Madam Butterfly

Time Out“Puccini's heart-breaking Japanese tale of faith...” Visually stunning sets and costumes abound, with evocative references to Far Eastern theatre traditions.

this is london“This is an opera with everything...” Anthony Minghella's English National Opera production of Puccini's Madam Butterfly is certainly bold and colourful, and it has its visionary moments.

Financial Times“Not yet reviewed.”

The Independent“Not yet reviewed.”

The Telegraph“Not yet reviewed.”

London Dance“Not yet reviewed.”

Ballet.co.uk“Not yet reviewed.”

Guardian“Minghella draws parallels between puppetry and Butterfly's predicament...” But Minghella and Plazas create a Butterfly who, however scrupulously observed in terms of Japanese ritual and convention, never comes fully alive, just like the wooden doll.

The Times“It’s too harsh to call it superficial...” Yes, Michael Levine’s lacquered box of a set conceals achingly beautiful set pieces, sumptuous costumes (by the couturier Han Feng) as well as bunraku puppets, even deployed to depict Butterfly’s own son.

The Stage“A tribute to the late Anthony Minghella...” The visual feast, though, tends to distract from the emotional substance of the story, an impression not helped in this particular context by Brian Hymel’s portrayal of Pinkerton as something of a damp squib.