The award-winning Spanish company Yllana shatters the glass ceiling of high-brow classic opera with their hit production, The Opera Locos, at Sadler’s Wells Theatre for a limited time this winter season.
There is a moment in The Opera Locos where the air is thick with the staggering beauty of a classic aria, and then—with the precision of a master conductor—the mood pivots into a riotous pop medley. It is this syncopated energy that makes Yllana’s latest show total unique.
This production is not for the opera buffs who know the musical difference between Puccini and Prokofiev. This vibrant spectacle is for everyone who enjoys a good genre defying musical performance or for those curious young theatre goers willing to explore a new form of performing art. By stripping away the pretension and adding a healthy dose of physical comedy, Yllana has created a spectacular love story that feels more like a rock concert than a night at the opera.
A quintet of characters
At the heart of the madness are five world-class singers, each bringing a distinct flavour to the stage:
- Alfredo: The worn-out tenor who remains a legend in his own mind.
- Enrique: The baritone whose macho swagger is as precise as his vocal runs.
- Maria: The naive soprano, providing the dreamy emotional core of the story.
- Carmen: The wild mezzo-soprano who keeps the energy at a fever pitch.
- Franelli: The quirky, pop-obsessed counter-tenor who bridges the gap between the 18th and 21st centuries.
The ultimate mashup
The genius of the show lies in its setlist. One minute the cast is navigating the melodrama of a grand tragedy, and the next, they are channeling the spirits of Whitney Houston, Elton John, Sinatra, and Mika. It is a daring juxtaposition that shouldn’t work, yet in the hands of this outstanding Spanish troupe, it feels entirely natural.
The physical comedy is utterly hilarious, using the stately backdrop of operatic tropes to ground their slapstick humour. It turns out that the soaring emotions of a blue note in a Whitney ballad aren’t all that different from the heartbreak of a classic Italian opera.
The verdict: a wildly passionate triumph
The Opera Locos manages to do the impossible: it respects the technical mastery of opera while poking fun at its most dramatic excesses. It is spectacular, vibrant, and—above all—fun. Whether you are a regular at the Royal Opera House or a total newcomer, you will leave the theatre humming a tune you didn’t know you loved.
The Opera Locos by Yllana is a high-octane mix of opera, pop, and physical comedy, great for a family evening out. Running at Sadler’s Wells Theatre (Angel) for a limited time: 24 – 28 February 2026. Tickets from £18.
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