by Robert Hugill
"Designer/Director David Fielding set the opera in a flexible single abstract set in greys and whites. The rear of the set included a huge cross-shaped opening which Fielding the designer used to characterise the various scenes using a variety of drops and projections. The opening scene is set in the monks' community with them sharing a meal together. Fielding was giving the opera a contemporary setting. The whole scene was strikingly designed in just black and white, with the monks cafeteria style trays striking a very modern touch. Grange Park Opera has given us some interesting productions of lesser known French opera in the past and now have given us a strong production of Massenet's Thaïs which makes the best possible case for the opera. And more than that, gave us a wonderfully enjoyable evening in the theatre."
