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Rake's Progress, The

Scottish Opera's latest

Dissatisfied with his simple country life, Tom Rakewell strikes a deal with the devil and abandons his sweetheart to embark on a life of reckless pleasure. But after a visit to Mother Goose’s brothel, marriage to a bearded lady and a game of cards with horrifyingly high stakes, Tom realises the true nature of the bargain he has struck. Can he turn back the clock or is his fate already sealed? Read more …

Set in the grimy underbelly of 18th-century London, The Rake’s Progress is a highly theatrical tale of one man’s struggle to save his soul. World-renowned Scottish director David McVicar and Olivier award-winning designer John Macfarlane bring this darkly gothic story to the stage in an exquisitely detailed production that really packs a punch.

Part black comedy, part epitaph to the loss of innocence, The Rake’s Progress is a morality tale with bite, in which the spectre of Death is never far away. Stravinsky’s music owes much of its inspiration to Mozart, but in his own distinct take on the neo-classical style. Beautifully lyrical and tender arias contrast with lively, choreographed chorus scenes, all underpinning a vibrant but ultimately heart-breaking story of the frailty of human nature.


The critical consensus

Absolutely top-notch.

*****Keith Bruce, The Herald, 19/03/2012

Scottish Opera has a mightily enjoyable winner on its hands.

****(*)Kenneth Walton, The Scotsman, 19/03/2012

A show that hits home with consistent punch.

George Hall, The Stage, 19/03/2012

Musically this production is one of the company's best for a long while.

Kate Molleson, The Herald, 18/03/2012

Stravinsky's morality tale is given a spirited and purposeful reading by singers and orchestra alike.

****(*)Anna Picard, The Independent, 25/03/2012

On every other level this is a production to relish. Hopefully it will return in the fullness of time with a more appropriate performer in the title role.

****(*)Thom Dibdin, Annals of Edinburgh Stage, 30/03/2012

It’s not often that a chorus is encouraged to get their teeth into playing asylum inmates, brothel patrons and avaricious auction bidders all in the space of a couple of hours. The Rake’s Progress, however, is a dream for a large ensemble looking for a bit of fun.

****(*)The Scotsman, 30/03/2012

his opera was created during Stravinsky’s neo-classical period, a time where he blended the world of Mozart with modernism, so it’s both lyrical and occasionally difficult. But ultimately this journey from joy to despair through the emptiness of wealth is rewarding and often dazzling.

****(*)Neil McEwan, TV Bomb, 30/03/2012

Where and when?

Theatre Royal, Glasgow from Saturday March 17, 2012, until Sunday March 25, 2012. Performance on the 17, 21, 23 and 25 only.. More info: www.theambassadors.com/theatreroyalglasgow/

Festival Theatre, Edinburgh from Tuesday March 27, 2012, until Saturday March 31, 2012. No performances March 28 or 30.. More info: http://www.edtheatres.com/festival

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