The Star by Chabrier, From (2023/2023), Directed by PJ Harris, Conductor Philippe Forget, New Athenaeum Theatre, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Composed in 1877 whilst Chabrier was working at the French equivalent of the Home Office, this surreal comedy opens with King Ouf I walking his capital city in disguise looking for someone to execute a birthday treat. At the same time Ambassador Hedgehog of Porcupine is in town accompanied by Laoula, the daughter of a neighbouring monarch. Things become complicated however when Laoula, comes across a poor pedlar, Lazuli and the pair fall in love. As the French say, à suivre (to be continued)! Directed by BAFTA award-winning P J Harris and conducted by French conductor Philippe Forget this production marks a Scottish premiere of supreme Gallic mischief.