BIRMINGHAM'S night air fizzed and crackled for bonfire night - and the atmosphere inside the Hippodrome was just as colourfully charged.
Welsh National Opera brought their eagerly-awaited new production of Verdi's Il Trovatore to the stage in sparkling form.
This story of rebellion and revenge among gypsies and courtiers of 15th century Spain was delivered with style and panache by the principals, superbly supported by the fine-voiced chorus.
Rebel leader Manrico (David Rendall) and the king's man Conte di Luna (Yuri Nechaev) are locked in what becomes a mortal struggle for the love of the beautiful Leonora (Elena Lasovskaya).
When Manrico's mother Azucena (Patricia Bardon) is thrown into prison, he tries to save her and is jailed too.
Leonora's efforts to rescue him and the dreadful final truth revealed by the gypsy Azecuna ensure that the dramatic tension is unremitting.
Underscored with superb playing under the baton of Alberto Hold-Garrido, director Peter Watson presents his cast as creatures dwarfed by tumultuous events.
LG
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article