DIE FLEDERMAUS - "EXQUISITELY FUNNY"

Last week saw Aria Alba's 2025 production of Die Fledermaus hit the mainstage at Edinburgh Fringe and the audience feedback was elating and validating!

As an up-until-now underground opera director I was so pleased to read in the All Edinburgh Theatre review (my first critical review as a director) that the production was not only "clever and accessible", but also "exquisitely funny".

The core proponent of my directing philosophy also seems to have shone through which is that there must be space for the audience to find their own response and interpretation of the work. This is something I first adopted when I directed Dido and Aeneas at Newcastle Castle some years ago, but it's stuck with me ever since.

Orna Clarke writes:

"Ultimately, it prioritises fun, and leaves anything deeper up to the audience."

I am also especially proud that several of my students also received some pretty glowing praise. Soprano, Jolanda Grijpstra "steals the limelight as Rosalinde" and is "spectacular in a moving solo" while tenor, "Aaron Fait delivers a physical comedy masterclass". Fiona Breingan also gave an uplifting performance as Rosalinde for 2 of the performances and shone through both the solo and ensemble performances.

Special mention however must go to Kata Feith who I was lucky to teach and direct in her first major role. She delivered an Adele that was nuanced and sparkling.

"Kata Feith is devilish as cleaner-turned-aspiring-actress Adele"

A huge congratulations to all of the cast, not only my students but the company more widely. There are too many of you to name individually but I hope you know just how proud I am!

Read the full review here: Die Fledermaus : All Edinburgh Theatre.com

BONUS

My lovely student Gill Quille delivered a fantastic Ida for two of the performances, and also took on the mammoth task of costuming the whole production. Thanks so much Gill!