Ellen Kent’s La Boheme – Opera House, Manchester
Producer Ellen Kent has created a niche in the theatrical world over the last three decades, importing the best of traditional ballet and opera from Eastern Europe to be staged here in the UK. Given the ongoing war in Ukraine and subsequent political upheaval, it is a testament to her tenacity that she has managed to bring 'The Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre' from war torn Kyiv, on a Spring tour to the UK, beginning at Manchester's Opera House. The small company of approximately a dozen, supplemented by local young artists and supported by a full orchestra, will be showcasing classic works by Puccini and Verdi over the next four months; Madama Butterfly, Aida and La Boheme.
Ah, 'La Boheme'! At this point I have to confess my history with Puccini's impossibly romantic story of doom...