Review: Die Fledermaus

Hey readers!
It's time for my review of Die Fledermaus.
Baseless Fabric, Finalists at the 2018 Off West End Awards for Best Opera Production, return with a new production of Strauss’ Die Fledermaus. The production will pop up in more than 30 high street venues in Merton and Wandsworth this August, with free, unticketed performances for all, as well as being adapted for two indoor performances at the Arcola Theatre as part of the 2019 Grimeborn Festival.

Classed as a 'street opera adaptation' of the classic operetta, this production of Die Fledermaus was quite unlike anything I have ever seen within my lifetime. As opposed to being staged in a theatre, Die Fledermaus takes place in ordinary settings of cafes, pubs and supermarkets, depending on the location of the performance. At the performance which I attended, the show's initial scenes took place at Ely's Department Store, Wimbledon, whereby the cast launched into this opera within the shopping aisles. After 20 minutes, the actors exited the department store, after which time we were told to follow them through the streets of Wimbledon and to a local pub. It was here that the show resumed and continued the previous narrative. After another 20 minutes, the cast, orchestra and audience once again departed; we were then led to a nearby marketplace, which is where the operetta reached its climax. The production features an immense level of inventiveness, creativity and ambition, which are all admirable qualities for any piece of live theatre. The company organising the show, Baseless Fabric, have the intention of changing attitudes to the art form and convincing people that opera can be "fun and not elitist, expensive, boring or irrelevant". The audience seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves throughout, and as a result, I would personally argue that Baseless Fabric have been highly successful in achieving such goals. The crowd included a wide range of different ages from very young children to a number of older viewers, demonstrating that Die Fledermaus has a wide appeal and can be fun for the entire family.

Die Fledermaus consisted of only four cast members, and those were Claire Wild, Abigail Kelly, David Horton and James McOran-Campbell. All four performers were incredibly talented singers, which is something that, as an audience member, you gain more an appreciation for when in an intimate space, as opposed to a large theatre. Additionally, it was evident that the cast were really enjoying themselves during the show, which was rather endearing to watch. After all, when it is clear that the cast are having fun, it makes it a lot easier for the audience to find joy within the show as well. They all had remarkable chemistry with one another, and were a delight to watch. A special mention must also be given to the show's orchestra, who were equally remarkable.

Now for my final verdict on Die Fledermaus. I give Die Fledermaus...

I was not quite sure what to expect from Die Fledermaus, but I left Wimbledon very impressed indeed. It was highly innovative, and truly unlike anything else.

Think it should have got a higher rating? Agree with my rating? Think it should have got a lower rating? If so comment below.

Thanks for reading!

-The Reviewer