"La Boheme" by Puccini.

Opera North.

Nottingham Theatre Royal.

This is the perfect piece if it's your first opera show, not just because the music you will undoubtably recognise, plus the story is such a brilliant one, especially if you've seen the musical "Rent" by Jonathan Larson.

In a draughty Parisian garret on Christmas Eve, four young friends make the best of what little they have, determined to keep warm and cheerful. 

When Schaunard the musician arrives with funds from his latest commission, the group celebrate their good fortune. The landlord Benoît arrives, demanding rent but the group get him drunk instead. They all head out to celebrate but Rodolfo stays behind. Whilst alone, his neighbour Mimì knocks at the door asking for a light, as hers has gone out and she cannot find her way in the dark. Rodolfo, instantly infatuated, invites her to the café and they leave together.

Months later, Rodolfo and Mimì, though now a couple, are weathering tough times. Rodolfo is driven to despair by Mimì’s illness, which he fears is slowly killing her. Knowing that he can do nothing to help in the abject poverty in which they live, he has taken to being jealous and unkind in order to drive her away.

When Mimì discovers this, she confronts Rodolfo and the two agree to separate but are unable to do so right away. They agree to wait until spring.

Spring has come and gone, and Rodolfo and Mimì have separated. Marcello tells Rodolfo that Mimì has since started seeing a wealthy viscount and is living like a queen.

However, Musetta arrives later that day with a desperately ill Mimì, who she found wandering the streets. Together they help her to bed and each rush off to sell their belongings for medicine. Rodolfo and Mimì both declare their love for each other. Mimì is overwhelmed with a violent coughing fit, after which she drifts off to sleep. Shortly after Schaunard announces that she has died and Rodolfo weeps by her side…

There are two sets of performers and on Wednesday 19 November, the following were the ones on stage....

Josef Jeongmeen Ahn (Marcello)

Joshua Blue (Rodolfo)

Han Kim (Colline)

Sean Boylan (Schaunard)

Jeremy Peaker (Benoit/Alcindoro)

Isabella Diaz (Mimi)

Katie Bird (Musetta)

Kamil Bien (Parpignol)

Simon Grange (Bouncer)

Campbell Russell (Plum Seller/Milkman)

Richard Mosley-Evans (Chef)

Miranda Bevin, Hazel Croft and Charlie Drummond (Showgirls)

The Chorus of Opera North play  various Nightclub Girls, Students and Parisians.

Along with the adults we are also treated to  seeing the Children of the Opera North Youth Company; they are Cordelia Boyd, Sophie Butterworth, Scarlett Clutterbuck, Toby Dray, Lucy Eatock, Evie Farmer, Cliodhna Kelly-Edwards, Oonagh Kelly-Edwards, Angela Lombardo, Joni McElhatton, Abigail Maltas, Raffaele Modena, Emma Parkin, Samuel Pridden, Maisie Probert, Anabella Runceanu, Jennie Sapiro, Grace Shipley, Eleanor Suckling and Martha Woodhead.

It was lovely to see as well as hear the wonderful Orchestra of Opera North, tonight conducted by Garry Walker. The whole show seems to have a different feel and sound when there's a live orchestra, and that was felt tonight.

Directed by Phyllida Lloyd and the Revival Director is James Hurley. A couple of lovely nods to the pop art of Andy Warhol and that iconic Marilyn Monroe scene!

There's a wonderful set which goes from the barest, to show the depravity that the friends are surviving in, to the wonderful Cafe Marius scenes which show a more opulent and classy surrounding. Both Set and Costumes are designed by Anthony Ward, the costumes again range from the Bohemian lifestyle all the way to the class of the cafe workers and well to do patrons.

Lighting Designer is Rick Fisher, who aptly manages to shine a light on the differing lifestyles of these Parisians. from the dimness and shade of when Mimi visits Rodolfo to ask that he light her candle, to the sparkling street scenes of the glamorous. Richard Moore is the Revival Lighting Director.

Choreographed by Quinny Sacks, and another area of excellence within Opera North. Maxine Braham is the Revival Choreographer.

The opera is sung through in Italian and there are English subtitles, or as the screen says "surtitles" on the two screens at the side of the stage. The story and production is split into three acts, the third act due to getting the stage scenery back to how we first see the stage.

You really do not need to fully understand Italian because the story telling, as with every production Opera North bring to the stage, is excellent and you are able to follow the thread of the story very easily. I didn't really need to watch the subtitles on the screen, mainly because I know the story and also being such a fan of the musical "Rent".

Opera and ballet for me is a real treat to see on stage; it's like  slipping into one of those baths that bubble and massage you, it makes you feel so at ease and you can close your eyes and just let the whole experience cover you, and you end the experience feeling relaxed and soothed. and you get a great story thrown in and some amazing vocals. What more could you wish for from opera?

"La Boheme" by Opera north is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 22 November.