Every dog has its day and, for canine cutie Hugo, his moment in the spotlight is coming in Hull next month.
The Border Terrier from Hull will be making his long-awaited debut in Puccini's beautiful and romantic opera, La Bohème, at Hull City Hall, on Wednesday, February 8, at 7.30pm. Originally set to take the stage in 2020, Hugo’s initial debut was “paws-ed” due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw theatres and venues closed across the world.
Hugo is finally getting the chance to perform his starring role as character Muzetta’s dog in the opera, directed by Ellen Kent and featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv. Hugo, owned by Yvonne Batten, successfully answered an appeal three years ago and will finally join the cast on the City Hall stage.
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Hugo is a Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog and visits care homes and wards across Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital. He also volunteers for the Cinnamon Trust, a charity that supports elderly people with pets.
Yvonne said: “The patients and staff love it when Hugo and I visit and it is very rewarding to see the pleasure it gives, especially to the elderly. He is my constant companion since my Mum died a short time ago.
“I had to give up my full-time work to care for her. I really don't know what I would do without him.”
It appears the talented pooch was always destined for the stage as he also enjoys dancing and drama classes. Yvonne said: “I have a dance and drama school and he loves coming along to the classes with me and sometimes joins in.
“His hobby is being addicted to tennis balls, it’s a good job I play tennis, because he has hundreds. Despite his many talents, he hasn't tried acting, so goodness knows how he will behave on stage.”
Award-winning opera director and producer Ellen Kent said: “People say never work with children or animals, but I love to do both. The first time was 20 years ago when my pet cat Holly Go-Lightly was in one of my productions and was an instant hit.
“Since then, we’ve had horses, dogs, goldfish and even a golden eagle with a 6ft wingspan on stage. Many years ago, when we last did La Bohème and asked local people to volunteer their pets, it was a huge success.
“We even used a rescue dog once and found him dozens of new owners. We’re a nation of animal lovers after all.”
Puccini’s masterpiece is one of the most romantic operas ever written. It tells the tragic tale of the doomed, consumptive Mimi and her love for a penniless writer. Set within the attics and backstreets of Bohemian Paris it reflects the art of the period and includes a brass band, snow effects, full choir, and orchestra and of course, Muzetta’s dog.
This classic tale of Parisian love and loss features many famous arias including Your Tiny Hand is Frozen, They Call Me Mimi and Muzetta’s Waltz. As well as La Bohème, Ellen Kent and the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv will also be performing the grandest of all Ellen Kent’s operas, Aida, on Tuesday, February 7.
Tickets for both shows are on sale now. Book at the Hull City Hall Box Office, call 01482 300 306 or visit hulltheatres.co.uk to book online.
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