THEATRE: Tchaikovsky : Child of Glass
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
You know the music,
but how much do you really know about the man who wrote it?
This August, Opera Holland Park stages Tchaikovsky: Child of Glass and it promises to be one of the most exciting theatre events of the summer. Written and performed by Tama Matheson, this extraordinary production explores the life of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky through a thrilling fusion of drama, live music and dance, revealing the deeply personal story behind some of the world's best-loved classical music.
This is theatre at its most inventive. The dialogue slips seamlessly into live piano, the music blossoms into dance, and before you know it you're completely immersed in Tchaikovsky's emotional world. His glorious compositions don't just accompany the story, they grow out of it, making every note feel intensely personal.
And what a story it is.
Living in 19th-century Russia, where homosexuality was reviled and criminalised, Tchaikovsky spent much of his life caught between public expectation and private truth. Unable to live openly, he poured everything into his music: his love, his longing, his heartbreak and his joy. Child of Glass makes a compelling case that the masterpieces we've cherished for generations are also expressions of real queer love and once you've seen the story through that lens, you'll never hear them in quite the same way again.
That's what makes this production feel so special. It's not simply a portrait of a musical genius; it's a celebration of queer identity, resilience and the transformative power of art. It's moving, exhilarating and, by all accounts, the kind of show that stays with you long after you've left the theatre.
There's another reason dance plays such a vital role. Tchaikovsky revolutionised ballet, helping to elevate it into the art form we know today. Fittingly, the production features Royal Ballet dancer Téo Dubreuil, with choreography by former Royal Ballet dancer Stephen Wicks, bringing breathtaking movement to a story already overflowing with emotion.
The production also stars Suzy Kohane and Oliver Holland, with Tchaikovsky's music reimagined and performed live by acclaimed pianist Jayson Gillham. Fresh from an RPS Storytelling Award nomination, Child of Glass arrives at Opera Holland Park for just three performances: 13, 14 and 15 August.
Whether you're a devoted classical music fan, a theatre lover, or simply someone who enjoys discovering the hidden stories behind history's greatest artists, this feels like one not to miss.
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