A spectacular new production of Puccini’s beloved Madama Butterfly, directed by Ellen Kent returns to The Theatre Royal
Festival season is well and truly upon us and as ever we highlight our favourite must-see picks. The Theatre Royal presents award-winning producer Ellen Kent who returns this month with the Ukrainian Opera and Ballet Theatre Kyiv’s stunning classical production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly on Saturday 4 May.
Heralded as one of the world’s most popular operas, Kent’s production won ‘Best Opera Award’ at the Liverpool Daily Post Theatre Awards. This new production features exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and jaw-dropping costumes, including antique wedding kimonos from Japan. It is a visual and aural feast, with flawless operatics and second to none stage production in the grand surroundings of the Theatre Royal.
Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results. Highlights include the melodic ‘Humming Chorus’, the moving aria ‘One Fine Day’ and the unforgettable ‘Love Duet’.
In Madama Butterfly the Korean soprano Elena Dee returns alongside Ukrainian soprano Alyona Kistenyova and Ukrainian mezzo-sopranos Natalia Matveeva and Irina Sproglis. Madama Butterfly will be sung in Italian with English subtitles. The Independent gave a rave review, saying, ‘Above all it was a production which captured the raw emotion at the centre of the opera. Don’t take a handkerchief with you, take a box of them.’
The grade II listed Theatre Royal has recently undergone a 12-month, multi million pound refurbishment to return the space to its original splendour. The 19th century historic facade has been completely replaced and the theatre has also reclaimed The Colonnade Bar from long standing leaseholder Dave Day of the Golden Lion Group. The bar has been freshened up, but still retains its former splendour and has now installed a brand new bar team. Themed cocktails inline with the productions are now offered in the bar, as well as a vast array of lagers, spirits and cocktails. Make sure you pop in for a pre-show drink.
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