To the heart

“La Boheme” was magnificent last night. Live relays from Covent Garden to our local cinemas mean we can see such a wide range of stunning opera and ballet, and art galleries and theatres are also widening the audiences in this way.

Last night was a terrific success (apparently #ROHBoheme was trending higher than Bake Off). So successful that they’ve added some more dates when a rerun of this wonderful and immediately accessible opera.

The new production has replaced the 40 year old sets and staging that has served so well. The new set is more modern, less full of props, colour and odds and ends. The freezing garret is starkly empty apart from beams and neutral walls.

This puts the emphasis on the acting and the heart-rending emotion of the drama. With a youthful, fresh and brilliant cast, this is a winner. All four of the main characters were world class actors as well as superb singers.

Michael Fabiano has attracted the attention, quite rightly, but Marius Kweichen and Nicole Car were similarly stunning. Joyce El-Khoury stepped in at the last minute but she was probably the best and most vibrant Musetta I’ve ever seen.

Take lots of tissues if you’re lucky enough to get to one of the repeats.

Will this production last as long as the previous one ? Only if the quality of the lead characters is maintained. In this enchanting simplicity, there is nowhere to hide - and even more with cinema close ups.

My photo ? Just an excuse to recommend this brilliant performance.