Don Giovanni

The Stage“Refreshingly modern, occasionally lacklustre...” The Garsington Opera Orchestra’s playing, under Douglas Boyd, is the biggest draw. Boyd coaxes exquisite balance from his players, and is passionately attuned both to the music’s turbulence and intimacy...

The Arts Desk“Exceptional realism...” The lover's list became a spread sheet on a computer print out. Finicky updatings of this kind can come across as contrived. But Slater's analogies are too clever and too well choreographed...

The Independent“Fast-moving, sexy and expressively sung...” The finale is awkward. Just as the Don cannot escape retribution, Slater cannot escape the libretto. But for musical boldness and an honest appraisal of the nasty compromises people make for love, it's a strong show...

The Observer“Cool and modern...” Slater, his committed and lively young cast and the conductor Douglas Boyd should take credit for trying to make a show suited to the circumstance...

Financial Times“Edgy, risqué and witty...” If Mozart’s dramma giocoso is about youth and élan vital, then Daniel Slater’s staging for Garsington Opera is right on the button...

Guardian“Its rewrites weaken the narrative...” Douglas Boyd's conducting provides solid propulsion, and there's some fine vocalism...