Theatre: Carmen
When Carmen was first performed at the Opera-Comique in Paris back in 1875 it almost got cancelled. Reviews were poor and ticket sales were so slow that they eventually had to be given away. Fast forward 134 years and George Bizet's final work has become one of the best-loved and most-performed operas in the world.
It tells the bittersweet story of Carmen and Don Jose. Carmen, a fiery and flirtatious gypsy, steals the heart of every man she meets but spares no concern for the consequences. But when she meets the inexperienced colonel Don Jose and he sacrifices everything - his relationship, his career, his dignity - to be with her only to be brutally rejected and cast aside, Carmen's careless actions come back to haunt her in a passionate and emotional showdown.
Francesca Zambello's interpretation is stunning. Latvian mezzo Elina Garanca and French tenor Roberto Alagna both give memorable performances in the lead roles of Carmen and Don Jose and play their parts with such convincing feeling and vigour you can't help but be transported into their world.
A striking backdrop by Tanya McCallin, and George Bizet's famously emotive score, ensure that not only is this a first-class production but it's an opera you will never forget. The Carmen success story is still going strong.
Runs to 24th October, Royal Opera House, London
