Senbla, by arrangement with Opera International, proudly presents two Ellen Kent Productions featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra

Award-winning producer Ellen Kent returns to Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre in Spring 2025 with the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv presenting stunning classical productions of Puccini’s La Bohème on Friday 14 February 2025 and Puccini’s Madama Butterfly on Friday 9 May 2025.

Ellen Kent’s Madama Butterfly, winner of the 'BEST OPERA AWARD' by the Liverpool Daily Post Theatre Awards, returns in a new production with exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan. 

Madama Butterfly sees the return of the fabulous Korean soprano Elena Dee, Ukrainian soprano Viktoria Melnyk, Ukrainian mezzo-soprano Yelyzaveta Bielous, Georgian tenor Davit Sumbadze and Armenian tenor Hovhannes Andreasyan. *

One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results. Highlights include the melodic ‘Humming Chorus’, the moving aria ‘One Fine Day’ and the unforgettable ‘Love Duet’. Madama Butterfly will be sung in Italian with English surtitles. Directed by Ellen Kent.

“Above all it was a production which captured the raw emotion at the centre of the opera.  Don’t take a handkerchief with you, take a box of them.” 
The Independent

La Bohème, one of the most romantic operas ever written, is traditionally staged and features beautiful sets and costumes. Starring Korean soprano Elena Dee, Ukrainian soprano Viktoria Melnyk, Georgian tenor Davit Sumbadze and Armenian tenor Hovhannes Andreasyan*.

Set in the backstreets and attics of Bohemian Paris, this powerful and emotional opera tells the heart-breaking tale of the doomed, consumptive Mimi and her love for a penniless writer, Rodolfo. Puccini’s masterpiece, La Bohème, is based on Henri Murger’s novel Scenes de la vie de boheme. 

La Boheme’s sumptuous set is inspired by the art of the Bohemian period, particularly Chagall and Renoir. It reflects the Bohemian art of the period and the authentic costumes will transport you immediately to Bohemian Paris. The production includes snow effects and Musetta’s adorable dog may also make an entrance.

The powerful and emotional La Bohème is the tragic tale of doomed romance between consumptive seamstress Mimi and penniless writer Rodolfo. After falling instantly in love, Rodolfo later leaves Mimi due to her flirtatious behaviour, though he is wracked with guilts since their life together has surely worsened Mimi’s delicate constitution. In true tragic opera fashion the pair reunite briefly at the end before Mimi dies. This classic story of Parisian love and loss features many famous arias including ‘Your Tiny Hand is Frozen’, ‘They Call Me Mimi’ and ‘Musetta’s Waltz’. Sung in Italian with English surtitles. Directed by Ellen Kent.

“Authentic, tender and passionate”
Daily Telegraph

Alike Ellen’s past UK and Ireland opera tours, Ellen personally hand-picks and directs all soloists to create visually beautiful and moving productions. Ellen Kent said ‘I am delighted to be working with the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv again after the huge success of the 2023 & 2024 tours. I started working with Ukraine in 2000 and have continued these strong relationships ever since, working with the Odessa National Opera for which I was awarded The Golden Fortune Honorary Medal from the President of the Ukraine, as well as the Kharkiv National Opera and for the last couple of years with the brilliant Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv.’

Tickets are on sale now via bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/whats-on/category/opera

La Bohème: Fri 14 February 2025 | Madama Butterfly: Fri 9 May 2025 

*Cast is subject to change.