Peter Hall's production of Rossini's darkly comic take on Cinderella divided opinion at Glyndebourne this summer. Perhaps its detractors were roused by the fact that Hall had laid out some of his intentions in a programme note - something directors do at their peril. His interpretation may not push many theatrical envelopes, however, as revived by Lynne Hockney for Glyndebourne on Tour, what emerges is something timeless, and old-fashioned in the best sense. Crucially, the music sparkles thanks to Edward Gardner's detailed and vivid conducting.
Amid the distressed plasterwork of Hildegard Bechtler's sets, fairytale glamour remains at a minimum, but there is never any doubt that this is a comedy; the cruellest moments are just slightly underplayed so that, while they still hit home, we remain able to laugh. The only real misfires happen when the cast are made to engage in some school-drama-workshop responses to the metaphors in two of the ensembles. Otherwise, the cast gels into an unusually consistent team. Rossini's Cinderella is a tricky role, treading a fine line between petulance and wimpishness, but Christine Rice pitches it just right. Her full-bodied mezzo blossoms into the role's athletics. Her family are more Dickensian caricatures than monsters: Claire Ormshaw and Louise Armit are memorable sisters, and though Henry Waddington's pompous, portly Don Magnifico may not be as nasty as some of his lines might suggest, he is relentlessly and deliciously awful.
In lieu of a fairy godmother, Andrew Foster-Williams is an authoritative Alidoro, and the young Italian baritone Giorgio Caoduro, playing the valet disguised as the Prince, makes up in gawky charm for what he lacks in mature vocal polish. Matthew Beale is a find as the real Prince; early on his high, easy tenor buckles occasionally when pushed, but warms up to make neat work of his big second act aria. Perhaps there is more to La Cenerentola than this, but there's quite enough here to be going on with.
· Until October 29. Box office: 01273 813813. Then touring.
