<<  -- 2 --  Robert Hugill    A GRIPPING EVENING

Simon Keenlyside made a welcome return to the role of Billy Budd. The role, embodying youthful good looks and exuberance as it does, is a tricky one for a baritone to sustain as he matures. But on this showing Keenlyside is still a Billy to be reckoned with. His performance was very physical, lively with much running, jumping and climbing the rigging; almost too much, as if Keenlyside was trying to prove a point. His Billy was charming and appealing but Keenlyside still brought a wonderful depth to the Billy in the Darbies scene.

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