of operas greatest love duets the international collaboration is a first for Opera Australia ahead of seasons in Brussels, Oslo and Buenos Aires. The acclaimed soprano Tamar Iveri and rising Mexican tenor Diego Torre make their role debuts as Amelia and Gustav III respectively while the outstanding Jos Carb portrays Count Ankarstrm in his first Verdi opera.

Olls visceral production sets a new benchmark in theatrical innovation and promises to be as mindboggling and daring as it is musically lush. It is conducted by the Italian composer and conductor Andrea Molino, the artistic director of the World Venice Forum who conducted Of Mice and Men and Macbeth for Opera Australia.

Filled with a cast of unforgettable characters, Twelfth Night is a moving comedy of loss and misplaced love and includes some of the most exquisite songs Shakespeare ever wrote.

The all-male Original Practices production, exploring clothing, music, dance and settings possible in the Globe around 1601, stars award-winning Mark Rylance and Stephen Fry. Twelfth Nights sell-out performances led to a hit run in Londons West End.

Cast
Samuel Barnett, Liam Brennan, Paul Chahidi, John Paul Connolly, Ian Drysdale, Johnny Flynn, Stephen Fry, James Garnon, Peter Hamilton Dyer, Colin Hurley, Roger Lloyd Pack, Mark Rylance, Jethro Skinner and Ben Thompson.

Act I

Susanna tries on a wedding bonnet, while her fianc Figaro measures the room in the castle given to them by the Count. She points out the rooms dangerous proximity to the Counts, reminding Figaro of the droit de seigneur, the ancient feudal right of masters to dally with their maidservants. Figaro vows to thwart him. Figaros old enemy, Bartolo, and Bartolos former servant, Marcellina, enter with a marriage contract between Marcellina and Figaro, which they intend to enforce. The page Cherubino enters, protesting at being sent away to the army because the Count found him dallying with the gardeners daughter Barbarina. When the Count approaches, he hides. The Count romances Susanna. Her singing teacher Basilio arrives, forcing the Count to hide. When he comes out of hiding, he discovers the hidden Cherubino. Figaro arrives with a group of peasants, praising the Count for abolishing the droit de seigneur. The Count sends Cherubino off to join his regiment.

Act II

The Countess laments her husbands neglect. Susanna tells her of the Counts designs upon her, and of Figaros plan to send a cross-dressed Cherubino to meet the Count instead of her. Cherubino arrives to prepare for his tryst with the Count, but the Counts arrival forces him to hide in the closet. Susanna returns unobserved and hides.On hearing that Susanna is hiding in the closet, the Count demands that she emerge. He goes to fetch tools to open the door, taking the Countess with him. Susanna releases Cherubino, who escapes through the window while she enters the closet. Returning with her husband, the Countess confesses that Cherubino is inside. Both are nonplussed when Susanna emerges.Figaro arrives. The gardener Antonio enters, complaining that someone jumped from the window; Figaro claims it was him. The Count is relieved when Bartolo, Marcellina and Basilio enter and demand that Figaro marry Marcellina or repay his debt. Long interval

Act III

The Count pursues Susanna. She agrees to a rendezvous, but he then overhears her plotting with Figaro. Alone, the Countess ponders her unhappy marriage. Meanwhile, the court case on Marcellinas marriage contract has been resolved in her favour. Figaro confesses that he was born into a respectable family and requires his parents consent. From his description of his history, Marcellina recognises Figaro as her long-lost son; Bartolo is his father. Susanna and the Countess write to the Count, inviting him to the rendezvous; a pin must be returned as acknowledgement. A group of peasant girls arrive to offer flowers to the Countess, with the disguised Cherubino among them. Barbarina forces the Count to agree to let her marry Cherubino. The wedding celebrations begin. Susanna passes the letter to the Count.

