The premiere of Richard Jones' production!

Richard Jones' exciting new production of Puccini's tragedy premieres at the Royal Opera House for the first time since retiring the 40-year old John Copley version 2015, which had enjoyed 26 revivals and well over 200 sold-out performances. Garnering rave reviews from the London press, this revival of Jones' production welcomes Antonio Pappano to the maestro's podium as he conducts newcomers Nicole Car as Mimi, Michael Fabiano as Rodolfo and Mariusz Kwiecien as Marcello.

A four-act tragedy, the story delves into 1830s Paris where a group of struggling artists live in destitute slum conditions, yet are determined to celebrate love in all its simple glory. When Rodolfo helps his pretty neighbour Mimi to find her keys in the dark, their hands touch, and attraction flares within them. The story then moves on over the course of a few months, where Mimi is found to be terminally ill from consumption; despite having broken up, Rodolfo cares for her deeply, and is heartbroken to hear that she is dying. He carries her upstairs to his couch and caresses her, as she slips away in his arms.