A Falstaffian triumph

Intelligent, full-blooded singing, ensemble acting that drips with comedic genius, conducting that makes the orchestra crackle with electrical sparks and even a sprinkling of saucy codpiece gags... five stars really aren't enough for Graham Vick's outstanding production of Falstaff.

Every aspect works with Keystone Cop brilliance. Paul Brown's skewed, anamorphic sets contain enough intense reds, brilliant yellows and electric greens to perk up the weariest of retinas, and Matthew Richardson's lighting - especially in the mysterious forest scene - is a model of clarity and elegance.

And it's actually laugh-out-loud funny. To watch Bryn Terfel (Falstaff) in a rubberised fat suit attempt to kneel, or see the ample Stephanie Blythe (Mistress Quickly) slide down a table, leering seductively - and later to be really moved by their situations - is to witness true comedy.

The singing is spectacularly beautiful: Terfel has a rich, powerful sound, with an inexhaustible palette of colours. Soile Isokoske (Alice) floats her voice on a lake of cream, and young Stephanie Blythe is a dream Wagner contralto in the making.

And all this comes with Anthony Pappano's impeccable conducting, attuned to every moment of comedy. No, five stars really aren't enough.

In rep until Feb 26 (next perf tonight), Royal Opera House, Bow Street WC2, 7.30pm, £5 to £160 (limited availability). Tel: 020 7304 4000. www.royalopera.org Tube: Covent Garden

Falstaff