Gianni Speaky Series: Ri Baroche, Spoken Word Artist
Welcome to our new blog series, Gianni Speaky, introducing you to the creative minds behind our latest production Gianni Schicchi (or Where There’s A Will) set for a national UK tour in March 2026.
First up, we have Ri Baroche, Writer, Performer and Theatre Maker commissioned to write a new overture that will go before the production.
You can watch the full interview on YouTube (below) or scroll down for a good read.
What makes Gianni Schicchi (or Where There’s A Will) unique?
I think what's unique about Gianni Schicchi is that it’s still really relevant, even though it was written multiple centuries ago. And, I think what the team's doing for this new version is really exciting. It feels very fresh and punchy, speaks to the moment and kind of feels like something you could be watching on Netflix, let alone as an opera production on stage.
What can audiences expect?
I like to think that there will be something people for people who are both seasoned opera lovers and those relatively new to opera, because it's something paying real faithful homage to a really amazing farcical classic opera, while also giving it a fresh take.
I would really encourage people to come along, because it's really fun, funny and it's got a lot of fresh energy. It feels quite anarchic and up to the minute as well.
How would you describe the production in one sentence?
I think Gianni Schicchi is about when privilege doesn't get what it feels it deserves and the tables get turned on their and our, as the audience, expectations.
Are you looking forward to working with the team?
I'm really excited to be working with OperaUpClose again, a really amazing company full of fantastic people. I've had the pleasure of working with Hannah Kumari, who's the writer of this piece, before on other productions. So, it was a very easy “yes” when I was asked to do the overture. I'm really just looking forward to getting my teeth into this really amazing up to the minute version they're doing and trying to, in a fun way, pay homage to the show and upend people's expectations.
You can learn more about what to expect and book tickets for venues across the UK now on our Gianni Schicchi (or Where There’s A Will) production page.
We look forward to returning with another edition of Gianni Speaky soon. In the meantime, please remember to follow us on social media @operaupclose and sign up for our email newsletter for updates.