Sunday, December 22

Tag: Themba Mvula

La Bohème – Storyhouse, Chester
North West

La Bohème – Storyhouse, Chester

Stories of love and endurance always capture the spirit and Puccini’s La Bohème is arguably one of the most famous operatic pieces on this theme. Opening on Christmas Eve in a 19th century Parisian garret, we witness the ebb and flow of two couples - Rudolfo (Thomas Elwin) Marcello (Michel de Souza) Musetta (Jenny Stafford) and Mimi (Francesca Chiejina) - with fates entwined in a storyline that stands as well today as when it was first written. Picture two lovers meeting on a snowy night against the backdrop of the famed ‘city of romance’. Where should we assume their meeting will take them in life? In this classic tale of love, friendship and mortality, the audience are faced with a stark social picture of what it’s like to live on the breadline. Be prepared to meet the highs with the ...
Opera North: Rigoletto – The Lowry
North West

Opera North: Rigoletto – The Lowry

Femi Elufowoju Jr’s interpretation of Giuseppe Verdi’s 1851 masterpiece for Opera North by and large works although I’m yet to be convinced about the zebra. We open as the Duke (Roman Arndt) leads his courtiers in drinking and debauchery whilst his jester, Rigoletto (Eric Greene) mocks all those around. The arrival of Count Monterone (Byron Jackson) in a failed attempt to save his daughter results in a curse on the Duke and Rigoletto. Rigoletto is tormented by the curse, and we discover he has a daughter, Gilda (Jasmine Habersham) whom he jealously guards, but the Duke has already spied and fallen for her – or has he? The courtiers have also tired of Rigoletto’s antics at court and under the steer of Marullo (Themba Mvula), they trick him before carrying Gilda off to the palace. R...