Carmen - a real showstopper of an evening

As something of a departure from our TASHL trips, we offered a theatre opportunity to kick off the 2026 Outings.

We thought to support both our local theatre, the Yvonne Arnaud and also the Ukrainian National Opera on their UK tour.

So, having secured fabulous seats, we set off on a wet Wednesday in February to enjoy a colourful and dramatic evening of Bizet’s Carmen, famously set in Seville.

This was an intimate performance delivered with gusto by a troupe travelling far from home.  From the outset, there were echoes of war-torn Ukraine as we learn that the leading man, Don José is a soldier serving far from his home and his grieving mother.

The Ukranian National Opera

However, that’s not to say that the performance was serious and heavy going. The music from the score was delivered by over thirty musicians crammed into the orchestra pit and kept us foot tapping to familiar Bizet tunes.

I particularly enjoyed the conductor, dressed to the nines as if he were on a world stage. The chorus and the soloists delivered rousing arias, all to enthusiastic applause. 

We loved the fiery and sensuous leading lady who kept her poor suitors so tormented. Her life was dedicated to passion and freedom.

Carmen’s leading man, Don José was an equally impressive and a romantic figure who could not commit to the virtuous girl, Miacaela, who more deserved his love.

Enter also the toreador, Escamillo (to his own famous signature tune!) He wins the love of Carmen but ensures her fate which she has read in the cards.

The cast gave their all and was well received but this was not the end.

At the curtain call a huge silk blue and yellow flag appeared to the roar of the crowd. The orchestra struck up and we stood as one while the Ukranian National Opera sang their national anthem with hands on hearts.

A memorable and moving evening.