It is the overall strength of the cast that makes this revival of Rigoletto quite special, while the smooth conducting of Alexander Joel also contributes to the success of the evening.

In the pit, Alexander Joel admirably prefers low-key subtlety to melodramatic extremes, though the cumulative tension slips on occasion.

The revival of David McVicar’s production of Rigoletto for the umpteenth time makes prompts the thought that it may be time to replace it.

After a racy opening, it’s all downhill for this limp revival of David McVicar’s Verdi staging.

The sense that things might escalate out of control was exacerbated by disagreements about tempo between stage and pit, which created musical disequilibrium to match the dissolution of morals.