The Royal Opera house presents a brand new production of Puccini’s opera directed by Richard Jones – here’s Love London Love Culture’s round up of the reviews…
When Rodolfo, a penniless poet, meets Mimì, a seamstress, they fall instantly in love. But their happiness is threatened when Rodolfo learns that Mimì is gravely ill.
The Guardian: *** “It’s put on stage with Jones’s usual efficiency and precision, but always remains mechanical and emotionally chilly – antiseptic really.”
The Independent: ***** ” Jones’s finely crafted show may not last as long as Copley’s, but so long as it has singing and acting of this high quality, it will deserve to.”
Express.co.uk: **** “a very promising start to Richard Jones’ new production of an old favourite.”
The Stage: **** “Antonio Pappano, the finest Puccini conductor of the day, ensures that the score comes over with exceptional vividness.”
The FT:*** “Whatever the shortcomings of this new La bohème, Puccini is alive and well and flourishing at the Royal Opera. It is just that he is to be found down in the orchestra pit.”
WhatsOnStage: **** “the Royal Opera has hired a strong, convincingly youthful cast to inaugurate its new production.”
The Times: *** “A routine production is redeemed by vibrant singing and a passionate orchestra under Antonio Pappano’s peerless direction.”
Culture Whisper: **** ” you will go a long way to find a more thoroughly thought out, better sung, firmly staged production of La Bohème than this.”
Bachtrack: *** “Chimneys wafted smoke and snow flurried, but there was no moonlight, nor – as yet – any Parisian magic in this Bohème.”
La Bohème continues to play at the Royal Opera House until the 10th October. To book tickets visit: http://lovelondonloveculture.entstix.com/tickets/la-boheme-roh