
That Bastard, Puccini!
Park Theatre
- Opens: Wednesday, 9 July 2025 -
Booking until: Friday, 8 August 2025 - Running time: 1hr 40min. Incl. 1 Interval.
That Bastard, Puccini! description
This is the World Premiere of That Bastard, Puccini, an epic battle of the giants.
Roll back time to the late 1800s, the dawn of the 20th century. Composer Giacomo Puccini is determined to seal his reputation as the next big thing with a new opera that will cement his reputation forever as one of the greats. He's thrilled with the subject he's found, the enchanting love story of La Boheme. But there's a cloud on his horizon in the shape of fellow composer and ex-friend Ruggero Leoncavallo, who has coincidentally landed on the exact same plot. Worse still, he's accusing Puccini of stealing the idea from under his nose.
A furious battle ensues as two of Italy's hottest composers fight for the right to write the story they love. The winner will claim his place in history, immortalised for future generations, and the loser will be hurled into poverty-stricken obscurity. With riches, rivalry and reputation on the line, both men are prepared for the long haul. The resulting scandal rocked Europe. But surely there's more to life than art?
Described as hilarious, chaotic and captivating, this fresh new play from James Inverne (A Walk With Mr Heifetz, The Song) brings the composers' legendary professional rivalry to sparkling life. The Director is Daniel Slater (Melania Trump The Opera, Romeo and Juliet, La Traviata, The Lifespan of a Fact) and the designer is Carly Brownbridge. The play's Producer is RJG Productions Ltd in association with Park Theatre.
Buy That Bastard, Puccini tickets to experience this breathless race between one of our best-known and least-known composers, Puccini and Leoncavallo, and discover the drama behind the magical love story of La Boheme.
Playing at Park Theatre
Age restrictions
Ages 14+.
Important information
This production contains strong language and haze.
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