Written in 1718, Handel’s first English opera might easily have premiered alfresco at Cannons, the Palladian seat of the Duke of Chandos. It’s tailor-made then for Opera Holland Park’s canopied stage, grafted as it is on to the site’s Jacobean remains. But whereas Handel’s perfectly formed confection, part Purcellian romp, part Italian serenata, is all pastoral wit and grace, Louise Bakker’s hectic send-up fails to sway the senses.
Not trusting the music to hold the attention, the director’s solution is an overworked ensemble, choreographed by Merry Holden, whose job it is to hop, skip and generally fidget around, pulling focus whenever Handel wants you to pay attention to his gloriously tuneful score.
