Alternative Takes
An offbeat look at the operas we're serving up this season.
Coming Your Way In 2009-2010
The Elixir of Love
When it comes to getting with the ladies, Nemorino's a total loser. So it's not surprising that local stunner Adina won't give him the time of day. He thinks his prayers have been answered when a shady dealer comes to town pushing a love drug designed to send his sex appeal soaring. Will this zero turn hero and bag the girl of his dreams? Or will he fall flat on his face?
The Italian Girl in Algiers
Sleazy Mediterranean playboy Mustafa kicks his missus to the curb in the hope of getting it on with a new young plaything. But he's got another thing coming when he sets his sights on Italian bombshell Isabella. This girl won't be played and decides to teach the old slimeball a lesson he won't forget. Taking place as an episode of the Italian soap opera Algiers, this show's packed with as many bronzed bodies, beach babes and bikinis as a week in Ibiza.
Kátya Kabanová
Poor Kátya just can't catch a break. She's trapped in a small town, her husband's never around and she's got the mother-in-law from hell. It looks like her luck has changed when she meets a younger guy who makes her feel like a kid again. But her guilt gets the better of her before she's got time to get her groove back. She decides there's only one way out ...and it's not pretty.
The Adventures of Mr Broucek
Unlike most lads after a rough night on the town, when Mr B passes out the fun is just beginning. Follow this crazy old lush as he gets wrecked and dreams first that he's on a moon inhabited by gorgeous vegan women, and then a spy caught in a wild medieval bust-up on the streets of Prague. From riding winged horses to espionage, if only our nights at the pub were this over the top!
La bohème
Hipster Rodolfo is living it up in bohemian Brooklyn despite being skint and close to eviction. Things heat up when he has a fling with next-door neighbour Mimi. But it's not long before the pressures of being broke in the Big Apple screw up their relationship and Mimi's health. When Rodolfo realises he loves the girl, is he too late? A love story for the credit crunch generation.
Past Productions
Manon
'Material Girl' Manon leaves her true love in the lurch to run off with a sugardaddy who promises her fame and fortune. When the Parisian high-life loses its lustre she attempts to win back her man but fate has something else in store.
Così fan tutte
Two swinging sisters find themselves alone on holiday after their fiancés are called away for work. When a pair of handsome hunks enter the scene, will the ladies remain faithful or will they give their boyfriends the boot? And who exactly are these mystery men? What happens in Naples stays in Naples. Or does it?
La traviata
Original 'pretty woman' and toast of bohemian Paris, Violetta Valéry gives up her life of turning tricks when she meets Mr. Right-The rich aristocrat Alfredo. The threat of scandal causes Alfredo's father to put the brakes on the relationship. Can Violetta leave her sordid past behind and keep the man she loves or will she play the ultimate price for the excesses of her rock and roll lifestyle?
