★★★★☆Without subsidy, Grange Park Opera did more during lockdown than many subsidised arts organisations put together. First up this summer is Falstaff, the miraculous comedy Verdi crafted at the age of 79. Its main selling point is Bryn Terfel, returning as Shakespeare’s plump knight, a role he first sang 22 years ago and has repeated round the world since. SponsoredAlthough his voice sounds richer than for a while, I am not sure that this is his finest three hours. There is something a little charmless about his bullying and hectoring in Act I, and

Source: The Times June 11, 2021 15:56 UTC