Dick O’Riordan’s classical notes: Paula Murrihy shines in Carmen, a sizzling Spanish extravaganza

A superbly talented cast at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre did justice to an exceptionally lavish and large production

Splendid: Dinyar Vania as Don José and Paula Murrihy as Carmen at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre last week. Picture: Ruth Medjber

Carmen at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin last week was a colossal production, almost overwhelming in scope, with visuals that at times threatened to swallow up the iconic storyline itself: the famous tale of an independent Spanish gypsy and the soldier who pursues her, first premiered in Paris 147 years ago.

The production, a collaboration between Irish National Opera (INO) and two major US companies (Opera Philadelphia and Seattle Opera) and featuring the ...