The Magic Flute

Director: Ingmar Bergman
Stars: Josef Köstlinger, Irma Urrila, Håkan Hagegård, Ulrik Cold

Tue 17 Jul 7.30pm      Book Now

Duration: 135 mins
AGE Rating: Cert U
Adults £8
Under 15s £5

Bergman’s enchanting classic 1975 film of Mozart’s Opera. Sung in Swedish with English subtitles

Shooting on a set replicating a lovely 18th-century theatre, Bergman begins his wonderfully warm, witty and sensuous movie by focusing on the faces of a rapt audience (momentarily including his own) enjoying the overture.

Thereafter, as the (abridged and intriguingly amended) tale of Tamino, Pamina et al proceeds, he highlights the piece’s exuberant theatrical illusionism, at the same time deploying close-ups to enhance the emotions conveyed by an excellent young cast. An admirably light touch is applied throughout, making for a performance of musical excellence, dramatic vitality and enormous, effortless charm.

The Queen of the Night offers her daughter Pamina to Tamino, but he has to bring her back from her father and priest Sarastro. She gives a magic flute to Tamino and magic bells to the bird hunter Papageno, who follows Tamino and wants to find a wife. The duo travels in a journey of love and knowledge.