Bravo Figaro!
Mark Thomas, one of the finest storytellers in the country, returns to the Royal Opera House with a show about his father.
Introduction
Bravo Figaro! is the true tale of a self-employed builder’s love of opera, his battle with degenerative illness and how to put opera on in a bungalow in Bournemouth.
Background
Bravo Figaro! sees comedian and writer Mark Thomas return to the Royal Opera House with a show he originally developed for the Deloitte Ignite festival in 2011. It is a poignant and personal tale about his relationship with his father, which plunders the operatic themes of family, love, death and art. Thomas's father is a self-employed builder with a passion for Verdi, Rossini, Puccini and Mozart. But when he is diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, his life begins to crumble. As his father's illness progresses, Thomas stages a concert to try to connect with him through music.
Mark Thomas is a writer, activist and comedian. Since his first standup gig in a pub in Putney in 1985, he has written books, made radio shows and filmed TV documentaries. His work is known for its incisive wit and political awareness.
Running time
This performance lasts about 2 hours | Including one interval. Act 1 will last for about 40 minutes. Act 2 will last for about 1 hour.
Guidance
Contains swearing and may not be suitable for children
Related links
- www.markthomasinfo.co.uk Mark Thomas's official website
- www.telegraph.co.uk Edinburgh Festival 2012: Bravo Figaro! review
- www.guardian.co.uk Mark Thomas: why I wrote a show about my dad
- www.standard.co.uk Mark Thomas interview - Evening Standard
- www.bbc.co.uk Mark Thomas on Bravo Figaro!: Radio 4, BBC iPlayer
