Madame Butterfly

Firstly I'd like to apologise for being practically MIA over the past month and a bit. I do have a valid excuse however - finals. Now that they are over, I am back living in London with a huge backlog of posts. All in all thank you for bearing with me.

A few nights ago now, I did something completely out of the ordinary - I went to the Opera. I was very kindly invited by one of my best friends and her mother for an evening in Holland Park to watch Giacomo Puccini's vivid and atmospheric tragedy of 1899 - Madame Butterfly.

As always I was running pretty late, trying to veer my way through the Notting Hill crowds, but it also meant that when I did arrive I could snap a few piccys of the marquee and the glamorous opera goers without embarrassing my party.

I thought this guy was pretty beautiful

So before we all made our way in, we sat down to have a scrummy picnic and a glass of prosecco to wash it down with.
Suddenly a large bell rang to signal the start of the Opera. We hurried out of our seats in the food marquee and walked towards the stage. The way was lead with a sea of twinkly fairy lights that shone like the stars.

The girls in their almost matching flower power Zara blazers.

 As soon as we sat down, it started...

Now I will not ruin the story for those who haven't heard of Madame Butterfly before, but what I will say is that it was extraordinary. I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting from the Opera, but what Madame Butterfly did offer was sensational music, wonderful acting and an incredibly touching storyline which left most of the crowd with mascara running down their faces. What made it even more special was that we were surrounded by such beautiful scenery in Holland Park; because although there was a roof to the marquee (classically unreliable British weather!), the sides to the marquee were open air, backing on to the ancient Holland House, all lit up with blue and purple lights.

 This night will not be forgotten in a hurry. What I will say is, if and when you are asked to the Opera, keep an open-mind, because i'm sure you like me will be pleasantly surprised.

The walk home was filled with wonderful thoughts of the night that had just passed. If you fancy having a look at tickets for Madame Butterfly or Holland Park's other sensational opera's then click here to check out their website.

The London Gossip x Follow @clemmiedarby