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WHAT better way to raise money for an operatic production than putting on an operatic production?

The Devizes-based White Horse Opera is touring a small-scale version of Mozart's ever-popular The Marriage of Figaro and performed it at Devizes town hall last Friday and Saturday night.

Shorn of overture and recitatives, this pared-down version of the witty story of how a servant outfoxes his employer is nothing short of a triumph.

It is intelligible, intelligent and very funny, with dialogue written by director Graham Billing.

Jon Paget is a very laddish Figaro, matched by Jessica Phillips' capable, businesslike Susanna, Edward Harper and Barbara Gompels were brilliant as Count and Countess Almaviva and there were other excellent performances from Tim O'Brien as the rascally Doctor Bartolo, Chrissie Higgs as the vindictive Marcellina, Paula Boyagis as the much put-upon Cherubino and Joe Baker as Don Curzio.

Graham Billing himself appears as the odious Don Basilio and very nearly steals the show.

The whole show rollicks along at an enjoyable pace and the voices are just perfect. Musical director Tom Worley accompanies the singers on piano and it's the first time I have heard an opera without at least a chamber group to lead it.

It is credit to Mr Worley and Mr Mozart that the full orchestra is not missed.

WHO's Marriage of Figaro has already played to full houses at Great Cheverell Church last November and, if you missed it at the town hall, you can catch it at Melksham United Church, Urchfont Manor and Salisbury Playhouse over the next 12 months.

10:37am Tuesday 6th May 2008

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