Culture clash

Handel's 1731 opera deals with the ancient campaigns of Alexander the Great in 'India', the region now known as Pakistan and Afghanistan. Director Christopher Cowell sets the story in the early 18th century and - without a single tub being thumped - its contemporary relevance is all the greater because of it.

We see a clash of two culturally rich empires. Costume designer Bridget Kimak dresses Alexander as a frock-coated British general, and the Indian King Poro and his compatriots appear in Mughalchic silks, veils and jewels. The irony of Alexander's noble behaviour in the opera (he restores Poro's lands to him) is allowed to speak for itself.

Cowell's production has very few props and almost no set. In a long opera, this palls after a while but he draws some wonderful performances from his young cast.

Silver-voiced tenor Nathan Vale makes a superb Alexander, and his obvious pleasure in (and talent for) fast coloratura is infectiously enjoyable.

Commanding counter-tenor Christopher Ainslie (Poro) displays a rich, agile sound, and soprano Ruby Hughes (as Poro's lover Cleofide) brings a melting warmth of tone to her arias.

Mezzo Madeleine Pierard doesn't quite match the physical ease of the others on stage but her voice is beautiful and her singing full of emotional subtlety.

Laurence Cummings directs the excellent period-instrument orchestra with real fizz.

Tonight and Wed, Royal College Of Music Britten Theatre, Prince Consort Road SW7, 7pm, £15 to £50.

Tel: 01460 54660. Tube: South Kensington

30th London Handel Festival 2007: Benjamin Britten International Opera School - Poro, Re Dell' Indie
Britten Theatre, Royal College of Music
Prince Consort Road, SW7 2BS