Exciting young opera troupe Pop-up Opera bring their production, La Serva Padrona & Rita to The Bull, Highgate on Tuesday 18th of June at 7.30pm
La Serva Padrona & Rita
Two one-act operas take place on the same stage, their scenes and stories intertwined. One mute servant appears in both, tying the two tales together.
A scene of commotion arises when the dominating Rita and her timid husband Peppe receive an unexpected visit from Rita’s first husband Gaspar. Each believing the other to have died, Gaspar unknowingly arrives seeking Rita’s death certificate so he can remarry. Peppe sees it as an opportunity to escape, as Gaspar is still Rita’s legal husband. The two men agree to a game, the winner of which will have to stay with Rita. Each of them tries to lose, but Gaspar cunningly manipulates Rita and Peppe to fall in love again.
Meanwhile, wealthy old bachelor Uberto is kept under the thumb of his maid Serpina.
He enlists his manservant Vespone to help him get rid of Serpina by finding him a wife. Serpina convinces Vespone to trick Uberto into marrying her. Their elaborate plan works and by the time Uberto has agreed to marry Serpina he realises he has loved her all along.
“Pop-Up Opera aim to take opera out to the ‘hesitant, as well as to dedicated opera lovers’. I confess to having been hesitant, but I’m suddenly in danger of becoming dedicated.” Everything Theatre
“…a completely fresh approach to a traditionally fusty genre. It’s frenetic, light-hearted and engaging.”
Plays to See
“Basically, book tickets now. If only because some of these voices may be stars in ten years’ time, and you can say you saw them first, singing out of a window onto Dean Street.” The Public Reviews
“If any group can make opera converts, this one can.” Broadway Baby
“If you want an entertaining evening, this is the opera to see.” British Theatre Guide
“Talent-packed” The Evening Standard
Watch our 3 minute taster video here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xQoVPR-ZFs
Visit our website www.popupopera.co.uk
The Bull will be serving its full food menu, before, during and after the performance.Tickets are £25 each