Access Opera Performance
La bohèmeSpecially created for those who would benefit from a more relaxed experience
Theatre Royal Glasgow:
24 October 2025, 3pm (Access performance)
Festival Theatre Edinburgh:
21 November 2025, 3pm (Access performance)
If a full-length opera doesn’t feel like the right fit, Access performances make coming to a favourite title as easy and stress-free as possible.
With Dementia Friendly values at their core, these shortened performances of La bohème are open to all. Performed by cast and full orchestra, they also feature a presenter to introduce the story, characters and music from the opera. There are wheelchair spaces and extra staff on hand to help. There is also a smaller capacity to allow everyone space, and brighter lighting levels in the auditorium, giving you the flexibility and freedom to move about as required.
About La bohème
Puccini's La bohème stands as one of the world's most celebrated and frequently performed operas. This heartbreaking masterpiece, brought to life through Puccini's enchanting score, continues to captivate loyal enthusiasts while drawing in a new generation of opera-goers.
In Barbe & Doucet’s colourful production set in 1920s Paris, four struggling bohemians' lives are changed when they meet a seamstress called Mimì. A blossoming romance becomes short-lived when they discover that Mimì is ill. Struggling to survive in the lavish yet unforgiving city, these charismatic characters are met with the harsh realities of poverty and fortune.
Proudly supported by Scottish Opera's Education Angels
Part of Scottish Opera's 2025/26 Season
Order a paper copy of our Season Brochure here >>
Show Details
Running time:
Approximately 2 hours including a 30-minute interval
Language:
Sung in Italian with English supertitles
Access:
Find out about access in all venues >>
Audio description available >>
Extra accessibility measures for Access performances >>
Ticket price:
£12.50 – wheelchair spaces should be booked in advance
Concessions:
Free for carers
Groups welcome
Free tickets available for school groups (limited availability - please email tickets@scottishopera.org.uk)
What to expect
- Audio description available at all Access performances, in addition to supertitles above the stage
- Shortened running times, including a 30-minute interval
- Afternoon start times for easier travel
- A presenter to introduce the story and characters, performing alongside The Orchestra of Scottish Opera and cast
- Additional front of house staff on hand to welcome you
- Doors open 45 minutes before the start – there is lots of time to get settled in
- Wheelchair spaces and extra staff on hand to help if you want to transfer
- Brighter lighting levels in the auditorium
- No need to keep quiet or sit still; you can come in and out of the auditorium during the show
- Lower capacity to allow everyone extra space
- Quiet areas available to take a break
- Enjoy tea and cake in the café beforehand!
Audio description
Mention opera and most people think of singing and music – but this is only part of the overall experience. What about scenery, costumes, lighting, direction and choreography?
For those living with sight loss, our audio description service provides a live commentary describing the action on stage without compromising the music. As part of the experience, a recorded introduction to the opera is available in advance and there is a live audio introduction before the start of the performance.
Please book in advance for audio-described performances by calling the venue box offices:
Theatre Royal Glasgow:
19 October 2025, 3pm
Book now
Eden Court, Inverness:
8 November 2024, 7.15pm
Book now
Festival Theatre Edinburgh:
16 November 2024, 3pm
Book now
His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen:
1 November 2024, 3pm
Book now
Other Access Performances

Access: The Merry Widow
Access opera performance
Access: La bohème
Access Opera PerformanceComing up

The Merry Widow
Lehár
Trial by Jury / A Matter of Misconduct!
Gilbert & Sullivan
Pop-up Opera 2025

L’heure espagnole / The Bear
Double Bill
Heroines & Heroes
Tchaikovsky
The Great Wave
Dai Fujikura & Harry Ross
Tristan und Isolde
Wagner