Act IV

That night in the garden, Barbarina laments losing the pin she was to return to Susanna. Figaro resolves to interrupt the tryst between Susanna and the Count. Marcellina goes to forewarn Susanna. Barbarina hides, as do Figaro, Bartolo and Basilio. Disguised in each others clothes, Susanna and the Countess enter to ensnare the Count. Cherubino arrives seeking Barbarina, but he sees (as he thinks) Susanna, and flirts with her. The Count takes Cherubinos place, wooing Susanna. Figaro, seeing through Susannas disguise, pretends to seduce the Countess, and is caught by the Count, who refuses to forgive his wife for her apparent infidelity. The truth is revealed and all is set right.

Affectionally known as "The King of Waltz", Andr performs a series of concerts in his home town of Maastricht, in The Netherlands every year. The concerts are performed in front of thousands of fans and are set amongst the beautiful medieval backdrop of his beautiful home town of Maastricht.

As always, Andre is joined by his famous Johann Strauss Orchestra, his Sopranos, Tenors and some very special guests. The Maastricht concerts are Andrs most popular concerts of the year with his most dedicated fans flying from all over the world to see this incredible event live.

The Maastricht concerts are so special and so unique with the atmosphere in the town square heightened by both the enormous crowds and the many restaurants lining the square, who all take part in this magnificent event.

When asked if Andre had a message for his fans around the world, he said: If you cant join us in Maastricht, we will come to you. It is going to be a magical event with some very special guests. Come and enjoy the music on the big screen in the comfort of your local cinema."2013 is shaping up to be his biggest and most spectacular concert ever to be screened in cinemas.

As always, the broadcast will feature CinemaLive host, Charlotte Hawkins, who will introduce the show as well as conduct an interview with Andr the moment he steps off stage, exclusively for cinema audiences.

La Valse fills the stage with 21 couples, spinning endlessly to Ravel’s pulsating score. It is the perfect curtain-raiser for a generous all-Ashton programme, showing the breadth of the choreographer’s inspiration, his musicality and his infallible sense of drama.

Following La Valse are two delightful short works, the first an ardent love duet set to the intermezzo from Massenet’s opera Thais, the second a Viennese whirl of a piece, set to a waltz by Johann Strauss II. Ashton’s Monotones are an otherworldly distillation of Erik Satie’s piano pieces Trois Gymnopedies.

Monotones I and II are among Ashton’s most modernist, and greatest works. Indelibly associated with Fonteyn and Nureyev, Marguerite and Armand offers audiences another opportunity to see one of Ashton’s most passionate creations, swept along by Liszt’s torrential Sonata in B minor.

Starring
‘MEDITATION’ FROM THAÏS:
Mara Galeazzi, Rupert Pennefather
VOICES OF SPRING:
Emma Maguire, Valentino Zucchetti
MONOTONES I & II:
Emma Maguire, Akane Takada, Dawid Trzensimiech, Marianela Nuñez, Federico Bonelli, Edward Watson
MARGUERITE & ARMAND:
Tamara Rojo, Christopher Saunders, Sergei Polunin, Gary Avis
Production Information
Recorded at the Royal Opera House February 2013
NEW cinema release
Running time 133 minutes INCLUDING two intervals

Prologue

Diana, chaste goddess of the moon and the hunt, and Cupid, god of love, argue over who will dominate. Their quarrel is settled by Jupiter, who decrees that love will rule over all hearts for one day every year. Diana vows to protect the mortals Hippolytus (Hippolyte) and Aricia (Aricie).

Act I

Hippolytus is in love with a young woman, Aricia, the daughter of Pallas, the enemy of his father Theseus (Thse), King of Athens. Pallas compels Aricia to take a vow of chastity to Diana. Before she does so, Hippolytus reveals his love for Aricia and Diana promises to protect the couple. This enrages Phaedra (Phdre), Queen of Athens, who harbours an illicit love for Hippolytus, her stepson. News arrives that her husband Theseus is dead. Phaedra may now pursue her passion for Hippolyte and offer him the crown of Athens.

Act II

Neptune, father of Theseus, has promised to answer his sons prayers three times during his life. Theseuss first prayer is to reach Hades safely, where he hopes to rescue his friend Pirithous. Theseus fights with the Fury Tisiphone, but successfully reaches Plutos court. Pluto condemns Theseus to share the fate of his friend Pirithous, but allows him a trial. When Theseus loses, he prays a second time to Neptune, and Pluto is powerless to hold him. As Theseus is leaving, however, the Furies (Les Parques) predict that though he may leave Hades, he will find Hell in his own home.

