L'incoronazione di Poppea opens with the gods Virtue and Fortune battling over who is the most powerful.

Just as the audience thinks Fortune is to win, Love enters and conquers both.

It is this message which remains throughout the opera but, rather than a gentle, positive force, Love is portrayed as manipulative and often, some would say, immoral.

Directed by Robert Carsen and conducted by Emmanuelle Haïm, the story unfolds with Poppea, a beautiful but power hungry young woman who is cruel to past suitors and ruthless to boot.

Poppea, played wonderfully by the stunning Danielle De Niese, is mistress to Nerone, emperor of Rome.

Nerone is one of many characters played by the opposite sex, and Alice Coote portrays the proud and tempestuous emperor to perfection.

Cross-dressing and indeterminate sexes are apparent throughout L'incoronazione and one could not leave out a mention of the simply hilarious Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke as Poppea's nurse, Arnalta.
With comic timing and some fantastic one-liners, Ablinger-Sperrhacke, brings a wonderfully light touch to proceedings, even with a wardrobe seemingly borrowed from the Queen Mother.

Despite some grumblings from some audience members of 'too much nudity and violence', indeed Poppea does spend most of her time in a silk slip and a bath brought on stage is used to full effect, L'incoronazione as a festival opener, triumphed.

The beautiful setting, dazzling outfits and enough sunshine to enjoy an outdoor picnic helped ease the conscience when adultery was seemingly celebrated on stage.

The performances from all the cast were faultless and the only evidence of first night nerves was the slightly confused group bow.

Glyndebourne season is now in full swing with L'incoronazione di Poppea and Eugene Onegin on throughout May followed by Albert Herring, Carmen, Hänsel und Gretel and Love and Other Demons through to August.

For more details visit www.glyndebourne.com

Hannah Russell