Gianni Schicchi (or Where There’s A Will) delights audiences nationwide
There is nothing more rewarding for the team at OperaUpClose than seeing a project reach the stage and make an impact. It is a measure of the tremendous passion, commitment and hard work of all involved, especially the creative team and cast, that this latest Reinvention has proved such a joyful hit with press and audiences alike. As Hannah Kumari, Vahan Salorian and PJ Harris’ brilliant take on Puccini has travelled from venue to venue, each bringing its own unique atmosphere and aesthetic, the connection between performers and audience has been exceptional. Sitting in auditoriums experiencing shared moments of hilarity and delight has been a wonderful thing. So, we take a moment to appreciate the show by reflecting on some top press and audience responses…
Press Response:
‘a gleeful and entertaining spin’
‘contemporary and genuinely funny’
‘intelligently directed by PJ Harris’
‘Puccini meets Knives Out; I loved it’
‘an impressive tour de force’
‘PJ Harris and OperaUpClose’s zesty reinvention’
‘Dan D’Souza’s charismatic Schicchi’
‘fresh and new, a totally enjoyable evening’
‘voices of outstanding quality’
‘OperaUpClose is the lifeline that we need’
‘invigorated by a modern English translation from Hannah Kumari supported by a pocket-sized instrumental version by Vahan Salorian’
‘OperaUpClose has created a corker of a production’
‘Without a doubt, OperaUpClose is a class act’
‘bold, funny and vibrant’
‘thoroughly modern and enjoyable…a sharp, humorous story brought vividly to life by an excellent cast’
Audience Response
“An absolute triumph: exhilarating new version with brilliant words”
“So beautifully done…surprising and fresh and interesting”
“Inspired production by musicians at the top of their game. An absolute must see!”
“It is incredible how you managed to keep the spirit of the original opera while creating something new and modern!”
“We were thrilled to see what you did with Gianni Schicchi, the concept, the music, the writing and the staging were quite brilliant”
“a phenomenal night of opera”
“It’s the most I’ve laughed and the most I’ve appreciated a live performance in ages”
“Everyone at round me in the audience came out smiling and happy. Brilliant!”
“Your performance at the Cambridge Arts Theatre was exceptional”
“I have never seen anything like this ever, opera not something I’ve even thought about, but I can honestly say that I loved it. A first for me but definitely not the last” (17-year-old audience member)
“Brilliant show last night! Wonderfully funny, fabulous singing and playing”
“A pocket of brilliance” (16-year-old audience member)
“Absolutely fabulous! A reinvention that seriously works”
While we are, of course, always inspired and invigorated by the potential of all the projects we work on, the proof is in the actualisation of any production and tour. In particular, our commitment to an Ensemble of Storytellers, where players and singers are equally involved in the action on stage, has proved a model of great impact on performers and audiences alike. A hugely ambitious aim, the success of finding a new way to make and receive opera reflects the work of a dedicated creative team, the producers and the talented cast who have shaped the piece with care, attention, and a real sense of collaboration. From the initial concept, through to the performers on stage and those behind the scenes, there’s been a huge collective effort to create work that feels immediate, contemporary, engaging, and alive.
With barely a breath, we move on to yet more thrilling things at OperaUpClose. We continue to journey through the looking glass with Salome, in its second phase of development next week at the National Opera Studio, an equally extraordinary and radically different Reinvention to conclude the current series.
And next out on tour in autumn 2026, we partner with Half Moon Theatre, London on Kerry Andrew’s enchanting new opera for young children and their families - Flotsam.
Watch this space for plenty of exciting updates on both these projects. In the meantime, make sure you keep following us on social media @operaupclose and join our mailing list for all the latest news.