The 2009 Olivier Awards winners have been announced and it's no surprise to see ENO's Partenope named as Best New Opera Production and their Edward Gardner receiving the Outstanding Achievement In Opera award.
These are perhaps not the recipients the professional critics would have chosen (Partenope's reviews were mixed to say the least). But with half their judging panel made up of enthusiastic theatre and opera-goers, the Oliviers reflect public taste better than most.
