‘A challenge, in Italy’s largest newspaper. He’s put both of our reputations on the line!’

It’s 1893. Puccini is close to being hailed as Italy’s newest opera king, but needs to write something to cement his reputation. He’s found the perfect subject: the enchanting love story of La Boheme.

There’s only one problem – fellow composer Ruggero Leoncavallo has thought of it too. And worse still, he’s claiming Puccini stole his idea…

Soon it’s a race between two of Italy’s hottest composers: the battle of the Bohemes. The winner will claim a place in the pantheon, the loser a footnote in history. With riches, rivalry and reputation on the line, both will have to face more than they bargained for. But there’s more to life than great art – isn’t there?

A hilarious, chaotic and captivating new play by James Inverne, That Bastard, Puccini! brings to life an explosive professional rivalry, a plagiarism scandal that rocked Europe, and a friendship tested to the limit. Witness the story behind one of the world’s most famous masterpieces… and as a result, one of the least famous. Both of them titled La Boheme.

RJG Productions Limited in association with Park Theatre.

  • Evenings

    19:30

    Thu & Sat

    15:00

  • Duration

    Approx 1 hour and 40 mins inc interval

  • Tickets

    £15 - £49.50

  • Genre

    Drama

  • Age guidance

    14+

  • Content warnings

    This production contains strong language and haze.