The first reprise of Like Water for Chocolate since its 2022 premiere will bring back the original cast, as well as interesting debuts. Francesca Hayward and Marcelino Sambé, return in the roles of Tita and Pedro, which they originated; Anna Rose O’Sullivan will alternate in the roles of Gertrudis, which she made very much her own with a rip-roaring performance in the first run, and her debut as Tita. Mayara Magri, a bit underwritten as the original Rosaura, will also get a turn at Tita, as will the promising First Artist Ella Newton Severgnini.
Oliver Mears’ Tosca at The Royal Opera House
The ROH’s previous much-reprised production of Tosca, directed by Jonathan Kent, had become a comfortable old pair of slippers, visually sumptuous and totally reliable. Oliver Mears’ Tosca is fresh and high on melodrama and entertainment value, with a first cast that reaches the peaks of operatic excellence.
Il Trovatore – Royal Opera – Covent Garden
The Royal Opera’s revival of Verdi’s Il Trovatore, directed by Adele Thomas and first unveiled in 2023, returned to the stage last night. This is a production that divides opinion: a theatrical ‘marmite’ that some hail for its dramatic aesthetic, while others contend that the staging detracts from the opera’s emotional heart
Gounod’s Faust at the Royal Opera House
After a glorious opening night at Glyndebourne, it’s a pleasure to be back at the Royal Opera House for the stunning visual and musical feast that is the all-star 6th revival of Sir David McVicar’s hit 2004 production of Gounod’s Faust.
Carmen – Royal Opera – 2025
Last year’s new production of Carmen from Damiano Michieletto won critical acclaim. Directed as a verismo piece, Michieletto adds detail to the famous plot so that even if you think you know the story, there will always be something to catch your eye. Set in the structural frame of ‘Opera Comique’ and infused with the spirit of the Zarzuela, the Spanish musical theatre that helped define the country’s national identity, this is a Carmen that will transport you to Spain within minutes of the curtain rising
Turandot at the Royal Opera – 5 Star Spectacular
With the crash of a gong or six, director Andrei Zerban’s classic 1984 production of Puccini’s final work Turandot that combines elements of opera, Chinese theatre and the Italian dramatic traditions of Commedia dell’arte is back at Covent Garden for a 16th revival
Romeo and Juliet – Royal Ballet
With Yasmine Naghdi and Matthew Ball in the lead roles for the opening night of Romeo and Juliet yesterday, the audience was mesmerised by this classic, emotional ballet with intricate choreography punctuated by grand ensemble scenes.
Crystal Pite’s Light of Passage at the Royal Ballet
Light of Passage is a short piece, Flight Pattern is only 30 minutes long with Covenant and Passage being 10 and 20 minutes long respectively. As a whole, however, it delivers a considerable emotional punch. Jay Gower Taylor’s set, Tom Visser’s lighting, Gorecki’s music, and of course the brilliant dancers of the Royal Ballet, create the haunting atmosphere of this profoundly moving work. This is not to be missed. – get a ticket if you can.
Jamie Lloyd’s Much Ado About Nothing
With a company that combines big names with a strong core of returning actors, Jamie Lloyd has a house style that isn’t going to work for every production. But after his triumphant Sunset Boulevard and now this high-octane and zeitgeisty Much Ado, hopes will be high for his upcoming reworking of Evita at The London Palladium.
The Royal Opera – Aida
The Rivals of Aida! Last night was the opening of the second revival of Robert Carsen’s production of Verdi’s four-act opera Aida for the Royal Opera. This grandest of grand operas is set in ancient Egypt and examines the love triangle at the centre of the country’s violent relationship with Ethiopia. Canadian director Carson locates […]