We have just had two days of singing through the whole opera with nearly all of the cast, the first time this has been possible since the run-through of four scenes back in 2022. Rehearsals proper won’t take place until May, with the first performance opening the Aldeburgh Festival, but it was very good to be able have a complete run without stopping – just over 90 minutes in a single act. Rachael Hewer, the director, was of course present throughout, and we had great support from Ashley Beauchamp as pianist and conductor and from Paul McKenzie, who at a few hours notice played through the whole score flawlessly. William Boyd was present for the run-through. Here we all are at the end of the day : in front Marcus Farnsworth (singing Marcus/Misha), Rachael Hewer, Beth Lynch (standing in as Vanessa/Varia at short notice for Lotte Betts-Dean) and Ed Hawkins (Gregor/Chekhov); behind them CM, Suzy Hurrell (Natalie/Nadia), Ashley Beauchamp, William Boyd and Paul McKenzie.