Mark Ravenhill’s contemporary rendition of Puccini’s classic opera is brave and bold, and unapologetically queer. Showing at King's Head Theatre, this production is genuinely hilarious and captivating. The modernised plot is well-crafted and easy to follow.
After unsuccessfully trying to monetise his writing for some time, Robin (Daniel Koek as our new Rodolfo), a bohemian novelist and romantic, finds a match on Grindr in Lukas, a perfume salesman known to his friends as Mim (Philip Lee). They plan to hook up to the music of 'O suave fanciulla,' but they'll take things gently and fall in love.
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Meanwhile, sculptor Marcus (Matt Kellett) tries to avoid his ex-girlfriend Marissa (Grace Nyandoro) out on the pull on Christmas Eve in the pub. The sequence rips down the fourth wall so Marissa may find them in the audience, in a fantastic recreation of the episode in Cafe Momus that does away with unnecessary characters. As is to be anticipated, these tumultuous lovers have a tumultuous relationship.
The show's characters are well-conceived and exactly on point. They all showed plenty of depth and genuine chemistry - the actors certainly give them that. In particular, Matt Kellett (playing Marcus) was notably exceptional, owning his character and absorbing the audience, making them laugh while he offered emotionally heavy moments. Generally, each of the actors creatively executed their roles and portrayed their respective characters exceptionally well.
The music choice was great and well-suited to the show, imbuing the characters’ already emotion-laden singing with more intensity and nuance.
This show's cast go all out and are exceptional to watch. They skillfully juggle sardonic one-liners and tender moments. The show ran until 28 May 2022 at The King's Head Theatre.
