Madam Butterfly - The Coliseum

The late Anthony Minghella was the producer behind this show, and its visual wonder is really a testament to his genius. The love duet at the end of the first act, complete with an entire orchard of pink cherry blossom is simply breathtaking. This was the first and only Opera which Minghella directed which makes seeing this show all the more poignant and emotional.

For those who don’t know the story, it is that of a young geisha girl, the eponymous “butterfly”, who falls in love with an American Navy lieutenant who ultimately rejects her. It is a classic tragic love story, made all the more heart-wrenching by Puccini’s wonderful music. The show, so sumptuous in set and costume, sold out in its previous three runs and now returns a fourth time as a celebration of the work of the late Minghella. Demand is likely to be incredibly high so book early to see this masterpiece of Opera whilst you still can. What really sets this staging apart is its desire to innovate and take risks and try new things. Puppets are used in a most beguiling way; one being used to play Butterfly’s son which is manipulated by three men wearing all black. Their contortions of their puppet are so phenomenal that sometimes he actually does appear to be really alive. The set slopes and seems fairly intimidating, framing the piece with a declaration that the audience is most certainly about to see something which will be a visual delight. Interestingly, a big mirror hangs above the stage which gives the audience a unique opportunity to see behind the set and glimpse parts of the story which are not usually seen or told, such as Butterfly’s distress before she emerges to confront her lover’s wife.

Such innovations really show how great Minghella was and much of the cast this time around is the same as it was last time; they all want to relive this greatness one last time. Judith Howarth is to revise her titular role in the piece, a role which won her much critical acclaim. Meanwhile, Christine Rice is to sing the part of Suzuki. The director of the English National Opera, Edward Garnder, will act as conductor to Puccini’s wrenching score. Opera is clearly not for everyone, but for those who want to see something truly spectacular and moving, there is nothing better out there than this.