GIACOMO PUCCINI
La bohème
Bohemian dreams beneath starlit skies.
8th, 9th, 12th, 14th, 15th August 2026
Sung in English.
Main Stage, Waterperry Gardens
With the Waterperry Opera Festival Orchestra and Young Artist Chorus.
Puccini’s La bohème unfolds in a dreamlike Waterperry of the late-1930s - the decaying estate a bastion of bohemian artistry amidst fast-evolving world events. Expect soaring music, laughter, and heartbreak in an unforgettable night of opera beneath the stars.
In this reimagined La bohème, a band of bright young things inhabit a fantasy Waterperry - part rustic sanctuary, part bohemian haven where creativity thrives. When poet Rodolfo meets outsider Mimì, their instant spark glows amidst Bacchanalian revelry and creative passion. Yet, a creeping threat shadows their joy. Puccini’s radiant, emotional score carries their story with intimacy and beauty, revealing why this timeless opera continues to captivate hearts across generations.
Credits
Opera by Giacomo Puccini. Libretto by Amanda and Anthony Holden.
Timings
Performance starts at 6:45pm. Approx finish 10pm.
Extended Dining Interval of 1 hr 15.
Tickets
Tickets start at £37, with a small booking fee.
Under 35s Tickets at £25-£27, Under 16s Tickets at £20, Benefit Holder/NHS Blue Light Tickets at £32-£37.
Language
In an English translation by Amanda and Anthony Holden.
Age Guidance 13+
General Booking opens 31st March.
Creative Team
Director | Ruth Knight
Conductor | Bertie Baigent
Set & Costume Designer | Jennifer Gregory
Lighting Designer | Ben Pickersgill
Cast
Rodolfo | Robert Forrest
Mimì | Faryl Smith
Marcello | Jolyon Loy
Musetta | Ceferina Penny
Schaunard | Owain Rowlands
Colline | Alaric Green
Benoît / Alcindoro | Oskar McCarthy
The Music
Puccini's sublime masterpiece La bohème is one of the most extraordinary operas ever written; dramatic, achingly moving, and filled with sumptuously romantic music. The story is immediate, full of light hearted moments alongside deep pathos, with a musical score that is overflowing with drama, emotional outbursts, and heartbreaking beauty. The famous aria ‘Che gelida manina’ or 'Your tiny hand is frozen' is one of the most beloved of tenor arias, and is immediately followed by the contrasting 'Mi chiamano mimi ', which sets the tone for this extraordinary story of true love.
Sung in classy English translation, this will be the first time that Waterperry has presented this opera - a milestone not to be missed.
If you’re new to La bohème, dive into our Spotify playlist and experience some of the opera’s most unforgettable moments.
FAQs
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Puccini’s La Bohème lasts approximately 2 hours, plus a 1 hour 15 minute dining interval.
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A timeless story of young love and loss set in late-1930s Waterperry. The opera follows Mimi and Rodolfo’s passionate romance against the backdrop of youth, art, and poverty.
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Yes! Its beautiful melodies, vivid characters, and emotional storytelling make it one of the world’s most beloved and accessible operas — a perfect introduction to Puccini.
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At Waterperry Opera Festival, La Bohème is performed in English, with no surtitles.
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La Bohème will be staged on the Mainstage, in front of Waterperry House.
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The Mainstage offers flat, grass seating areas with level paths leading from the Box Office.
Wheelchair and companion spaces are available to reserve.
Rubber matting is installed in aisles for secure movement.
Stewards are on hand to assist with seating and egress after the performance.
