Review: That Bastard, Puccini! (Park Theatre)

Review by Sophie Wilby

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Set in 1893, James Inverne’s new play That Bastard, Puccini tells the tale of the fierce rivalry between Italian composers Ruggero Leoncavallo and Giacomo Puccini. It’s the story behind one of the greatest operatic masterpieces in history, but would it be a masterpiece within itself? 

For the uninitiated, and I certainly was before the show, La Bohème is an opera based on Henry Murger’s romantic tragedy Scènes de la vie de Bohème, depicting the lives of four struggling artists in Paris. But That Bastard, Puccini delves beyond fiction, into the lives of two very real artists. Following the success of his most recent Opera, Pagliacci, Leoncavallo (Alasdair Buchan) is under pressure to produce another hit, though luckily, he is supported by his loving wife Berthe (Lisa-Anne Wood). He confides in friend and fellow composer Puccini (Sebastien Torkia) that Murger’s novel is to be his inspiration, leading to the crushing revelation that Puccini has been working on the same piece. With a score to settle (literally) public accusations of thievery follow, and a tense race to complete the first La Bohème is begun.

Inverne tells us this tale in a fast-paced, unique way. The characters themselves seemingly know they are in a retelling of their story, frequently breaking the fourth wall, as well as adopting an omniscience in their knowledge of future events. Such a retelling serves to amplify the comedy of the script, bringing the audience into the story with a subtle wink and a nod.  They play out scenes of their history, each stepping into exaggerated caricatures of their contemporaries - something that Wood particularly excels at. The meta-theatrical technique suits the humorous tone that the play adopts, which adds levity to what could be a gritty, tense retelling of this period in operatic history. Whilst it is not consistently laugh-out-loud funny, the humour is very much peppered throughout so that the show is an enjoyable watch. 

The set (Carly Brownbridge) compliments this theatrical style as a singular living room, complete with chaise lounge, piano, dining table, and drinks cabinet, is transformed by characters themselves moving furniture to create scenes from settings such as a coffee shop. Costume design (Carly Brownbridge) is similarly successful, grounding the show in its 19th century setting. Torkia in particular, looks as though he has just leaped from a photograph of a distinguished Victorian gent. 

As a performer, Torkia is an arrogant, largely unlikable Puccini though fleeting moments of warmth do suggest an element of good naturedness. He is certainly a commanding stage presence with every movement deliberate and often dramatic, adding a playful element to his almost villanous portrayal which suits the tone of the show. Buchan is a more pared-back Leonvallo, though far from it in reality, there is almost an underdog air to his character, generating sympathy from the audience who are rooting for him even if they already know what the outcome of this rivalry will be. The two bounce off each other well, conveying an underlying friendship as well as a petty jealousy. Completing the cast as Berthe, Wood feels somewhat underused, though her presence shines when she is allowed to showcase her voice. 

Though an engaging story, more could have been done to round out the characters of the two composers a little more and give greater insight into their lives. In the case of Puccini, for example, his turbulent relationship with his wife was underexplored, particularly when compared to what we learn about Leoncavallo.  This is perhaps a result of the theatrical style, with significant time given to almost skit-like sections of the cast playing other characters to retell brief parts of the story, reducing the time for wider story development. 

For anyone wondering if it is a show for opera fans alone, then knowledge of operatic history or opera as an art form would be a benefit to audience members, but is far from a necessity, speaking as someone with very little knowledge herself.  Part history lesson, part comedy, with enough drama to keep you hooked, That Bastard, Puccini has plenty of high notes to make for a fun and informative night at the theatre.

That Bastard, Puccini plays at the Park Theatre until August 9th

For tickets and information visit https://parktheatre.co.uk/events/that-bastard-puccini/

Photos by David Monteith-Hodge