Candide

Oxford Playhouse to Sat 30th November 2002

Oxford Operatic Society enjoy another run at the Playhouse this week - this time with Bernstein's 'Candide'. The production, based on Voltaire's work of the same name, is opulent, racy and well paced. It recounts the adventures of Candide, an inexperienced young man, as he wanders around the world. Raised as the poor 'bastard cousin' of an aristocratic family, he has been given a philosophical education by a Dr Pangloss. The philosophy is Voltaire's parody of the optimism present in Leibnitz, a very fashionable philosopher in the 18th century. The philosophy is, quite simply, that this is 'the best of all possible worlds'

It is with this idealism that Candide sets off on his travels, a lamb to the slaughter. His ignorance embroils him in a web of murder, prostitution and religious tyranny. In addition to his satire on Leibnitz, Voltaire's condemnation of organized religion is demonstrated in the piece through the murderous Inquisition which is responsible for Dr Pangloss's death. .For Bernstein this had parallels with the excesses of the Mc Carthy witch hunt of the 1950's and the political poignancy is not lost on a modern, post September 11th audience either. However, the philosophical and political content never encumber what is a vibrant, superbly physical musical.

Sarah Leatherbarrow steals the show as Cunegonde, the hero's true love. Falling from wealth and idealism to a life as the whore of two churchmen, she parallels Candide's awakening realism. Her stage presence is awesome and the role shows off her vocal range to perfection. Edward Simpson is similarly masterful as Dr Pangloss and Voltaire. However, one cannot help but think that Graham Watt as the eponymous hero should have been let mature a little longer before assuming a title role. The period costumes are fabulous and made deliciously vivid through the use of a stark stage setting. All in all, this is something a little bit different: superbly staged, visually stimulating and boasting an excellent cast. Well worth checking out this weekend.

Michelle Jordan