Finally got to see Pucinni’s La Boheme at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking. I have heard bits of La Boheme on the radio and seen bits on TV but it never really inspired me. But since I was offered the opportunity to see it live on stage at the New Victoria Theatre, I decided I should give it a go. I even had a short power nap in the afternoon in case I embarrass myself and start snoring (after all, in the movies, this is what they often show men do).
After seeing this show, I have decided that live opera is definitely different from listening to bits on the radio. Unfortunately, I did not buy a program and cannot tell you the names of the cast. Online, it does warn that the cast can change without notice and therefore I best not offer any names in case I get told I got it wrong. Nevertheless, this is not about a particular show but rather to give live opera a try if you have never tried it before. Perhaps like me, you might be surprised and like it as much as I did.
There were subtitles provided. I am aware of the story but I am sure that the subtitles added a lot to the enjoyment since I now know what they were singing about each step of the way. Perhaps next time, I won’t need the subtitles.
The New Victoria theatre is a very comfortable theatre with lovely seats. The seats are arranged on a slope which gives everyone a clear view to the stage. However, the slope stops towards the front nearer the stage. I imagine that the theatre designer assumed that the audience seated at this level will be looking up towards the stage.
However, (my one recommendation, from my experience seated at the second row at the front. Don’t choose B7. From this seat, the view is obstructed by the head of the person in front. Because of the angle, the head blocks exactly the centre of the stage. There is no slope to offer you a clear view. B6 on the other hand is fine. Each row of seats also curves around and the more acute bend happens exactly between B6 & B7. Due to this bend, B6 has a good clear view through the acute bend in row A. (See photo attached.)
Finally, the seats closer to the front are not best suited for people who would like to read the subtitles. Seated further away will give you a better angle to view the show and the subtitles without having to constantly adjust your head.
