Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks

Kentish Opera’s successful production of opera, by Bedrich Smetana, was a comic depiction of life in the Czech countryside in the 19 century. Lively and tuneful, the opera calls for fine singing and a lot of local colour.

It got both of those from this new staging. Kentish Opera, founded in 1951, has made a name in the national press for the liveliness of its productions and the quality of its soloists and chorus.

Here the chorus, vividly directed by artistic director Sally Langford, nearly stole the honours with its glorious singing. The village scenes sparkled. Enid Strutt’s authentic set and Terry John Bates’s vitally enacted dances brought a real sense of East European peasant life.

All the solos were pleasingly sung, with Welsh tenor Gareth Dafydd Morris (the young Jeník) finally getting the girl - Cheryl Enever as Marenka - who fears she’s been jilted and sold off to the highest bidder. Other strong performers included Graham Stone as the scheming marriage-broker and Patrick Ashcroft, who as the stuttering, reluctant young suitor Vašek was hilarious but also touching.

Later the circus comes to town. Polish singer Iza Kopec was great fun as the amorous tightrope-walker. Five local children who joined in as acrobats and gymnasts were beautifully agile. The orchestra rose to the occasion under its characterful conductor, Robyn Sevastos.

Roderic Dunnett

Kentish Opera are currently recruiting new members. If you are interested, visit: www.kentishopera.com