Tchaikovsky Child of Glass at Opera Holland Park Review
Image: Rachel Medina
As part of their 30th anniversary celebrations Opera Holland Park have welcomed a new play by Tama Matheson entitled Tchaikovsky: Child of Glass. This biographical concert seeks to explore and understand Tchaikovsky’s life and music in depth. Named after his childhood nickname and inability to accept or tolerate any form of criticism, this play focuses on exploring the composer in all his forms.
Written, directed by and using Tama Matheson as Tchaikovsky, this play focuses on his entire life from childhood, schooling, living situation, ill fated marriage, politics and eventual death. This is more of a concert with Jayson Gillham chosen and playing 39 different samples of classical music, ranging from symphonies, concertos and excerpts of many of Tchaikovsky’s ballets. Although multiple classical composers are sampled it is clear that Tchaikovsky and his emotions are centred throughout.
While we explore his path to musical fame in depth, much of the play is centred around his playboy ways and perpetual life on the edge of discovery as a closeted homosexual. We see how deftly Matherson focuses on his suffering with understanding himself as a gay man, his loss of several lovers (all played beautifully by Teo Debreuil) and his fear of showcasing his identity to others in case of persecution. In between personal anecdotes, we also hear his connections with fellow impressionist artists, including Brahms among others. We see the defiance against the academic forms of music and the triumphs and lows of his professional life as a musician, including his eventual annuity from the Tsar himself. It is a very nuanced and rounded approach to every aspect of his life. The play has two acts of roughly 75 minutes each. The pace is steady and would suit those who enjoy classical performances well. The audience was transfixed by most of the action unfurling on stage.
Agnes Sharp’s costume and set design is precise and beautifully reflects the societal ideals of the time and the staging convincingly showcases the differing locations and countries travelled. Margaret Steinbach’s lighting direction worked well to showcase the passing of time. Stephen Wicks choreography was incredible and very tender to watch. The cast’s dedication to the story in 38-degree temperatures in an outdoor theatre were impressive. Teo Debreuil’s ballet solos were beautiful and magnetic to watch. Suzy Kohana and Oliver Holland’s chemistry as multiple characters were fantastic and captivating to watch. Tama Matheson is powerful and profound as Tchaikovsky. He is clearly devoted to the man, his legend and upholding his life’s work and intrigues as faithfully and respectfully as possible.
This play is a love letter to all things Tchaikovsky and a beautiful tribute to his impact on the world of music. If you are new to Tchaikovsky, then this play is a great introduction to the artist and his work, and if you are a longtime admirer of Tchaikovsky, then this play is as welcoming as your favourite book. If you are interested in learning more about Tchaikovsky, celebrating his greatest works of music and having a fabulous night out at the theatre, then I thoroughly encourage seeing this play for you.
Running until 15th August at Opera Holland Park.
★★★★
Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic, August 2026.
