Inside the whimsical world of The Barber of Seville

We sit down with the acclaimed director Sylvaine Strike

Last updated: Monday, 21 July 2025

The Barber of Seville is an opera, so you get all the drama, but it’s also witty, lighthearted, and romantic. Plus, it’s more affordable than you think (front row seats start from R190).

We sit down with the award-winning director, Sylvaine Strike, who’s directed critically acclaimed and award-winning productions like The Promise (2023) and Spring Awakening. Here’s what she has to say about her opera directorial debut. 

Orange is a recurring colour in the production because Seville is best known for its orange groves. Image: Cape Town Opera

1. If I could describe The Barber of Seville in 3 movie titles, it would be… 

A glorious mix between The Grand Budapest Hotel, Shakespeare in Love, and The Mask of Zorro!

2. The way I am approaching this production is by... 

Giving it a Commedia dell'arte template that will bring out this opera’s humour in a heightened physicalised style, richly defining its endearing characters through movement and gesture. 

Once that’s in place, Rossini’s beautiful music and vocal score takes care of the rest.

The production is full of comedy, romance and plot twists.  Image: Cape Town Opera

3. We chose Theatre on the Bay in Camps Bay as a venue because... 

We thought it would be incredibly exciting for this grand opera to be staged in bonsai form. 

We hope to echo the quaintness of the smaller 18th-century Italian opera stages by really focusing on The Barber of Seville’s characters and story, making it a cosy and intimate opera experience.

4. If you’ve never watched opera, you should try this production, because…

It's delightfully funny, filled with physical humour, love, intrigue and plot twists. 

5. People will like The Barber of Seville if they are... 

Hopeless romantics who love a good laugh and enjoy films such as Les Enfants du Paradis, or period-specific Netflix series such as The Leopard or Bridgerton… both filled with love and intrigue. 

WHERE TO PARK & TICKET PRICES

There is limited street parking, so it would be a good idea to arrive early or to Uber. Theatre on the Bay has a bar and restaurant which is open both pre- and post-show if you do decide to go early.

And tickets may not be as expensive as you think. Good front row seats start at just R190, and there’s also seats for R225, R250, R338, and R375. Plus, you can get 10% off if you buy four tickets or more, or if you’re a pensioner.

There are two casts (the blue cast features Innocent Masuku, a globally-renowned opera singer who placed fourth in Britain’s Got Talent). The ticket link will show you if the blue or red cast is assigned to the performance. 

SEE THE BARBER OF SEVILLE 

The Barber of Seville is happening: 5 - 17 August 2025; 2pm, 6pm and 7pm shows
Find it: Theatre on The Bay, Link Street, Camps Bay
Book: Your The Barber of Seville tickets on Webtickets
See more: Cape Town Opera website, @capetownopera on Instagram 

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