Madam Butterfly at The Royal Albert Hall

Now I know that opera isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but even those who are doubtful will love this production. It’s in English (I have to say I prefer the Italian – the language is more lyrical). And the staging is truly magical. This was my third time at this particular production “in the round” – I saw it 10 years ago and then again five years ago.

It’s still as enchanting and moving as ever. I thought I was a bit soft when I shed a quiet tear after about 15 minutes as the beautiful singing announced the arrival of the Japanese women to Butterfly’s wedding – and they walked with real grace down all the steps through the lower tiers of the audience. The woman on the other side of the box was openly weeping (her husband looked bemused).

The floor of the Albert Hall was filled with water and little wooden bridges around zen rocks and sand and there is a Japanese house constructed in the centre. Yet throughout the performance there are vignettes of Japanese life on the periphery – people praying or fishing or tidying. It’s a realistic transportation to Japan – it recalled my memories of ancient wisteria trees looping across islands in perfectly still water besides golden temples.

My favourite part is just before the end of the first half when Butterfly and her husband retire on their wedding night and lots of tiny tea lights are launched onto the surrounding water and the orb lanterns glow softly with warm light. Mesmerizing.

For those who are unfamiliar with the story, a 15 year old Japanese girl marries her American sweetheart – for which she is cursed - and he returns to the States, leaving her in the care of her servant. She waits patiently for him to return – never letting hope slip away despite the warnings of others. She has a son. Her husband returns after three years but brings with him an American wife. They take Butterfly’s son with them and she kills herself. Well, all operas are dramatic.

Anyway, the orchestra was powerful – and towards the end – during the lovely Humming Bird Chorus I was in tears again. The visual feast and the enchanting music were so totally overwhelming – I doubt anyone could not be moved by the experience.

The couple in front of us were visiting from Spain – the wife was familiar with opera and adored it, but it was the first time for her husband and he was clearly impressed. He’s now persuaded to give the Royal Opera House a go.

As a treat we had taken seats on the second tier in a box – at £56 each they’re not cheap but you do have the advantage of having somewhere to put your things, the ability to order a drink (again, spoiling ourselves we had glasses of champagne at £7 a pop)without the crush at the bar and the opportunity to sip your drink while watching the performance.