REVIEW: The Magic Flute

The Magic Flute at Fairfield House, 9 January 2024. Reviewed by Mike O’Malley.

Who needs a full opera when four actors, a few props, and heaps of comedy can do the job?

Piece of Work Productions’ latest installment of their annual Fairfield House summer performance, The Magic Flute, took Mozart’s classic and transformed it into a laugh-out-loud adventure.

The show was packed with audience interaction, quick costume changes, and just enough music to remind you of its operatic roots.

The four actors were a whirlwind of energy. Maximilian Choma charmed as the vain yet heroic Prince Tamino, Rhiannon Sinclair shone as the sweet and courageous Pamina, Myles Smalley delivered endless laughs as the bird-brained Papageno, and Joelle Noar captivated as the demanding and oh-so-dramatic Queen of the Night.

Each actor played multiple characters, seamlessly shifting roles and keeping the comedy fresh while driving the story forward. Honestly, half the fun was just keeping up!

Among this talented lineup, Maximilian Choma stood out, showcasing his superior vocal projection and an unparalleled commitment to his character. Whether singing, bantering, or battling through the chaos, he anchored the performance with undeniable charisma.

Comedy ruled the night, with clever wordplay, over-the-top villainy, and moments where it felt like the actors were barely holding it together (intentionally, of course). Occasionally, the chaos spilled into the audience, keeping everyone delightfully on their toes.

Music made occasional appearances, with cheeky snippets of Mozart’s greatest hits peppered throughout. It was just enough to keep opera fans grinning while everyone else laughed at the playful absurdity.

The minimalist set served as a creative playground, proving that less really can be more. Props were cleverly repurposed, allowing the actors’ antics to take centre stage.

Fast, funny, and delightfully quirky, this adaptation breathed fresh life into a classic. As my four-year-old daughter declared at the end of the performance (and once during Act II), “Best show ever!”

Kudos to Director Anton Bentley for not only guiding this joyous production but also adapting this classic himself into the masterfully magical zany performance that it is. Long may Piece of Work Productions’ summer Fairfield performances continue as one of the season’s must-see traditions.

The Magic Flute is on at Fairfield House from 9-18 January. Shows start at 6.30pm. Tickets can be purchased here or go to Piece of Work Productions Facebook page for details. The show will be staged inside if wet, outside if sunny.