Die Fledermaus @ London Coliseum

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by Bastion Harrison (subscribe)

Freelance writer and poet from London; if you would like to read my poetry, please check out my book, 'Poems on the Page', available from goo.gl/Ta4oAX.

Event: 30/09/2013 - 06/11/2013

A Batty Operatic Comedy

Image from www.eno.org

I've never considered an opera as being funny before. Not intentionally anyway. Sometimes the costumes and references to the fat lady singing at the end cause a few giggles, but I have always thought operas to have quite serious themes of love and tragedy.

Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II, however, is a farcical operetta about revenge, seduction, and mistaken identity in German high society. An operetta could be described as 'opera lite', meant to be shorter, and less pensive. The latest production of Die Fledermaus at the London Coliseum definitely falls into the latter category, but with a running time of over two and a half hours, you'll be glad for an interval.

Influenced by Freud, the director, Christopher Alden has imagined dream-like sets with colourful Art-Deco design. Watch the humour unfold as Prince Orlofsky's ball results in a prison sentence, marital affair, and a prank that gets out of hand. There are six performances remaining, which are scheduled for 7.30pm on the 15th, 18th, 22nd, 24th, and 31st October, and 6th November. General tickets are between £12-£99 for adults and £6-£49.50 for children. You can also book tickets which include champagne during the interval.