The Barber of Seville

Synopsis

ACT I

Scene I
Dr Bartolo, together with his ward, Rosina, were until recently resident in Madrid. While there, Rosina had attracted the attention of the adventurous young Count Almaviva, who, on their departure for Seville, has followed incognito, determined to woo and win her. Disguised as a student called Lindoro, he serenades her at night below her balcony, but is making very little progress when he meets Figaro, a former servant of his who had left his employ to set up independently as a barber. Apart from his shop, Figaro also has a contract of service in Bartolo's household, and the two men strike a deal whereby Figaro will get Almaviva into the house.

Scene II
Rosina is very excited by the attentions being paid her by the handsome young stranger and dares write to him. She is so closely guarded by Bartolo, however, that the task of getting the letter delivered threatens to be difficult. Figaro would seem to be the answer. Bartolo is shrewdly aware that something is going on, but he can't quite pin it down. Basilio, who is Rosina's music teacher but also an intriguer in Bartolo's service, warns him that Almaviva is in town and that he has designs on Rosina. Since Bartolo wishes to marry her himself, he determines to make the necessary arrangements at once.ACT II

ACT II

Scene I
A complete stranger called Don Alonso arrives that evening to give Rosina her music lesson instead of Basilio, who is sick. Bartolo accepts him only when he reveals that he has a plan to trap Rosina and discredit Almaviva. When the lesson is under way, Figaro arrives and insists on giving Bartolo his Tuesday shave. Suddenly, Basilio walks in, quite healthy, but such is Bartolo's confidence in Alonso that he collaborates in getting rid of Basilio. Unfortunately, Alonso, who is Almaviva in another disguise, overreaches himself and is caught out by Bartolo, but not before arranging to carry Rosina off at midnight.

There is a storm. Basilio goes for the Notary to marry Rosina and Bartolo at once; Bartolo goes for the police; Almaviva and Figaro bring a ladder.

Scene II
Rosina remonstrates with Almaviva, but the confusion is quickly cleared up and the elopement all but takes place. Then Basilio arrives with the Notary, and Bartolo removes the ladder to the balcony. In the intervening few minutes the Notary marries Almaviva and Rosina and Basilio witnesses the contract. The young lovers are happy, Bartolo is defeated, while Figaro and Basilio make a lot of money.