Theatre News

La bohéme Season Highlight at Tobacco Factory

Opera Project and the Tobacco Factory Theatre are to present Puccini’s masterpiece La bohéme as this year’s eagerly anticipated Tobacco Factory Opera in the intimate setting of the Tobacco Factory Theatre, Bristol.

In a student garret in 19th century Paris, the young aspiring poet Rodolfo meets Mimi, a pretty but ailing seamstress. The pair fall desperately in love but their relationship struggles to survive both the cold winter and Mimi’s impending illness. They part, and when eventually they are reconciled, it is too late for Mimi…

Sung in English, this timeless story of young love, life, laughter and loss is set to achingly beautiful melodies with a spine-tinglingly rich orchestral score. Opera Project, one of the UK’s leading touring opera companies, return to bring this exquisite masterpiece to life with soprano Victoria Joyce (Gilda, Rigoletto 2009) leading a cast drawn from the best of young British talent.

Richard Studer’s witty English translation is refreshing, vibrant and humorous yet sympathetic to the original story and the 19th century setting, making it accessible for both opera lovers and opera virgins alike.

“We are aiming to create an excellently executed clean production, the quality of which we’re known for at the Tobacco Factory Theatre.” Sayd Richard Studer, Director and Translator.

“I am most looking forward to working with a fresh new cast. The essence of this piece is about the journey of maturity into adulthood and each new cast add a completely new personality and perspective to the production.”

Opera Project has established itself an enviable reputation as one of the UK’s leading touring opera companies with performances across a range of festivals and theatres and in a number of the country’s finest gardens and venue. They create accessible, exhilarating and memorable productions, accompanied by an orchestra, and are praised for their quality of singers, intimacy, theatricality and brilliant English translations. Their annual performance at the Tobacco Factory Theatre is one of the Theatre’s season highlights. There are not many venues in the country where you can experience Opera in such an accessible and intimate venue. This is Opera Project’s 9th season at the Tobacco Factory Theatre.