Music: Giacomo Puccini

Librettists: Giacosa and Illica

Director: Phyllida Lloyd

Reviewer: Richard Hall

The Public Reviews Rating:

Adapted from the German book, Scenes of Life With The Bohemians by Henry Murger, La Boheme is undoubtedly one of the best loved and most frequently performed of all Italian operas. Like Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, its story is timeless and has been adapted many times, most recently by Jonathan Larson, the composer of the 1990’s hit Broadway musical, Rent. Indeed, the Lord himself, Andrew Lloyd Webber has openly spoken of his admiration for both Puccini and this opera in particular.

In this production, director Phyllida Lloyd imaginatively moves the original setting of mid nineteenth century Paris to the early 1950’s. This is a brilliant invention that instantly conjures up images of Fellini’s masterpiece La Dolche Vita and the iconic French films of Jean-Luc Godard. The plot and the interplay between the central characters benefits enormously from the updating, especially the tragic love story of poet, Rodolfo and his lover, Mimi.

A superb young cast led by Sarah Cox as Mimi and Aldo Di Toroa, sing their roles faultlessly. Cox and Di Tora are particularly outstanding combining exquisite singing with expressive and powerful acting. They are matched for quality by Jeni Bern as good time girl, Musetta and Marcin Bronikowski as the long suffering, Marcello.

Phyllida Lloyd, whose previous work includes the hit musical Mama Mia! directs with military like precision. Every aspect of this magnificent production is thought through in great detail; the chorus in particular are clearly delineated and create some thrilling ensemble moments. 1950’s Paris is vividly brought to life on stage by Anthony Ward’s bold designs, brilliant period costumes and Rick Fisher’s atmospheric lighting.

Tobias Ringborg, conducts with authority and feeling. His phrasing is clear; he develops the musical and dramatic tension brilliantly and achieves a perfect balance between the orchestra and on stage singers. Rarely have I heard the Opera North orchestra sound this good.

At the forefront of producing opera in this country for three decades, Opera North’s current revival of La Boheme is a stunning triumph and following as it does the opening of the Company’s critically acclaimed new version of Mary Stuart, (also playing at The Lowry this week), is a definite must see for all opera lovers and fans of great music alike.

Runs until: Friday 18 June

La Boheme (Opera North) –Lowry Theatre, Salford, 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 rating

Tags: Aldo Di Toro, Anthony Ward, Giacomo Puccini, Opera, Opera North, Phyllida Lloyd, Salford, Sarah Fox, The Lowry, Tobias Ringborg