Act III

Phaedra meets Hippolytus, who offers her his condolences on the death of Theseus. Mistaking his concern for love, Phaedra confesses her passion to him. Hippolytus is shocked and curses her. Phaedra tries to kill herself but Hippolytus prevents it. Theseus arrives unexpectedly. Unsure what to make of the scene, he accuses Hippolytus of trying to rape Phaedra. Phaedra rushes off and Hippolytus nobly refuses to denounce his stepmother. Theseus decides to use his last prayer to Neptune to punish Hippolytus.

Act IV

Hippolytus and Aricia have escaped together to Dianas realm. A monster suddenly emerges from the sea to punish Hippolytus. He tries to fight it and is defeated. Phaedra confesses her guilt for Hippolytuss death.

Act V

Theseus learns the truth from Phaedra, who takes her own life. Theseus too threatens suicide but Neptune reveals that Hippolytus is still alive, thanks to Dianas protection. But for unjustly blaming his son, Theseus is condemned never to see him again. In Dianas realm, the goddess reunites Hippolytus and Aricia.

In Rigoletto, Verdi charts the fate of his larger-than-life characters – the tormented jester trying to avenge himself on his heartless playboy employer the Duke of Mantua, who has carelessly seduced Rigoletto’s innocent daughter Gilda – in music of immense theatrical punch and instant memorability.

The score’s most celebrated highlights – the Duke’s Questa o quella and La donna è mobile and Gilda’s Caro nome – are among the best known set-pieces in all opera. First seen in 2001, David McVicar’s production teems with life and colour and with Tanya McCallin’s period costumes and Michael Vale’s starkly effective sets, it provides an ideal frame for Verdi’s exploration of love, emotional betrayal and the darkest revenge.

Starring
Dimitri Platanias, Ekaterina Siurina and Vittorio Grigolo
 
Composer
Giuseppe Verdi
 
Conductor
John Eliot Gardiner

Director
David McVicar
 
Production Information
Recorded at The Royal Opera House in 2012
Opera in three acts
Running time 153 minutes including one interval
Sung in Italian

Music: Georges Bizet
Conductor: Brian Castles-Onion
Director: Gale EdwardsLong

Synopsis

Set on a stage suspended above the water on Sydney Harbour, this sizzling outdoor staging of Bizets famous love story - Carmen tells the story of the naive soldier Don Jos who abandons his childhood sweetheart and deserts the army when he falls under the alluring gypsys spell. When he loses her love to the dashing toreador Escamillo, the scene is set for jealousy and vengeance.

Bizets seductive melodies and fiery Spanish rhythms conjure a world of desire, defiance and doom, in some of the worlds best loved music, including the arias Habanera, Seguidilla, Flower Song and Toreador Song.Israeli born mezzo-soprano Rinat Shaham, one of the worlds most acclaimed Carmens, performs the title role.

Act I

The elderly bachelor Don Pasquale, at his house in Rome, awaits his friend Dr Malatesta, who has arranged a marriage for him. The bride, Malatesta tells him, is beautiful and innocent, and happens to be Malatestas sister. Don Pasquale reminds his nephew Ernesto that he has offered to wed him to a wealthy lady on pain of disinheritance if he refuses. Ernesto refuses again; he intends to marry the impoverished Norina. At home, Norina scoffs at a romantic novel. Malatesta arrives and tells her of the scheme he has hatched to help her and Ernesto marry. Norina will be introduced to Pasquale as Malatestas sister Sofronia, fresh from the convent. After they are married by a false notary, Pasquale will be at their mercy.

Act II

Disowned by Pasquale, Ernesto feels he cannot ask Norina to share his poverty.Malatesta arrives at Pasquales house with Sofronia, apparently shy and afraid of men. Pasquale proposes and she accepts. Malatestas false notary draws up the contract, making Sofronia mistress of the house and owner of half of Pasquales goods. The ceremony done, Sofronia instantly transforms into a domineering, spendthrift shrew and appoints Ernesto her escort.

