This sharp, funny and energetic new play, written by the multitalented James Inverne, explores the intense rivalry and public dramas between Italian composers Giacomo Puccini and Ruggiero Leoncavallo. We meet them as each is starting to write a new opera based on Henri Murger’s 1851 novel, Scenes of a Bohemian Life. An exasperated and furious Leoncavallo swears ‘that bastard, Puccini’ has stolen his idea and so the race is on as they both strive to create a masterpiece called La Boheme...
The two composers aspire to inherit Verdi’s crown as the maestro of Italian opera, but Leoncavallo is struggling to regain form after the success of his most famous opera, Pagliacci. By contrast, the rakish, conceited Puccini appears to be doing well, but there are accusations that he has stolen ideas before. This ‘battle of the Bohemes’ tests their friendship as they vie to see who can complete their work in the shortest time, and ultimately, whose opera will be the most successful.
Both Alasdair Buchan as Leoncavallo and Sebastien Torkia as Puccini deliver stunning performances. They demonstrate impeccable comic timing and total commitment to their roles from start to finish of this imaginative play. Lisa-Anne Wood, playing Berthe, Leoncavallo’s devoted wife and herself an opera singer, also delivers a great performance which includes some striking arias and the need to take on many other personas, including Puccini’s much put-upon wife, and even, briefly, Gustav Mahler.
The show is unashamedly theatrical, taking us back and forward in time, using deliberate anachronisms, and having Puccini appear in episodes he wouldn’t have been present at (‘You are taking advantage of the mise-en-scène!’ he is told at one point). Some of the more experimental elements may not please the entire audience, but with such excellent delivery, they were a joy to watch.
The set, on the intimate Park Theatre stage, is quite inviting, with the chaise longue suggesting you sit back in comfort and watch the story unfold. Carly Brownbridge’s design, particularly with the musical notation on the floor, is clever and looks even better from the balcony. A handful of props and a few bits of costume (a fur stole, a top hat) are put to very effective use as we whizz through the story and characters at quite a pace.
The action of the play covers the writing of the operas, their first performances, the reviews and the relative successes of the two composers. We know that history has deemed the battle ‘won’ by Puccini, but this doesn’t in any way detract from the enjoyment of this compelling romp through the story of La Bohème’s creation. The concluding scene emphasises the bond and friendship between the two composers. I’m not sure this was entirely necessary, but it does leave the audience with a ‘happy ever after’ feeling that is emotionally satisfying, and you will leave with a smile.
That Bastard, Puccini! is a very engaging and entertaining, even educational show, stylishly performed, full of drive and humour.
Bravo!
Review by Fiona Gilbert
It’s 1893. Puccini is close to being hailed as Italy’s newest opera king, but needs to write something to cement his reputation. He’s found the perfect subject: the enchanting love story of La Boheme.
There’s only one problem – fellow composer Ruggero Leoncavallo has thought of it too. And worse still, he’s claiming Puccini stole his idea…
Soon it’s a race between two of Italy’s hottest composers: the battle of the Bohemes. The winner will claim a place in the pantheon, the loser a footnote in history. With riches, rivalry and reputation on the line, both will have to face more than they bargained for. But there’s more to life than great art – isn’t there?
Alasdair Buchan – Leoncavallo
Sebastien Torkia – Puccini
Lisa-Anne Wood – Berthe
James Inverne – Writer
Daniel Slater – Director
Rebecca Gwyther – Producer & General Manager
J. Todd Harris – Co-Producer
Michael Casselman and Mike Handelman – Associate Producers
Carly Brownbridge – Set & Costume Designer
Katy Morison – Lighting Designer
Yvonne Gilbert – Sound Designer
Tim Murray – Musical Director
THAT BASTARD, PUCCINI!
Park200, Park Theatre
10 July to 9 August 2025
