Lachlann Lawton still achieving career-firsts with new show

Bunbury star Lachlann Lawton will take the stage at the Government House ballroom for an intimate and haunting performance of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas next month. The show stars Lawton as Aeneas the Trojan Prince, who is torn apart from his lover Dido the Queen of Carthage — played by Ashlyn Tymms — when witches hatch an evil plan to destroy them. Lawton said he was excited about the show because it was a welcome break from his normal performing routine. “Firstly it’s really nice to be singing in English .... I don’t get to do that a lot.” It is not only the first time Lawton has sung this role, but it is his first performance singing this genre of classical music known as Early Music, which is a lot more expressive than typical Baroque opera. “It’s an in-between part vocally and it sits perfectly for me ... I can do more with the text,” he said. “I don’t have to think so much about the singing itself, I can do more with the character.” He said the venue contributed to the dark and haunting themes of the show. “We do it in the ballroom itself which is a beautiful art space and gorgeous acoustically,” Lawton told the Times. “It’s more of an immersive experience rather than just being in a theatre which is really cool.” Lawton recently returned to sing in the South West where he was invited last-minute to sing for the South West Opera Company’s annual concert in Harvey. He said it was a special experience to be back and singing with the people he grew up with. “It was a really special experience. They all look the same — you must age better in the country I think,” Lawton said. Dido and Aeneas also features Jessica Blunt, Ruth Burke, Belinda Butler and the UWA Chamber Orchestra and vocal group. The opera runs from May 9-12 in the ballroom of Government House on St Georges Terrace in Perth. Tickets include the show plus a long-table style set-menu dinner.