THE CUNNING LITTLE VIXEN

L-R : Richard Hudson (Designer), Kathy Foulkes (NSCT), Annabel Arden (Director).

As a result of the NSCT's decision to take part in Opera North's 'Sponsor a Costume' scheme, a member of the Society was invited to attend a presentation, lunch and the Dress Rehearsal of the Cunning Little Vixen. About 15 guests took part and, on our arrival we were escorted through the labyrinthine stairs and corridors of the Grand Theatre, Leeds, the places that the audience never normally gets to see, to meet with the Director, Annabel Arden.

The production of the opera was completely from scratch and she talked about the many processes that have to be completed to get the show on the road. She also gave an insight into the roles of the four key people: the Director, the Designer, the Lighting Designer and the Conductor. Inevitably, their roles overlap at times and tensions have to be overcome.

The costumes we had all sponsored were of great interest to us as were Annabel's comments on their design process and production. A short time for questions followed, then a trip to the Theatre bar where we were joined and made very welcome by administrative members of Opera North for a light lunch. This gave us all the opportunity to pursue the questions we had forgotten earlier.

Design for Vixen, the NSCT sponsored costume.

Then the Dress Rehearsal. The first impression on seeing the stage was of a wonderful, colourful, sun-drenched forest glade. The anticipation continued as various insects, birds and animals appeared, hovering and twittering and going about their business. The Vixen (in the NSCT sponsored costume and therefore the star, while being the real star) was energetic, feisty and furry. Her russet trousers and top allowed her the freedom of movement expected for a fox while also supporting a tail to die for.

Most of the wide range of insects, birds and animals were played by children. Richard Hudson, the Designer, and Annabel both wanted them to be brightly coloured, larger than life and very positive, expressing not only animal but human characteristics. To achieve this their costumes accentuated their 2-dimensional shape and their extremities such as their tails, hands, feet and particularly their eyes, which often looked out from behind extreme spectacles. This was seen as a way of emphasising their different characters and the results were most effective.

The variety and inventiveness of the costumes made this an exciting production for me. I also enjoyed the opera, as did the many children in the audience supporting their school friends in the cast.

I was presented with 2 signed designs and a signed poster for the Society. One design has already been raffled off with the proceeds (£54) going to the Textiles Department at Henshaws in Knaresborough. Raffle tickets for the remaining items will be available to members at our future events.

Kathy Foulkes

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