A comic opera by William Walton

In "The Bear", Chekhov's most popular and successful farce, Madame Popova's elaborate grief for her dead husband is rudely interrupted by the visit of a creditor, who stays to demand rather more than his money. This musical version has the additional fun of William Walton's tunes, many written as operatic parodies.

with
Regina Resnik as Madame Popova, a wealthy widow
Thomas Hemsley as Grigory Smirnov, a middle-aged landowner
Derek Hammond-Stroud as Luka, the old manservant

English Chamber Orchestra
Leader Kenneth Sillito
Conducted by Sir William Walton

"This TV production was highly enjoyable... a perfect TV opera" (Harold Rosenthal, Opera)
"If this one ever comes back, don't miss it" (Peter Black, Daily Mail)
(Radio Times People: page 5)

(Colour)