Do not miss Madam Butterfly at ENO

By Robert Tanitch - 19/06/2009

Some of the very best theatre can be found in opera houses. Puccini, dramatically and musically, is overwhelming. Judith Howarth is in superb voice as the abandoned geisha.

 

The scene between her and the US consul (the excellent Brian Mulligan) is heartrending. The late Anthony Minghella’s production, excellently conducted by Edward Gardner, is ravishingly beautiful and the Bunraku Japanese puppeteers are a real bonus.

 

Ends July 10.  Repeat: do not miss!  (London Coliseum 0871 911 0200.)