Die Fledermaus Review: Strauss Staging Lacks Fizz but Has Flair 2026

Our Die Fledermaus review finds that Johann Strauss's beloved operetta, now playing at Opera Holland Park, offers a mix of flourish and froth, yet the fizz arrives too late to fully satisfy. Directed by Liam Steel, this production uses the Metropolitan Opera's 2013 English version with lyrics by Jeremy Sams and a new book by Douglas Carter Beane, setting the action in London on New Year's Eve 1929.

The shift to a louche Noël Coward-style farce brings some deliciously tart lines, including cheeky references to the Sitwells, the Mitfords, and even Winston Churchill's supposed dalliance with Ivor Novello. The concept has legs, but the execution struggles to maintain the necessary sparkle throughout.

Die Fledermaus Review: Setting and Design

Neil Irish's set for the Eisensteins' salon, with its free-standing doorframes, feels insufficiently nouveau riche for the bourgeois tale. Placed on the forestage, it does allow intimate contact with the audience, but the second act's deco ballroom, while more ornate with a gilded Degas centrepiece, is confined to the rear, making the company feel distant.

It's act three, set in a police station with an affable bobby played by Robert Burt, that finally raises the chuckle level to the required height. Steel's physical comedy shines here, and Sams' lyrics are a treat, as exemplified by Alfred's line: "Drink another drink with me, you've had none and I've had three."

Performances and Musicality

Xavier Hetherington delivers a stentorian and suitably Italianate Alfred, while Rebecca Bottone stands out as the put-upon Rosalinde. However, acting can be inconsistent, with act one starting off a bit like Acorn Antiques. The music, under the baton of [conductor name], captures Strauss's waltzes with elegance, but the overall energy lags until the final act.

Comparison: Opera Holland Park vs. Metropolitan Opera

Key Takeaways from Our Die Fledermaus Review

• Clever adaptation with witty lyrics and book updates
• Strong final act saves the evening
• Design choices create intimacy but also distance
• Inconsistent acting but standout performances
• Ideal for fans of Strauss and Coward

FAQ

In conclusion, this Die Fledermaus review acknowledges the production's cleverness and charm, but for those seeking a truly sparkling evening, the bubbles may rise just a little too slowly. Still, the strong performances and elegant lyrics make it a worthwhile outing for opera lovers.