Russian State Opera: Madama Butterfly
The Russian State Opera is back at the Alhambra Theatre to delight you with an exquisite production of Madama Butterfly!
About Russian State Opera: Madama Butterfly
One of the most colourful & exotic operas
Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly is one of the world’s most colourful and exotic operas.
This tale of the doomed love of an American naval lieutenant and his young Japanese bride inspired Puccini and his librettists Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa to write some of his most sublime and moving music.
Set in Japan at the turn of the century 19th/20th century, Madama Butterfly is among the most vibrant, and, ultimately, tragic of all operas. From its theme of noble self-sacrifice comes the most heart-rending melodies.
Based on a true story, it tells of a Japanese geisha girl who had a son following an arranged ‘marriage’ to a visiting American naval officer who, when duty called, deserted her, leaving her heartbroken.
With all the cultural sensitivity of a day-tripper, Lieutenant B.F. Pinkerton is making himself at home in Nagasaki. On the suggestion of his friend, the American consul Sharpless, he takes a Japanese wife and house for the duration of his stay there.
Pinkerton sets his sights on Cio-Cio-San, a fifteen-year-old girl, fragile and delicate as a butterfly. In order to become his bride she abandons her cultural heritage and converts to Christianity thus defying the will, and incurring the wrath, of her family and community.
Pinkerton’s ship eventually sets sail from Japan. In his absence, and unbeknownst to him, Cio-Cio-San gives birth to their child, a son whom she names Dolore (Sorrow). As time goes by, she clings to the hope that Pinkerton will return to her one fine day. She argues furiously with Susuki, her faithful maid, who believes foreign husbands never return.
The most touching moments in the opera are when Butterfly, prepared for the worst, spies his ship sailing into harbour and sings ‘just when you all tell me to weep and forgive him…he’s there! He loves me!’
Pinkerton finally appears with his American ‘real’ wife. He has come to take away his son but leaves it to the American Consul to do the cruel deed. Devastated, the heart-broken Cio-Cio-San obeys her husband’s will and agrees to hand over their son. The grief and dishonour is too much for her to bear and she kills herself. Stricken with guilt, Pinkerton later returns only to find her cold, lifeless body. This touching story of innocent love crushed between two different cultures resonates as strongly as ever in today’s world.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Fife, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Fife? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Sponsored Links
Other Events at Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline
Flowers And Friendship Bracelets
Get ready for a dazzling explosion of Music, Dance, and Excitement as Flowers and Friendship Bracelets takes to the stage at The Alhambra Theatre on Saturday 5th July!
READ MOREAnton & Giovanni - Together Again
The nation's favourite dancing double act, Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice, will bring their brand new show, Together Again, to the Alhambra Theatre on Friday 11th July!
READ MORE
Lulu: In Concert
Don't miss pop sensation and National Treasure, Lulu, in concert at the Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline on Thursday 17th July!
READ MORE
Milkshake Live: On Holiday
Join your favourite Milkshake! friends on Holiday when they bring their brand new show to the Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline on Sunday 20th July!
READ MORE
The McDougalls: Pirate Adventure
Packed with singalong songs such as Row Row Row Your Boat and A Sailor Went to Sea, join The McDougalls for a fun-filled afternoon at the Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline!
READ MORE
Cirque - the Greatest Show
Cirque: the award-winning, smash-hit circus musical that is fun for all the family is coming to The Alhambra Theatre!
READ MORE
Daytime Discos For Grown Ups
The legendary Discos For Grown Ups 70s 80s 90s disco party returns to The Alhambra, Dunfermline on Saturday 23rd August…and this time it’s a DAYTIME Disco for Grown ups!
READ MORE
Tim Peake Astronauts: the Quest To Explore Space
After multiple sell-out tours with his debut show, My Journey to Space, Tim Peake brings his hugely anticipated new show, ASTRONAUTS: The Quest to Explore Space! to The Alhambra Theatre!
READ MORE
Jive Talkin’ 2025
Jive Talkin are not simply another Bee Gees Tribute Band, they are THE very best Bee Gees Tribute Band, catch them when they return to the Alhambra Theatre on 6th September!
READ MORE
Rocky Horror Show
Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show comes to Dunfermline as part of a new world tour.
