Madama Butterfly – Opera House Manchester

At the Opera House Manchester, audiences were treated to a poignant one-night-only performance of Madama Butterfly, presented as part of Ellen Kent’s farewell tour. With music by Giacomo Puccini, and based on a play by David Belasco, the opera first performed in Milan in February 1904, remains one of the most enduring and emotionally devastating works in the operatic canon.

Structured in three acts, Madama Butterfly tells the tragic story of Cio-Cio San, a young Japanese girl who marries the American naval officer B.F. Pinkerton. In this production, Pinkerton was portrayed by Oleksii Srebnytskyi, while the role of Cio-Cio San (Madame Butterfly) was taken by Elena Dee. Their union, arranged under Japanese law for 999 years but subject to monthly dissolution, reflects a cultural and emotional imbalance at the heart of the story. For Pinkerton, the marriage is fleeting; for Butterfly, it is eternal.

At its core, the opera explores themes of naïve devotion, cultural collision, and the quiet devastation of abandonment. Butterfly clings to the belief that her husband will return, even as history and the villagers suggest otherwise. Her unwavering faith, shaped by love and honour, ultimately leads to the opera’s heartbreaking conclusion. The narrative is steeped in sadness, innocence, and the profound weight of sacrifice.

Vocally, the cast delivered a compelling performance. Elena Dee’s portrayal of Butterfly was captivating; her soprano voice was pure, controlled, and emotionally resonant throughout. Operatic voices possess a rare and exquisite quality, whether soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, baritone, or bass, each register contributes its own colour and depth, blending to create a rich and immersive musical experience. Supporting her, Yelyzaveta Bielous as Suzuki offered a grounded and convincing performance, bringing warmth and loyalty to the role of Butterfly’s devoted servant.

Under the baton of Vasyl Vasylenko, Puccini’s score was brought to life with sensitivity and precision. The music itself is nothing short of stunning – sweeping, delicate, and deeply expressive, it underscores every emotional turn of the story. The staging felt authentic, complemented by effective lighting and design that transported the audience seamlessly into Butterfly’s world.

As Pinkerton, Srebnytskyi sang confidently, though his interpretation carried a more seasoned presence than one might typically associate with a youthful, dashing naval lieutenant. Nevertheless, his vocal performance remained assured and technically strong.

Opera, once considered the preserve of the bourgeoisie, has evolved into an art form far more accessible to modern audiences. A night at the opera today is no longer an exclusive affair but a shared cultural experience, open to anyone willing to be transported by music and drama. Productions like this remind us why these works endure.

Madama Butterfly is truly a classic that has stood the test of time. Having seen it many times, it continues to resonate as one of the most moving and beautifully composed operas ever written. Each performance offers something new, yet its emotional core remains timeless.

This farewell tour performance in Manchester was a fitting tribute, not only to Ellen Kent’s legacy but to Puccini’s masterpiece itself. A visually rich and vocally exquisite farewell that does justice to one of opera’s greatest tragedies.

The tour runs until May 2026 and tickets are available from Ticketmaster.co.uk – next performance is at Blackpool on the 29th of March 2026 before it moves to Edinburgh in April.

Reviewer: Katie Leicester

Reviewed: 26th March 2026

North West End UK Rating: