Strauss Die Fledermaus Royal Northern College of Music, December 2022 Director Stephen Barlow Choreographer Zoë Vallée Lighting Jake Wiltshire

Reviews 

Strauss In Da Haus as ingeniously updated scenario brings edge to the Bat-story… Barlow’s production tells it with panache, and his new take, along with Yannis Thavoris’s design (and lighting design by Jake Wiltshire) is what earns this show its four stars… there was one moment which – just for a few seconds – caught just that atmosphere of gentle romance and slightly squiffy goodwill to all, as the chorus swayed to “You and I” (aka Brüderlein) and the backcloth began to move in time with them, making the whole seemingly water-born scene quite magical. That was a stroke of inspiration and made the night unforgettable. (The Arts Desk)

With a practiced eye designer Yannis Thavoris has worked wonders with the sets using the same modular system consisting of five linked scenic flats for each of the three acts. As usual with RNCM productions Thavoris’s costumes are first-class. (Seen and Heard International)

Designer Yannis Thavoris had a wonderful time with this update. Act I is a luxurious flat by the Thames, with a framed Tatler cover of Eisenstein’s wife Rosalinde on the wall. Act II is the yacht of Russian oligarch Prince Orlofsky, complete with hot tub and a view of the Millennium Dome over the water. Act III is a gleamingly new police station. The party on the yacht particularly featured a blaze of 1990's fashion among the chorus, which included celebrity guests The Spice Girls and Boris Johnson. And having a DJ booth with “DJ Strauss In Da Haus” on it was an extra special touch. (Number 9 Reviews)

As an update, it works beautifully (with clever design by Yannis Thavoris and lighting design by Jake Wiltshire)… (Theatre Reviews North)