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Britten got excited, but…

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norman lebrecht

February 16, 2019

An utterly hilarious interview with the brilliant countertenor (and mimic) James Bowman:

‘Albert came up for cuddles. He was full of fleas.’

Comments

Bruce says:

February 16, 2019 at 7:07 am

Lovely.

(Am I spoiling anything if I reveal that “Albert” is a cat?)

Esther Cavett says:

February 16, 2019 at 9:47 am

Thanks so much. This is wonderful ! Was there any more ?

John Borstlap says:

February 16, 2019 at 9:56 am

The story of the modern french opera is hilarious.

John Nicholson says:

February 16, 2019 at 10:40 am

I was deputy stage manager at the ROH and was working there at the general dress rehearsal of ‘Taverner’. I don’t remember any mistake with the house tabs, but I do remember how insecure and nervous Ray Herincx was with having to sing from high on the ferris wheel which was the set’s main feature. But he was nervous about performing generally. Even as Escamillo. James Bowman, on the other hand, was gloriously confident about everything, musical or otherwise.

Edgar says:

February 16, 2019 at 2:50 pm

Norman, thank you for posting. Delightful!

Tom says:

February 16, 2019 at 8:33 pm

Thank you Chris and Lucy of Wildplum Arts for the video.

Nick2 says:

February 17, 2019 at 2:54 am

I had the immense pleasure of working with James Bowman on Toby Robertson’s lovely production of Midsummer Night’s Dream for Scottish Opera way back in 1972. He was made for the role and such fun!