Opera Scotland

Bohème 1977Tayside Opera

Read more about the opera Bohème

These were the first performances of La bohème in Dundee since 1958, when Alexander Gibson had conducted his Sadler's Wells company at the Gaumont. That wonderful building had been removed from theatrical use in 1961, a few months before the establishment of Scottish Opera. The other landmark here was the introduction of a new theatre, built as an integral part of the College of Education. It would become an important host venue for small-to-medium sized opera productions, and, quickly renamed the Gardyne, it continues to do so. With a capacity of 367 in 13 steeply-raked rows, with a small orchestra pit, it has excellent sightlines and legroom.

The company assembled was entirely local, with the single exception of the first Rodolfo. Cast details are from the review in Tuesday's Courier & Advertiser.