Act III

Don Pasquale, his home completely revamped by Norina/Sofronia, examines the bills with horror. Norina enters, dressed up to go to the theatre. Pasquale tries to stop her, but Sofronia treats him harshly. As she leaves, she deliberately drops a piece of paper. Pasquale discovers that it is a note from Sofronias lover arranging a tryst in the garden that evening. Pasquale sends for Malatesta and shows him the note. They agree to confront the lovers in the garden that night.Later, in the garden, Ernesto serenades Norina, and they sing of their love. Pasquale and Malatesta spy on them and then ambush them, but Ernesto escapes unrecognised. Sofronia denies her guilt and refuses to leave, but Malatesta persuades her that she cannot stay, as Norina is to arrive tomorrow as Ernestos bride. Pasquale is thus forced to accept Ernestos chosen wife in order to get rid of his own. When the truth is finally revealed, Pasquale forgives the youngsters and all are reconciled.

Shakespeares most outrageous comedy, The Taming of the Shrew introduces one of theatres great screwball double-acts, a couple hell-bent on confusing and outwitting each other right up to the plays equivocal and controversial conclusion.

Cast
Tom Anderson, David Beames, Jamie Beamish, Michael Bertenshaw, Simon Paisley Day, Pip Donaghy, Patrick Driver, Tom Godwin, Christopher Keegan, Sarah MacRae, Pearce Quigley, Samantha Spiro, Joseph Timms, Rick Warden and Helen Weir.

Verdi’s lifelong love affair with Shakespeare first took flight with Macbeth in 1847. Musically, the composer’s masterstrokes were the macabre choruses for the witches, the evocative orchestral colours and the increased role for the ‘ugly and evil’ Lady Macbeth.

Phyllida Lloyd’s production uses Verdi’s 1865 revision, especially noted for Lady Macbeth’s great aria ‘La luce langue’ and the wonderful Act IV opening chorus, and brings out the dark motivations of the Macbeths and the light of justice for those they wrong. Simon Keenlyside and Liudmyla Monastryrska play the Scottish nobleman and his villainously ambitious wife, who spurs her husband to murder for the sake of his career, and American bass-baritone Raymond Aceto takes the role of Banquo, murder victim and symbol of conscience.

Starring
Simon Keenlyside, Liudmyla Monastryrska and Raymond Aceto
 
Composer
Giuseppe Verdi
 
Conductor
Antonio Pappano
 
Director
Phyllida Lloyd
 
Production Information
Recorded at the Royal Opera House June 2011
Opera in four acts
Sung in Italian
Running time 170 minutes EXCLUDING intervals

Prologue

Captain Vere, an old man, is haunted by a moment in his life when he was tested and found wanting.

Act I Scene 1

Years earlier, on board HMS Indomitable, a British man-of-war during the French wars of 1797, sailors are at work. A boarding party returns from a passing merchant ship, the Rights o Man, with three men impressed for naval service. John Claggart, Master-at-Arms, interviews them but only the last, Billy Budd, pleases the officers, despite his stammer. But his impassioned farewell to the Rights o Man is misunderstood as a revolutionary declaration, and Claggart, responsible for discipline, is told to watch Billy. He sets his corporal, Squeak, to harass Billy. A Novice returns from a flogging, and Donald and Dansker caution the new recruits that no one escapes punishment. They warn against Claggart while declaring their devotion to Vere.

Scene 2

A week later, Vere meets with two officers in his cabin and they discuss the recent naval mutinies at Spithead and the Nore. Vere discounts their fears about Billys influence on the men. Another officer arrives to announce that enemy land has been sighted.

Scene 3

Below the decks, the same evening, Billy discovers Squeak meddling with his kit-bag and they fight. Claggart arrives and has Squeak arrested. Alone, Claggart voices his determination to destroy Billy. He forces the Novice to try to bribe Billy into leading a mutiny. Billy awakens to hear the Novices proposal. Furious at the idea of mutiny, he can only stammer. Dansker tells Billy that Claggart is behind it all, but Billy refuses to believe him.

