Reviews

• Deirdre Ellis

  Jan 5, 2018

  We were really impressed with the talent....really blown away.We are in our seventies and have seen this opera many times....this one so unique and contemporary is one that will stay with us.The venue too contributed....very intimate...both cast and audience exposed together.We enjoyed every minute of it...the laughter and the tears.Well done all of you including pianist and cellist and helpful theatre staff.

• David Heaton

  Jan 5, 2018

  This is a great modern production of an old classic. I'd like to take everyone who says they don't like opera to see it and defy them not to be won over wit its vitality, charm, wit and of course great voices.

• GC

  Jan 3, 2018

  cry, laugh, be surprised - has it all. bravo!

• Louise Jefferies

  Jan 3, 2018

  Opera but not as we know it, but how I always want to know it from now on! Voices to cry for!!! And boy did I cry! Honestly this was a such an unexpected treat. It was interesting, gently shocking and surprisingly funny for such a heavy story. My chap, who is a proper Opera buff, was quite taken back with the quality of the cast and the passion, which was infectious. I cried like you would not believe, the acting and setting was simply brilliant.

• Emma Disney

  Jan 2, 2018

  Intimate setting, gifted musicians & stunningly modern opera, an amazing night that I cannot recommend enough! Emotional, entertaining & amazing talent....

• Donatella

  Jan 2, 2018

  What a priviledge to experience the intensity and emotional rollercoaster of great Opera virtually in a living room, together with a bunch pf people who are all drown in to the point of overwhelm, unless they are laughing conspiratorially with one of the characters, or trying to help one that is in an emergency. The pianist and cellist are an effective orchestra, the pianist doubling up as a bar tender in this delightful, intimate, shattering rendering of a major masterpiece, transported to contemporary dress and mores.

• Clare Williams

  Jan 1, 2018

  What a treat! Fantastic 100 seat venue. Amazing cast. Incredibly funny and moving and the best night out over Christmas in London

• Nick G

  Dec 31, 2017

  I love La Boheme and have seen it lots of times. This time it was an introduction to opera for my son and we both thought it was terrific. Cheeky, witty, sassy & beautifully melodic. One of the very best shows I’ve seen in 2017.

• Diane Clark

  Dec 31, 2017

  Highly talented young singers delivered a moving updated performance. I feel sure Puccini would have approved of the contemporary setting and text of the opera. It provided a new perspective on the lives of the young and poor in London in very much the same way as Puccini did in Paris in the original. The intimacy of the venue contributed to the concept. And the music was as good as I have heard anywhere.

• Phoebe

  Dec 31, 2017

  Brilliant- first opera experience and we loved it!

• Sir Slubby Jones

  Dec 31, 2017

  A Must See

• Vicky Brooks

  Dec 30, 2017

  Just amazing. Incredible voices - esp. Mimi - & fantastic modern adaptation. We felt like we were there with the actors, embroiled w/in the story.

• Anon

  Dec 30, 2017

  Exceptional Performance, Highly Recommend.

• Surbiton Sue

  Dec 30, 2017

  Good to see such talent up close in such a tiny venue. La Boheme with a modern twist. Very cleverly done and highly recommended.

• Trayvor

  Dec 29, 2017

  I approached this with some scepticism. How can you do opera with no orchestra, no conductor, no chorus...but it was one of the most enjoyable Bohemes I've seen or heard. The four singers were superb (Musetta in particular was mesmerising) as were the two musicians. My only (very minor) complaint would be the occasional bits of bad language, which I didn't think added anything. But overall a great experience. If you want to get someone into opera who has resisted it, get them to see this as a taster and they'll be sold!

• Jo

  Dec 29, 2017

  The performance was amusing yet tragic and the singers amazing - a great way to spend the afternoon and I will look out for future performances

• Sarah M

  Dec 23, 2017

  Passionate, sexy, contemporary and dark. A great evening out!

• cr

  Dec 19, 2017

  I an not a particular opera fan; I have been to the odd opera over the years and went to the production with no expectations. The cast of four were engaging, talented and in the case of our Mimi exceptional. Her portrayal of a drug addict was frighteningly real. The audience was treated to a plethora of emotions from belly laughs to tears in a small, intimate setting. The modern setting was excellent with topical references, the performances were solid by unknown actor/singers (at least unknown to me). This is one of the reasons I love attending performances at Trafalgar Studios; it doesn't matter if the cast is full of household names or unknowns, the standard is exceptionally high, always enjoyable, always providing plenty to discuss when leaving the theatre and providing memories that linger long in the mind. If you were unsure about going to see La Boheme, give yourself a treat and watch four talented performers transport you to another world for a few hours on a cold winter's night.

• Peter Harrison

  Dec 19, 2017

  This is one of those amazing productions that will remain in the memory for a long time. The piano and cello make the most of Puccini's music and the four singers provide excellent well defined diction and a great sound. At know time did I miss the chorus. The acting in the first part made it funny and meaningful for those who are new to Boheme without irritating those people who know conventional Boheme. The involvement of the audience really added to the experience. This is a performance which will bring in people new to opera. My only significant negative would be to lose specific geographical links, such as Dalston as this would limit the opera being put on away from London. Perhaps like Gilbert and Sullivan operetta the words could in the libretto be left for local alternatives? All in all first class and I look forward to the next production. A great team outcome.

• Sandra Carabelli

  Dec 19, 2017

  I'm from Buenos Aires, Argentina and I'm so happy to have this lovely evening so my gratitude to you all!

• Jon

  Dec 16, 2017

  Saw La Boheme on Friday 15th December 2017. Combines comedy and tragedy in a spellbinding production. The intimacy of the theatre makes the performances so engaging. I’ve seen two productions at the Royal Opera House this year and this beats both hands down. You really can appreciate the beauty of the voices because you are so close to the performers. A total bargain at £20 a ticket. All seats give a great audience experience. Totally recommended.

• Susan

  Dec 16, 2017

  Thoroughly recommend this opera. Excellent singing and great use of the small theatre.

• JH

  Dec 13, 2017

  Only two bohemians, no landlord and only a piano and cello, but a terrifically funny and yet also moving relocation of a stripped-down Boheme to Dalston. The two women were superb - a deeply emotionally involving Mimi and a hilarious audience involving Musetta. And if you want to have a very attractive Musetta sit on your lap then A 13 seems to be the seat.

• Frank Lanndy

  Dec 11, 2017

  Thoroughly enjoyed the performance with its sassy , witty banter between the students . It never lost the pathos of Puccinis opera and the singing was superb . Well worth seeing .

• Paul

  Dec 10, 2017

  This modern version in a small intimate theatre was enthralling, exciting and plenty of audience participation. Thoroughly enjoyable.

• Teresa

  Dec 7, 2017

  Very entertaining - wonderful cast and singing . A lot of young talent . A great night out ! Thoroughly recommend - you almost feel part of the play - we love this theatre !