Would you take a 9 year old to see Carmen? (Royal Opera House)

[annekeegan]

My DM and I are booking tickets to to see (the opera) Carmen -- I was thinking of taking my 9 year old DD too as I saw the age guidance is 8 plus. She has been to the ballet a few times and lots of plays but never an opera.

I'd obviously have to get her a book about the opera so she wouldn't be confused. But is it too much (too long, too sexy?) for a 9 year old? Obviously would take her out if she was in any way bothering other patrons. Hmmmm ...

I had a VHS tape of Carmen that I watched quite a lot at that age, so why not?

You can't have a spoiler for opera! The whole point is that you know the plot in advance because half the time you would never figure it out from the performance

I was jesting. I've seen it twice before anyway 😊

I saw the ROH version last night, which was excellent and Aigul Akhmetshina playing Carmen is absolutely superb. However, it’s three hours 10 and ends in a strangulation scene. 9 might be a bit young for that maybe.

Yes, i loved, also one of my DMs favorite films.
I saw a production of Carmen Jones at the Old Vic about 30 years ago which was very good
Had Danny John Jules from Death In Paradise in it.

bruffin l loved the way the characters were portrayed, Carmen, the boxer champ, Harry Belafonte girl friend at the beginning. Just remembered his name, Joe, l can now hear her singing My Joe.
I didn't know there was ever a stage production.
Maybe the 9 year old should see this film version, the altered story, but following the same theme, maybe more understandable, in English and the music great .
Recommended viewing!

If your daughter is able to cope with ballets and plays I think she'll be fine with Carmen, especially if she can get to recognise some of the songs beforehand and, for this production, doesn't go in expecting the full Seville-and-frocks extravaganza.

I know a 9 year old who is in the current production! Not sure my (older) kids would sit through it though…

Yes to this.

I agree, Carmen is a great first opera - plenty of big tunes that are recognisable, a feisty female lead character and lots of action.

You know your DD - you’ll be able to get A feel for how much she’d enjoy it. She might also think the opera house is lovely and feel quite special sitting in the audience.

PPs have mentioned ENO - it’s well worth looking at their programmes to see what they’ve got coming up although they won’t have any opera now until autumn. Singing in English does make their work very accessible and they do a lot of Gilbert and Sullivan which younger audience members can engage with easily, and helps bridge them into enjoying “proper” opera.

What about some of the country/ park based productions this summer? They can feel like a lot of fun, and your DD may enjoy seeing everyone dressed up and having a posh picnic supper too.

Enjoy - I didn’t get to to opera until I was in my 30s. I just thought it wasn’t for people like me, and that it was a rarefied world that I didn’t have a “pass” to. Luckily that is bullshit, and I’ve been to a lot of opera on the last 20 years or so - such a wonderful way to be entertained. Your DD is lucky to have you to take her and introduce her to it.