Review: LA BOHÈME at King’s Head Theatre until 28 May 2022

‘Never did I think I’d hear the words – “It’s a bit stabby round here, but there’s a Lidl” - sang at me’ ★★★★

This modern take of Giacomo Puccini’s La Boheme follows four individuals as they navigate through life, and with it the difficulties faced with love, loss, careers, and addiction. A gritty contemporary England with honest and relatable characters .

A show like this is not within my comfort zone but if there is a lesson to be learnt here it’s that we need to explore beyond our comforts more often. Mark Ravenhill alongside the wonderfully talented David Eaton, have created a beautifully dark world that truthfully shines a light on the human race and its unhealthy addictions whether that be running back to drugs or an ex or a hook-up app. I think the team did a great job and bringing a sense of honesty to a heightened operatic show finding a simplistic way to keep it grounded and contained in such a small environment.

We open on spoken word in a patient room that then doubles as the main apartment of our characters. The three doctors becoming our leads yet remaining in their scrubs for the duration. I will admit this was the biggest struggle for me as the reason for doing this was never quite explained. Here is my take. Mimi on his highest high yet lowest low is seeing these three doctors in front of him trying to save his life and as the play ends this way, bringing us full circle, it makes me think, has he imagined all these events within his own mind? Placing these heroes into his life essentially ‘saving him’ in their own ways portraying the roles of his lover, friend, confidant? Perhaps I am wrong with this interpretation but from how the show was produced it’s the most logical explanation and it did work for me as an audience member but was a little confusing to grasp.

For myself Daniel Koek as the loving yet firm Robin held the audience in the palm of his hand the entire time. I understand it was an opera, but I was still shocked to see how powerful his voice was. From the frustration of his writing to the loss of his love I believed him the entire time and happily went with him as the story developed. Philip Lee downplayed the struggles of his character Mimi, but I think this was perfect for the show as it truthfully reflected addiction and the idea of hiding it from your loved ones. He pulled us in with his softer stage presence and I found myself just wanting to hug him. Matt Kellett as Marcus stole the show with his charming cheeky comedic timing, he was delightful to watch, and I think Ravenhill used the character perfectly to allow a strong balance of comedic relief during some of the heavier scenes. Finally, we are introduced to Grace Ny Andoro’s Marissa. She is the perfect comedic partner for Marcus. The second she walked into the bar the scene lifted to a new level as she brought a fresh sense of life to the story. It was hard to not watch her as she mingled with the audience. As a group they really leaned on each other and worked very well as a collective with some beautiful harmonies carrying the emotional weight of the show.

Overall, I think this opera is a strong grounded piece of theatre that also indirectly carries heavy realistic themes of the queer community within modern England. I can definitely see this taking life beyond the king’s head although I’d argue a smaller venue greatly compliments this show as it's much more intimate and personal.

Read our interview with director Mark Ravenhill and Musical Director/Librettist David Eaton here

La Bohème is running at The Kings Head Theatre 26th April – 28 May 2022

Box Office https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/la-bohme

Production Team
Director: Mark Ravenhill
Musical Director: David Eaton
Designer & Production Manager: Kitty Hinchcliffe

Cast
Philip Lee - Mimi
Grace Ny Andoro - Marissa
Matt Kellett - Marcus
Daniel Koek - Robin 

Reviewer

Adam Hannigan is an Actor/Writer/Director leading his own comedy company 'Ear to Ear Productions'. He fled the green fields of Ireland to the dazzling cobbled streets of London, breaking a heel in the process. His work focuses mainly on LGBTQIA+ themes with his latest show 'Game Night' earning multiple 5 star reviews. He thoroughly enjoys comedy from slapstick to dark and twisty, add a splash of horror and he is sold. or a cat... add a cat and he is putty in your hands. @adamhango