

The Russian State Opera is currently touring Puccini’s Japanese tragedy in a production that possesses genuine merits, most of them musical. All of the principals sing capably, their resonant voices never seriously challenged by the substantial demands the composer makes on them. In particular, the Cio-Cio-San of Olga Georgieva – one of three sopranos undertaking the title role – holds firm throughout her taxing assignment.

Her strong, clear lyricism is combined with obvious artistic determination, and she creates a memorable and ultimately moving protagonist. Yet, like the other cast members, she is hampered by a staging that feels not just old-fashioned and visually tatty but often just plain careless. Her gestures too often register as hand-me-down externals learned by rote, rather than natural physical extensions of what is a far more intelligent vocal performance.

The male principals suffer from similar limitations, plus an inability to keep their hands still. As soon as either Mikhail Makarov’s Pinkerton or Andrei Kovalev’s Sharpless has a high note in prospect, each of them will raise one arm to illustrate it, and sometimes two. It’s a pity, because both of them sing with impressive tone and secure musicianship, as does Galina Malikova as Suzuki – though her acting is a bit more sophisticated.

Olga Giorgieva in Madam Butterfly. Photograph: Alexej Bobarikin

There are other dodgy moments. When Pinkerton offers Sharpless a choice of drinks, he has only one bottle, and no liquid issues from it when he raises it to pour. The chorus enters with lanterns to kneel for the famous Humming Chorus, though Puccini wanted the audience to be surprised by the unusual offstage sonic effect rather than to see it being made.

Despite the relatively small size of the orchestra, the musicians play with considerable skill and expressive power under conductor Azat Maksutov, who articulates the masterly score with genuine fluidity and momentum.



• At Harlow Playhouse, 4 February. Box office: 01279 431945. Then touring until 5 March.

