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Clapham’s “The Rake’s Progress” Debuts With Minimal Set

8/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A Clapham production of “The Rake’s Progress” opened, created entirely by participants in their 20s.
Conductor Oliver Cope conducted from a V-shaped stage at the theatre’s centre.
Designer Tom Deazley used a minimal set of three door frames.
Tenor Sam Rose and soprano Sophie Bysouth received praise for their vocal performances.
Reviewers said the lack of a pit and narrow sight lines caused balance and visibility issues.

History

Historical Context

Stravinsky’s English-language opera The Rake’s Progress opened at Venice’s La Fenice on 11 September 1951, conducted by the composer and staged with only three door-frame sets costing about 12,000 lire. The minimalist approach resurfaced in today’s Clapham production, where Oliver Cope conducts from a V-shaped pit and designer Tom Deazley again limits the scenery to three frames, echoing the original’s lean aesthetic.

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Story summary

A Clapham production of “The Rake’s Progress” opened, created entirely by participants in their 20s.
Conductor Oliver Cope conducted from a V-shaped stage at the theatre’s centre.
Designer Tom Deazley used a minimal set of three door frames.
Tenor Sam Rose and soprano Sophie Bysouth received praise for their vocal performances.
Reviewers said the lack of a pit and narrow sight lines caused balance and visibility issues.

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