Rowena H.
Yelp
My last visit to The Grand was just a few weeks ago, and I'm still reverberating from it, if I'm honest. My friend, who shall be treasured forever for the gift, bought me a ticket to go and see Madama Butterfly by Opera North. Fully getting into the opera vibe, I dressed up in my best, and went to meet her in time for the show. Happily, we arrived just as everyone had taken their seats, which was excellent as we were at an aisle and didn't have to stand up every few minutes for those further in.
Firstly, if you've never ascended the gloriously red carpeted stairs before, let me express how exquisite is is. The building is marvellous, and once you enter the upper echelons of the main hall, it's truly breathtaking. A feat of architecture, such that you could get lost in gazing upon the detail, and forget that you're there for a show.
My comrade had bought us tickets for the upper balcony, which was fabulous, although being on the ailse did mean that some of the stage was obscured by the seating. It wasn't a huge problem, and certainly I was happier next to an exit rather than being sardined in the midst of so many bodies, and we happily managed to make do with the window of vision available. (If only people wouldn't lean directly in one's vision! Not that they had any idea... )
The show itself was outstanding. If you're familiar with the story, you'll know exactly what I mean as it's truly captivating, but the performances were astonishing and my thanks go to the talents of Opera North for raising my heartbeat, quickening my breath, and bringing tears to my eyes. It was stunning, and whilst it might not be an artform that many find accessible, I challenge any person to listen to the main song from Butterfly and not be moved to tears. The cast were excellent, the set was wonderfuly simplistic, and the musicians were unmatchable.
On that basis alone, I'd give the Grand 5 stars for such an evening of finesse and artistry. However, service during the interval was just a little below par. The ladies seemed lovely, however there was little apparent strategy for dealing with the humungous rush of thirsty patrons and I ended up waiting for a good ten minutes, having arrived practically first. To make matters worse, people who had joined the queue some time after myself were served before me, which really grinds after the third occurrence. In any case, I still managed to get a decent coffee and arrive back at my seat before the interval was finished! Prices are expectedly higher than average, being a theatre.
In any case, that incident was utterly minor, given the entire experience and evening. I can't wait to go back for more wonderful performances, and will be looking out for the next Opera North phenomenon. Here's hoping a dream will come true, and I can see Mozart's Marriage Of Figaro or Cosi Fan Tutte...