Caitlin Hulcup stepped in at less than a week’s notice for an indisposed Christine Rice to sing the role of Penelope in the Royal Opera's production of The Return of Ulysses at The Roundhouse. She has received glowing reviews for her performance:
"The Australian mezzo Caitlin Hulcup sang for her – with a sepulchral beauty of tone – from the pit."
Michael Church, The Independent *****
"... her music sung with admirable intensity from the pit by the splendid Caitlin Hulcup."
Rupert Christiansen, Telegraph ****
Having sung the premiere from the orchestra pit with Christine Rice walking the role, Caitlin Hulcup has since gone on and performed the role from the stage.
Francesca Chiejina has also received excellent reviews for her role as Melantho/Love:
“The discovery of the evening, and the another ‘significant impression’, was Francesca Chiejina’s simply delicious assumption of Melantho. A Jette Parker Artist, Chiejina acts brilliantly, has phenomenal stage presence, and a voice of gold; all were evident from her assumption of the part of Love at the very outset of the evening. Eminently believable at each and every juncture, always completely focused on the moment dramatically, she is set, I predict, to be a major voice in coming years. She also is blessed by not inconsiderable beauty.”
Seen and Heard International
David Shipley was praised for his performance as Antinous / Time:
”The fluent bass of David Shipley (Antinous) gave special pleasure in an altogether well integrated cast, expertly supported by Christian Curnyn and the Early Opera Company’s chamber orchestra.”
Ruper Christiansen, Telegraph ****
Nick Pritchard was also praised for his role as Amphinomus
“Nick Pritchard … was one of three outstanding Suitors.”
Mark Valencia, WhatsOnStage
Lutenist Elizabeth Kenny plays as part of the “crack team of continuo players” (The Telegraph) in the pit.
The production runs until Sunday 21 January and tickets are available from the Roundhouse website. A recording of the performance on 18 January will also be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on Saturday 20 January.
