The Janice Thompson Performance Trust presented Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, at St Barnabas Church, Swindon, on Sunday evening, 25th April 2010.

With a cast of fifty talented young people this short tragic opera opened with lyrical, mellow singing between Belinda sung by Polly Leech and Stephanie Walsh as Dido. Supported by disciplined choral singing the sad tale was told both musically and visually under the skilful direction of Matt Fox and Janice Thompson.

The young cupids’ chorus with their wings and flowers sang sweetly and were well choreographed, supporting an outstanding Cupid, Becci Smith.

As usual there was an able group of young men singing, with David Philips, as Aeneas, giving a fine performance.  All the soloists were well cast with Flora Thompson and Catherine Welch particularly stunning as witches.

This was a most enjoyable production and can been seen again on Saturday 3 July when it will be included in the Janice Thompson Performance Trust’s Gala Concert at the Wyvern.

By Mirian Sirrelle