As dusk settled over the amphitheatre and a pale moon floated in the velvety blue sky above, anticipation was high. We’d watched the stage-hands sweep the tiered stage, watched the lighting engineers fiddle with the lamps, and wondered at the meaning of the objects that decorated the set, crystal pyramids, giant hands, and lighting designs which, although technologically modern, blended easily into the ancient Roman amphitheatre. The war-stricken world of Aida materialised on the vast arena stage, as over 300 performers – soloists, chorus members, dancers and mimes – cast their spell. With costumes inspired by Paco Rabanne and Capucci, lots of glitering silver and a lighting display that was mesmerising …