Act II Scene 1

Some days later, Claggart is telling Vere that there is a dangerous sailor aboard, when a French ship is sighted. The crew are called to action stations and a shot is fired, but the wind fails, the mist returns and the chase is abandoned. Claggart returns to Vere and again accuses Billy of planning a mutiny. Vere orders both men to his cabin.

Scene 2

Billy arrives in Veres cabin to be confronted by Claggarts false accusation of inciting mutiny. Unable to speak to defend himself, Billy strikes Claggart, who falls dead. Vere summons his officers to an immediate drumhead court martial, knowing that the penalty for striking a superior officer is death. Aware of the injustice of the death sentence in this instance, the officers appeal to Vere for guidance; he remains silent, the officers reluctantly resolve that Billy should be hanged at dawn.

Scene 3

The next morning, shortly before dawn, Billy awaits his execution.

Scene 4

On deck, at four oclock, the crew assemble to witness the hanging. Billys final words are Starry Vere, God bless you! After the hanging the crew turn on the officers in anger. When they are ordered below, their rebellion subsides into sullen obedience.

Epilogue

Vere, now an old man, knows he has failed Billy and himself: he could have saved him. He receives Billys last words as a kind of benediction, redeeming him at the last.

The simple story of Lise, her suitor Colas and Lise’s larger-than-life mother, the Widow Simone, who tries to marry her off to the simpleton son of a rich neighbour, is full of delicious comedy but also wonderful, characterful choreography.

One of the greatest pleasures of La Fille mal gardée is the way in which the steps, though at times devilishly difficult, never get in the way of the natural, easy storytelling. The virtuoso roles of Lise and Colas combine dazzling technique with tiny, intimate details that makes their romance touching and real, while the humour of Widow Simone with her famous ‘clog dance’ and the innocent Alain, more interested in his red umbrella than Lise’s charms, is delightful.

Funny and touching, La Fille mal gardée is the perfect ballet for first-timers of all ages, but it is also one to which ballet-lovers will return again and again with renewed pleasure at every performance.

Starring
Roberta Marquez and Steven McRae
 
Choreographer
Frederick Ashton
 
Production Information
Ballet in two acts
Recorded at the Royal Opera House May 2012
Running time 105 minutes EXCLUDING interval

The National Theatre presents a major new production of William Shakespeare’s celebrated play about the destructive power of jealousy.

Olivier Award-winning actor Adrian Lester (Henry V at the National Theatre, BBC’s Hustle) takes the title role.

Playing opposite him as the duplicitous Iago is fellow Olivier Award-winner Rory Kinnear (The Last of the Haussmans, James Bond: Skyfall), who is reunited with director Nicholas Hytner (Timon of Athens, One Man, Two Guvnors) following their acclaimed collaboration on the National Theatre’s recent production of Hamlet.

Othello, newly married to Desdemona – who is half his age – is appointed leader of a major military operation. Iago, passed over for promotion by Othello in favour of the young Cassio, persuades Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair.

Music: Giacomo Puccini
Conductor: Christian Badea & Nicholas Milton
Director: John Bell by arrangement with Bell ShakespeareLong

Synopsis

Puccini was a true theatre composer, using every means available to move the emotions of an audience. His aim was dramatic truth. The sweep and flow of the music propels the riveting drama of love, jealousy and sacrifice with astonishing vigour and force.

Distinguished actor/director John Bell, the artistic director of Bell Shakespeare, has joined forces with award-winning set designer Michael Scott-Mitchell and the young, emerging costume designer Teresa Negroponte to create a stark, monumental staging set in Mussolinis Italy in the 1940s.

Puccinis irresistible score features the unforgettable aria, Vissi darte, a moment of heart-breaking poignancy in a plot where Floria Tosca and Cavaradossi are embroiled in an attempt to help a friend escape from prison. The chief of police in Rome, Baron Scarpia, is himself the perpetrator of worse crimes than those he has officially to deal with. Greek sorpano Alexia Voulgaridou performs the title role and is joined by the sensational tenor Yonghoon Lee while the breathtaking baritone John Wegner plays Scarpia in the legendary love triangle. Christian Badea conducts.