Ellen Kent’s Madama Butterfly

Director Ellen Kent has captured something truly special in her production of Puccini’s opera, not least in superb leading lady Elena Dee. Dee’s chemistry with Giorgio Meadze’s Pinkerton was electric, and her melodic, soft and sharp voice combined beautifully with his full-throated bombast. Dee’s suffering was believable, evoking real emotion and trauma and the climactic scenes were all the more devastating for her charisma and stunning voice. The set design was a lesson in transforming a small stage into a vista of colour, intelligently laid out backdrops and depth. Alternately funny, moving and powerful, an all-around triumph.

Theatre Royal, 22 November 2014

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