✕ ✕
Turning tips into memories
Login
Signup

You have reached the limit of free articles.


To enjoy unlimited access to Culture Whisper sign up for FREE.
Find out more about Culture Whisper


Sign up by Email or Facebook.

Please fix the following input errors:

  • dummy

Each week, we sent newsletters and communication featuring articles, our latest tickets invitations, and exclusive offers.

Occasional information about discounts, special offers and promotions.


OR
LOG IN

OR
  • LOG IN WITH FACEBOOK

Thanks for signing up to Culture Whisper.
Please check your inbox for a confirmation email and click the link to verify your account.



EXPLORE CULTURE WHISPER
✕ ✕
Turning tips into memories
Login
Signup

Please fix the following input errors:

  • dummy
Forgot your username or password?
Don't have an account? Sign Up

OR
  • LOG IN WITH FACEBOOK

If you click «Log in with Facebook» and are not a Culture Whisper user, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and to our Privacy Policy, which includes our Cookie Use

Turning tips into memories

Get started Login
  • Home
  • Going Out
    • Things to do
    • Food & Drink
    • Theatre
    • Visual Arts
    • Cinema
    • Kids
    • Festival
    • Gigs
    • Dance
    • Classical Music
    • Opera
    • Immersive
    • Talks
  • Staying In
    • TV
    • Books
    • Cook
    • Podcast
    • Design
    • Netflix
  • Life & Style
    • Beauty
    • Fashion
    • Gifting
    • Wellbeing
    • Lifestyle
    • Shopping
    • Jewellery
  • Explore
  • Kids
  • Benefits
  • Membership
  • Get Started
  • Membership
  • Benefits
Get the Best of London Life, Culture and Style
By entering my email I agree to the CultureWhisper Privacy Policy (we won`t share data & you can unsubscribe anytime).
Opera

Pop-Up Opera, I Capuleti e I Montecchi

29 Mar 16 – 07 May 16, Times Vary

Bellini's novel take on the famous Romeo and Juliet story: a highly accessible and enjoyable opera for those in the know

By Helena Kealey on 24/4/2016

1 CW reader is interested
Pop-Up Opera, I Capuleti e I Montecchi.
Pop-Up Opera, I Capuleti e I Montecchi.
Pop-Up Opera, I Capuleti e I Montecchi Pop-Up Opera, I Capuleti e I Montecchi Helena Kealey
REVIEW: Pop-Up Opera, I Capuleti e I Montecchi, review: Culture Whisper says ★★★★★


Shakespeare's tragic Romeo and Juliet is among the most popular plays ever written. Surprisingly though, the star-crossed lovers weren't the Bard's idea, but were gifted to him in a Renaissance story that he read and then appropriated.


Just like Shakespeare, Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini drew inspiration from the original Italian story of Romeo and Juliet, and himself wrote a darker and - can you believe it - somehow more heartbreaking version: the opera I Capuleti e i Montecchi, which is this spring brought to life in a number of intimate settings throughout London by Pop-Up Opera.


In these cosy, small London venues, from the Asylum Chapel, Peckham to St Peter's De Beauvoir Church, a winning combination of critically acclaimed singers, a familiar story and projections that translate the action every 10 seconds or so (like a silent film), offer total immersion in the drama. Too often opera is hampered by the audience's lack of understanding or on their having to read a word-for-word translation, never looking up at the performance before them. But not here. This among the most accessible operatic staging we'd ever seen.


Bellini's adaptation of Romeo and Juliet features a 'trouser role' which means Romeo is a mezzo-soprano part played by a woman - arguably a decision Bellini thought would emphasise the youth and vulnerability of the lovers. Performed magnificently by critically acclaimed Flora McIntosh, whose droll eye-rolls turn sarcasm into a facial expression, she is utterly believable as the hot-headed and irresistible male lead.


McIntosh is joined by an outstanding cast, including winner of the Helen Clarke and Leonardo Ingrams awards, Alice Privett as Giulietta, (who in this adaptation brings misery through her indecision), Andrew Tipple as Capellio, Cliff Zammit-Stevens as Tebaldo and Matthew Palmer as Lorenzo.


This is Romeo and Juliet as you've never seen it before - more brutal and gruelling than anything Shakespeare ever penned - and performed so close up that the singers voices and faces full of angst hover just before you. This is an absolute must-see, an 'in the know' delight that we would like to go back and watch every night of the week.


Running time 1 hour 45 minutes plus interval


Recommended ages 12+


by Helena Kealey

What Pop-Up Opera, I Capuleti e I Montecchi
Where Various Locations | MAP
Nearest tube Leicester Square (underground)
When 29 Mar 16 – 07 May 16, Times Vary
Price £20
Website Click here to book via Pop-Up Opera's website



Most popular

Things to do in London this weekend: 16 - 18 April. © Damien Hirst and Science Ltd. All rights reserved, DACS 2021 Photo: Prudence Cuming Associates Courtesy Gagosian
Things to do in London this weekend: 16 - 18 April
Kelly Macdonald in Line of Duty season 6, BBC One (Photo: BBC)
Line of Duty, season 6 episode 4, BBC One review
Kelly Macdonald in Line of Duty season 6, BBC One (Photo: BBC)
Line of Duty season 6 episode 5, BBC One review

Editor's Picks:


  • 1. LONDON LIVING

    Make the most out of your city with our guide to the best events in London this week

    2. WHAT'S ON AT THE BARBICAN

    More Simon Rattle, a world-acclaimed Dutch orchestra and a dash of Japanese interpretations of Bach

    3. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PHILLIP GLASS!

    Book your tickets early to celebrate the minimalist composer's 80th in what promises to be an extravagant week-end

What members say

    Brilliant.

    Helena Kealey

Sign up to CW’s newsletter
By entering my email I agree to the CultureWhisper Privacy Policy (we won`t share data & you can unsubscribe anytime).
1

Opera

Easter Holidays 2016

Pop-up Opera

Helena Kealey

You might like

  • Garsington Opera in Wormsley - Credit Clive Barda

    Garsington Opera 2016

  • Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice

    Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice review ★★★★★

  • Joyce DiDonato Recital, Barbican Centre

    Joyce DiDonato Recital, Barbican Centre

  • Shakespeare at 400: Gala Concert, Royal Festival Hall

    Shakespeare at 400: Gala Concert, Royal Festival Hall



  • The Culture Whisper team
  • What is Culture Whisper membership
  • Corporate membership
  • Give a gift membership
  • Retrieve a gift membership
  • Contact us
  • Press
  • FAQ
  • Privacy
  • Terms and conditions
  • Cookies
  • Discover
  • Venues
  • Restaurants
  • Stations
  • Boroughs
Sign up to CW’s newsletter
By entering my email I agree to the CultureWhisper Privacy Policy (we won`t share data & you can unsubscribe anytime).
×