Opera Holland Park has launched a new production of Johann Strauss’s Die Fledermaus, directed by Liam Steel [1].
The staging attempts to modernize the operetta's appeal by framing the story as a Noël Coward-style farce set in London in 1929 [1]. By shifting the setting and tone, the production seeks to capture a specific era of comedic wit and high-society satire.
Liam Steel said, "Rebecca Bottone, Olivia Carrell and Clare Presland shine amid a strong cast" [1]. The production relies on these performances to carry the narrative's energy through the complex social dynamics of the plot.
Critics noted that the work is historically linked to luxury, stating that Johann Strauss’s Die Fledermaus must have done more for champagne sales than any other operetta [1]. However, the execution of the staging received mixed feedback regarding its pacing and energy. A reviewer said, "A good production, however, demands plenty of onstage fizz too, but the bubbles start to rise rather late in the day" [1].
This critique suggests that while the visual and casting choices were strong, the comedic timing and momentum did not immediately meet the expectations of the genre. The production continues to run in London, blending the musical traditions of Strauss with the theatrical sensibilities of the early 20th century [1].
“"Rebecca Bottone, Olivia Carrell and Clare Presland shine amid a strong cast."”
The production represents an effort to bridge the gap between traditional operetta and the specific comedic timing of British farce. By setting the piece in 1929, the directors are testing whether the champagne-soaked atmosphere of Strauss's work translates more effectively into a stylized, period-specific London setting than in its original context.
