La bohème remains one of the most popular of all operas, with its stark contrasts of lively humour and poignant tragedy. This new production by Jonathan Miller for English National Opera, filmed at the London Coliseum in February 2009, also features a brand new English translation by Amanda Holden. Miller and designer Isabella Bywater have set Puccini’s opera in the Paris of the 1930s, the era of the Depression.

Together they have created an un-romanticised view of bohemian life, drawing inspiration from the realism and atmosphere caught in the films and sepia-tinted photos of the period. The young British tenor Alfie Boe takes the role of the struggling poet Rodolfo and US soprano Melody Moore is his tragic lover Mimí. They are joined by US soprano Hanan Alattar as Musetta, Roland Wood as Marcello, Pauls Putninš as Colline and David Stout as Schaunard.

Peruvian conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya is the conductor, making his ENO debut with this passionate and unforgettable score.

“...Miller...observes human behaviour in ways that can be immensely telling” - Independent

“Miguel Harth-Bedoya draws a superb account of the score from the ENO orchestra: passionate yet supple, evoking the crackle of fire in the garret one minute and the stirrings of love the next” - Evening Standard

“Alfie Boe's slightly earnest, boyish charm was through and through honest, from start to tragic finish.....the intensity and truthfulness he communicates is irresistible” - Independent

“..Amanda Holden’s fresh, skilled new translation…” - Observer

Approx Duration: 120 mins
Picture format: NTSC 16:9 Colour
Region Code: All regions
Audio: L-PCM Stereo & Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
Subtitles: English (also sung in English)