Terfel can’t carry the opera alone, and there are strong performances around him, not least from conductor Alexander Joel.

The lessons of Tosca, and above all its intensity and passion (which is why we go; forget self-improvement), burn bright even if the performance itself doesn’t hit the mark.

Who’s complaining when it returns as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as this one. The production is further improved by some first-class singing and some excellent conducting from Alexander Joel – ha

Played by Bryn Terfel, this is a Scarpia whose elemental violence is barely disguised by his sneer. Terfel commands the stage. He is the Weinstein of 1800, so utterly convinced by his own power, entit

Most opera, if must be admitted, have simple plots that are just an excuse for some beautiful music and singing.