I’m one of those folks who love opera. Yep, I find the whole experience rather absorbing and am often moved to tears. I also relish those rare occasions when I can afford to get to the Royal Opera House to watch one of their sumptuous productions and sit amongst the rich and privileged to revel in a few moments of excess. It has a real sense of occasion. And it’s a similar experience at the ENO or the Royal Albert Hall which are other favourites.
So you can imagine that I was rather dubious about the prospect of watching a filmed version of a live performance of Puccini’s fabulous Tosca at the cinema. And what’s more, a cinema in a shopping complex. Well, it meant I didn’t need to dress up at least. I was even more nervous when I realised that the last time my companion had seen it, she was in the Vienna opera house.
After a few fortifying drinks at the Scene Bar (and it isn’t the easiest place to find amongst Westfield myriad shops and levels) we entered one of the auditoria. I was somewhat impressed at the giant, armchair style seats with more leg room than Upper Class on Virgin and a softly lit side table on which to place my handbag, water and – would never be allowed at an opera house – popcorn!
This was the launch event so we were treated to an introductory chat by Principal Ballerina from the ROH’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” Lauren Cuthbertson who explained that the outreach programme meant live screenings of productions to 900 cinemas across 32 countries.
Then there was a short introductory film by the conductor with a little look behind the scenes and some background on Tosca which was quite interesting – I never knew about the controversy about the bells at the start of the third scene. The panoramic views of Rome – and shots of the places where the opera takes place (the church, the palace, the prison) - were memorable. Then the main screening started. I have to say that whilst I was a teensy bit jealous that I wasn’t amongst the audience it was rather nice to be sat in my very comfortable chair and tucking into my popcorn.
I suppose what was most striking was that as a cinematic experience we were taken right up close and personal to the action. It meant that the fantastic detail of the amazing set designs could be fully appreciated and it was amazing to see the facial expressions and even the beads of sweat on the performers. The subtitles on the screen were helpful but a little more distracting than when they are on a light box somewhere discrete above the stage.
Yes, I did get wrapped up in the story and the drama and emotion. I almost clapped along with the screen audience after the most powerful arias. And on one or two occasions I was almost moved to tears by the music – although at a live performance I’m sure I would have been blubbing. The sound production was excellent – much better than I expected – but obviously not quite as evocative as a live orchestra.
The recording didn’t stop for the internals between the three Acts which meant that we got out somewhat earlier than if we had been at the live performance. Just as well I had some water to wash down that popcorn. I missed having those drink and a chat breaks though – it’s all part of the experience.
So overall we both thoroughly enjoyed it. And yes, we might just venture back to the cinema to see opera in the future.
Further details of the Royal Opera House Live cinema season can be found at www.roh.org.uk/cinema
Further details of the Vue programme www.myvue.com/special-events - This includes Les Troyes, The Nutcracker and La Boheme
