If you haven't heard of OperaUpClose, you probably didn't go and see their brilliant rendition of La Boheme first at the Cock Tavern, then again at the Soho Theatre. For the record, you missed something very special.

We are not ashamed to admit that we were once influenced by that stigma attached to attending the opera - it was expensive, boring and something loved only by the snobbish and pretentious. Basically it was foreign warbling - completely inaccessible.



The latest OperaUpClose setting was a little too intimate

However, various movements (OperaUpClose perhaps being the latest and most successful one) have attempted to address that ridiculous prejudice. OUC produces operas translated into modern settings (and English). Perhaps this is immediately demonstrated by their venues - first the Cock Tavern and now the Kings Head - pubs that provide intimate and relaxed settings for a great new experience.

As for the production itself, it's fun, brilliantly directed (and scripted) and has an experienced cast showing off their talents. We would normally think of putting on an opera in a pub as 'brave', but with such talent behind it, it was always going to be a success.

If pushed, right now we can't think of why we disliked the thought of the opera - genius director (and writer) Robin Norton-Hale suggests that if people go to an opera and hate it they tend (erroneously) to blame the entire genre rather than just that particular production. If people were able to see a great production they may just become addicted rather than repulsed.

This is the final week of Barber, so make sure you go get a taste and, hopefully, you'll become addicted too.

http://www.kingsheadtheatre.org/home/what-s-on/the-barber-of-sevillle-or-salisbury.php