Opera on Screen: Featuring the world's most celebrated operas.
Music by Jacques Offenbach.
Jacques Offenbach’s masterpiece of whimsy and imagination comes to life like never before in this sumptuous production from Academy Award winner John Schlesinger and The Royal Opera. Via his title character, Offenbach spins a series of miraculous tales featuring a lifelike automaton, magic glasses, a conniving doctor and stolen reflections. These fantastical elements provide ample material for breathtaking sets and costumes. Vittorio Grigolo shines as the poet Hoffmann, as do Sofia Fomina as Olympia, Christine Rice as Giulietta, Sonya Yoncheva as Antonia and Thomas Hampson as the villains.
In Italian, with English subtitles. Includes two 10-minute intermissions.
Critical praise:
- Financial Times - "This revival’s star singers shine more brightly than most."
- The Guardian - 4/5 stars, "Grigòlo and Hampson make a striking pairing."
- Independent - 4/5 stars, "It’s an extraordinary work, definitely worth catching."
- Telegraph - 4/5 stars, "A banquet of visual and musical pleasure, warmly recommended."