ENO’s production of La Boheme is an enjoyable, engaging performance that showcases the talent of an excellent principle cast combined with a fantastic orchestra and chorus!
This performance of Puccini’s La Boheme by the English National Opera is a stunning rendition of an operatic classic. Usually sung in Italian, this version conducted by Martyn Brabbins, allows the piece to be much more accessible to audiences unfamiliar with either opera or Italian. Telling the story of housemates Rodolpho and Marcello, and the love story of Mimi and Rodolpho, La Boheme keeps the audience engaged throughout a lengthy performance and depicts an emotional and heartfelt tale through beautiful orchestrations and musical performances from the orchestra, and nuanced portrayals of the characters by the talented principal cast.
The incredible vocal abilities of Sinead Campbell-Wallace as Mimi and David Junghoon Kim as Rodolpho complement each other fantastically in their duets, whilst Charles Rice as Marcello and Alexandra Oomens as Musetta portray both love and anger through their passionate interactions. Colline and Schaunard, performed by William Thomas and Alex Otterburn, add humour and comedy to the performance as the friendly, dynamic duo of the group, meanwhile Simon Butteriss demonstrates their excellent ability to multi-role depicting both Benoit and Alcindoro well. The principal cast is ably assisted by the ENO Chorus who demonstrate excellent professionalism and only enhance an already engaging performance. The chorus could perhaps be more involved as they bring a lot of energy and a useful presence to the production that could be further utilised.
Each performer displays excellent acting through song, with Oomens as Musetta demonstrating a particularly enjoyable, witty, interpretation of the character. Campbell-Wallace demonstrates lovely emotion and serenity, whilst the group of Rodolpho, Marcello, Colline and Schaunard portray the full breadth of character, ensuring the audience find them likable and amusing whilst also depicting their flaws.
The orchestra provides a truly stunning musical environment for this story, and Brabbins brilliantly conducts them throughout, bringing together a beautiful score and ensuring both musicians and vocal performers are aligned in performance. This production works wonderfully in this gorgeous venue and no set or props are needed to ensure the story is convincingly told, however more committed staging and direction would further improve this piece and its ability to immerse the audience in Puccini’s work. The use of modern clothing adds a nice visual context to the opera which is complemented by the modern interpretation and unique translation of the text.
An engaging, comedic and musically beautifully rendition of Puccini’s La Boheme that encourages accessibility of opera and demonstrates the importance of renewing older works to ensure their depiction remains enjoyable for all audiences.
Written by Lucy Boardman