The Force of Destiny, London Coliseum ***

Calixto Bieito has returned to the English National Opera to direct Verdi's truly epic opera of love and war. The scale of the piece ranges from the personal to the large scale war scenes which leaves quite an impact on the audience. Wigglesworth's interpretation of Verdi's score, as with Lady Macbeth, is dramatic, grand and rich. The overture is just wonderful to listen to. The singing too is world-class. Tamara Wilson is a revelation as Leonora whilst Gwyn Hughes Jones' Don Alvaro is also well constructed and strong. The piece could be stronger with a less ambiguous set design from Rebecca Ringst whose use of videos is not helpful to either plot or meaning whilst Bieito isn't always clear in showing the audience what is going on. This detracts somewhat from what is otherwise an evening showcasing extraordinary talent.