ETO’s first new Verdi production for several years is Simon Boccanegra – a mature masterpiece, and an intimate drama uniquely suited to venues like Exeter Northcott Theatre.

The story comes from the history of Genoa, for centuries a great maritime republic, and from it Verdi creates an impassioned plea for Italian unity. The title character is a former pirate who returns to the city to become its leader.

The composer’s musical depiction of the shimmering Mediterranean is wonderful. So too are the characters he creates, from the rough-hewn buccaneer-turned-ruler (the title role, played by Craig Smith) to his spiteful adversary and father-in-law (Fiesco, Keel Watson); from the embittered traitor (Paolo, Grant Doyle) to the idealistic Adorno (Charne Rochford).

This is a massive undertaking for English Touring Opera, with an unusually large chorus and orchestra – a personal ambition of ETO General Director James Conway and Music Director Michael Rosewell, supported with a special grant from the Peter Moores Foundation.

Sung in Italian with English subtitles.

Two performances: Thursday 21 March and Saturday 23 March at 7.30pm.

Tickets: £18-£31, concessions £2 discount.

Box office: 01392 493493

http://www.exeternorthcott.co.uk/