Marie Bingham

A slick delivery of operatic satires by students of the Royal College of Music challenges contemporary, outmoded conceptions about 'amateur' vs. 'professional'.

The wonderful thing about fringe theatre is the variety and quality of what can be produced in a tiny space, with very little budget. Creativity is key to make an audience return to what is essentially the back room of a pub with slightly uncomfortable seating. Madam Butterfly is the latest creative offering from the King's Head Theatre, who has a well-known reputation for producing innovative and unique shows in such a room.

Paul Higgins returns to the King's Head Theatre after his acclaimed reality TV set Cosi Fan Tutti to direct Puccini's Madam Butterfly in a new English version by Amanda Holden who won the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera in 2001.