Puccini's Madama Butterfly, English National Opera, London Coliseum

I recently enjoyed English National Opera's Madam Butterfly at the London Coliseum.  We were treated to a three act opera which is based on John Lutterlong's Madame Butterfly.   

English National Opera's Madam Butterfly

Lyrics written by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica and the opera was originally premièred in 1904 at Milan's infamous La Scala.  This production, courtesy of David Parry's translation, was sung in English and starred Rena Harms as Madam Butterfly and David Butt Philip as Pinkerton.

I adored the staging of the opera, particularly Michael Levine's sets, Peter Mumford's lighting and Han Feng's costumes particularly the ones Harms wore for Madam Butterfly.  I wasn't convinced about the puppetry but on the whole a great performance - sung heartedly and passionately by the singers portraying the characters.

What a beautiful production with the hope of Un bel di (One Beautiful Day) intertwined with the tragic story.