The cast has been revealed for the world premiere of That Bastard, Puccini!, a new comedy-drama by James Inverne, opening at Park Theatre this summer.
Running from Thursday 10 July to Saturday 9 August 2025, this sharp and witty play explores the explosive rivalry between two of opera’s greatest composers—Giacomo Puccini and Ruggero Leoncavallo—as they race to claim La Bohème as their own.
Alasdair Buchan (The Mousetrap, West End; The Da Vinci Code, UK Tour) stars as the fiery and ambitious Leoncavallo, while Sebastien Torkia (Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, Menier Chocolate Factory; The Red Shoes, RSC Stratford) takes on the role of the charismatic and egotistical Puccini.
Joining them is Lisa-Anne Wood (Wicked, West End; Phantom of the Opera, West End) as Berthe, Leoncavallo’s wife, who becomes increasingly entangled in the composers’ high-stakes artistic feud.
Audiences will be transported to 1893 Italy, where the two maestros battle not only for fame and fortune but for their place in musical history.
Directed by internationally acclaimed opera and theatre director Daniel Slater (Santa Fe Opera, Grange Festival), That Bastard, Puccini! promises a hilarious and dramatic journey into the world of artistic ambition and creative rivalry.
“That Bastard, Puccini! invites audiences to delve deeper into the world of Puccini and the great composers, where art is also business, and genius its currency,” said Slater.
The production features set and costume design by Carly Brownbridge, lighting by Katy Morison, and sound design by Yvonne Gilbert.
The show is supported by The Svetlanov Legacy Charity, which promotes the heritage of Evgeny Svetlanov and supports young musical talent through scholarships and awards.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
