I’ve just bought what appeared to be the last available ticket for Thursday night’s performance of The Gambler at the Royal Opera House. It’s an opera by Prokofiev based on the novel by Dostoevsky. I’m very excited.
Here’s the synopsis:
Everything can turn on the spin of the wheel… Prokofiev’s opera is packed with action as we follow the collapse of hope through the addictive power of gambling. There is an irresistible force that drives a Russian General to gamble with an inheritance he has not yet received, and push his daughter’s young tutor to risk his love on a turn at roulette. This new production of The Gambler is also the first ever staging of it by The Royal Opera. Making this an even more exciting event is the partnership of Richard Jones as director – his insightful and unusual interpretations are acclaimed worldwide – and Antonio Pappano, Music Director of The Royal Opera, as conductor.
To buy the ticket, I had to register online with the Royal Opera House. It’s the first time I’ve ever encountered an online form where the list of title options extends beyond Mr, Mrs, Ms, Other to include things like Baroness, Count, Dame, Lord, Sir…
Hmm. I wonder where these accusations of opera being the preserve of the elite come from?
Sir Morris has quite the ring to it, no?
Enjoy!