That Bastard, Puccini! Tickets - London
‘A challenge, in the largest newspaper in Italy. He has put both our reputations on the line!’
1893. Italy. Puccini's fame is growing. He is close to being hailed as Italy’s newest king of opera but to do so, he must write something that cements his reputation. He thinks he's found the perfect subject: La Boheme - a truly enchanting love story.
There’s just one problem – his fellow composer Ruggero Leoncavallo has also thought of it. And even worse, he’s claiming that Puccini has stolen his idea…
Soon, it becomes the battle of the Bohemes: a desperate race between the two composers. The winner is certain to claim his place in the pantheon, while the loser is merely a footnote in history. There is rivalry, riches, and their reputations on the line and they could face more than they bargained for. But then, there’s more to life than just great art – isn’t there?
That Bastard, Puccini! is the hilarious, chaotic, and completely captivating new play at the Park Theatre by James Inverne, that brings a plagiarism scandal - an explosive professional rivalry - that shocked Europe brilliantly to life. Witness the back story behind one of the world’s most famous operas… and as a direct result, one of the least famous ones. Both are called La Boheme.