Spanish theatrical company Yllana has produced a staggering 38 shows since they were founded in 1991 and has achieved global success, entertaining more than seven million people across 50 countries!
The Opera Locos (first seen in 2018), with the original idea credited to both Yllana and Rami Eldar, is certainly one of their great success stories and the 2026 incarnation, which runs this week at Sadler's Wells, made for a hugely enjoyable evening.
The show is essentially a “Greatest Hits” from the world of opera and, even if you're not an aficionado, you'd be hard pressed not to recognise the majority of the tunes. The show features works by Mozart, Puccini, Verdi and more, all performed superbly by the talented cast of five. This doesn't stop more modern music from appearing too -from Mika to Whitney Houston and even a rendition of Frank Sinatra's ‘My Way'!
Complete with painted faces and vibrant, colourful costumes, each of the show's five performers has a distinct personality. These are woven together through a daft, but entertaining storyline that links the songs in a series of wacky sketches, which also incorporate clowning, mime and physical theatre to great effect.
María Rey-Joly plays soprano Maria, whose comic romantic entanglements with the worn-out tenor Alfredo (Jesús Álvarez) play out delightfully across the evening. His repeated attempts to sing ‘Nessun Dorma' keep the audience eagerly anticipating the big finish and when we get to it, he certainly doesn't disappoint!
Mayca Teba is the flirtatious mezzo-soprano diva who has great fun involving a gentleman in the front row in her numbers, so much so that he even receives his own bow at the end! Finally, Enrique Sánchez-Ramos plays the baritone tasked with coaching Franelli (Michaël Koné), a counter-tenor who seems rather more interested in pop music than opera.
Whilst the cast excel in bringing out the comedy, they are also hugely accomplished opera singers in their own right and the balance between gently poking fun at the art form and revealing their deep affection for it feels just right.
Highly recommended for opera and theatre lovers alike, this is an evening that sends audiences out with a smile. It may even prove the perfect introduction for anyone who thinks opera isn't for them, offering just the right blend of humour, heart and musical brilliance to win over even the most sceptical newcomer.
It runs until 28 February.
Review: Jack Shaw Photos: Marco and ANNELIZETOZETTO