July 13, 2009

Rufus Wainwright’s Prima Donna in Manchester: pop goes the opera

The singer-songwriter's eagerly awaited operatic debut has been unveiled at the Manchester international festival

Prima Donna at the Palace theatre, Manchester — Janis Kelly stars in Prima Donna as the retired soprano Regine Saint Laurent, who is preparing her comeback. Think Sunset Boulevard but set in France ... Photograph: Tristram Kenton

William Joyner as Andre and Janis Kelly as Madame in Prima Donna at Palace theatre in Manchester — The story unfolds on Bastille Day in Paris in 1970 Photograph: Tristram Kenton

Prima Donna at the Palace theatre, Manchester — The diva is haunted by her last performance and the pain of unrequited love for a former singing partner Photograph: Tristram Kenton

Prima Donna at the Palace theatre in Manchester — The design of Regine's apartment includes a cutaway to behind the scenes in a bloody kitchen Photograph: Tristram Kenton

Prima Donna at the Palace theatre Manchester — Rebecca Bottone (right) stars as Marie, the soprano's confidante Photograph: Tristram Kenton

Rebecca Bottone as Marie, the Maid in Prima Donna at the Palace theatre in Manchester — Each act in the opera opens with a nightmare sequence Photograph: Tristram Kenton

Janis Kelly in Prima Donna at the Palace theatre in Manchester — But did the production earn dream reviews? Photograph: Tristram Kenton

Prima Donna at the Palace theatre in Manchester — Not quite. Alfred Hickling dished out three stars and credited director Daniel Kramer with 'rising to the challenge of the supremely preposterous' Photograph: Tristram Kenton

William Joyner as Andre in Prima Donna at the Palace theatre, Manchester — Prima Donna is at the Palace theatre in Manchester until 19 July Photograph: Tristram Kenton

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