READ MORE
Radio Gaga
Be part of a night like no other as we bring you the concert you’ve been dreaming of! The ultimate celebration of one the biggest bands to have ever graced the stage – Queen.
READ MORE
Live at the Alhambra: Milton Jones & Friends
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of laughs as some of comedy’s finest perform Live at the Alhambra Theatre and headlining the show is the one and only Milton Jones!
READ MORE
Dylan Moran & Friends
Get ready for an unforgettable night of razor-sharp wit and gut-busting laughs as the iconic Dylan Moran headlines Live at the Alhambra!
READ MORE
Chris McCausland: Yonks!
Chris McCausland is hitting the road again with another masterclass in stand-up comedy that has literally been yonks in the making... don't miss it at the Alhambra Theatre in September!
READ MORE
Ben Portsmouth - This is Elvis
Ben Portsmouth, crowned Worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist in 2012, brings one of the best Elvis tributes to the Alhambra Theatre!
READ MORE
The Return of the Legends
Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Vincent Simone and Ian Waite, together with a supporting cast come to the Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline for an evening of spectacular dancing!
READ MORE
An Evening with Paul Gascoigne
Join football icon Paul Gascoigne as he chats about his amazing career in football at the Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline on 4th October!
READ MORE
Sweet And Sour
Get ready for an electrifying night of pop anthems, heartbreak hits, and fierce rival vibes at Sweet and Sour – the ultimate Olivia Rodrigo vs. Sabrina Carpenter tribute show!
READ MORE
Princess Proms
Calling all Princesses & Princes, the Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline invites you to an enchanting concert singing the magical themes from your favourite Princess movies!
READ MORE
Francis Rossi
Francis Rossi brings his brand new show to the Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline on Wednesday 15th October as part of a his UK tour!
READ MORE
The Illegal Eagles
The World’s Official No.1 Eagles tribute returns in 2025 for another outstanding show promising more of their trademark musical prowess!
READ MORE
Thank You for the Music
Smash-hit tribute show, Thank You For The Music, brings all of ABBA's No. 1 hits to the Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline in a production like no other!
READ MORE
The Dinosaur That Pooped - A Rock Show!
Adapted from the number 1 best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, the whole family will have a poopy good time enjoying a brand, new story for the stage.
READ MORE
The Nutcracker
Imperial Classical Ballet® is delighted to return to the UK with their breathtaking production of The Nutcracker and brings it to The Alhambra Theatre on Friday 24th October!
READ MORE
Country Hits Live
Performed by a cast of multi award-winning musicians and singers, Country Hits Live will celebrate the atmosphere and energy of an evening in the home of country music.
READ MORE
Ross Noble - Cranium of Curiosities
Ross Noble is the Wizard of Waffle, The Rambler Royale, The Noodlers' Noodler, and he's back live on stage to tour a tornado of tangents!
READ MORE
The Sound of Springsteen
Celebrate 40 years since the iconic Born in The USA album was first released with the world-class theatre production The Sound of Springsteen at the Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline on 1st November!
READ MORE
A Tribute to Hans Zimmer & Film Favourites Illuminated
Don't miss this immersive tribute to Hans Zimmer and cinema’s most iconic music with a live chamber orchestra illuminated by light at Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline on 2nd November!
READ MORE
Hairbrush Party Anthems
Girls and guys get ready to PARTY with one of the most fun shows to hit theatres this year and it's coming to The Alhambra Theatre on Friday 7th November!
READ MORE
The Magic of Motown
The Magic of Motown is back with its 20th Anniversary Tour. Celebrate the sound of a generation with one very special night of The Magic of Motown!
READ MORE
Fun For Little Ones: Ms Rachel Tribute Tour
Fun for Little Ones brings ‘Ms Rachels’ character to life in a fun, interactive LIVE on stage performance with lots of audience participation for the little ones!
READ MORE
Killer Couples
Emma Kenny's Killer Couples promises an evening filled with intrigue, psychological depth, and discussions that will linger long after the show ends!
READ MORE
A Fairytale for Christmas
Bring your family and friends along to share in the joy of A Fairytale for Christmas, an Irish Christmas night out you won’t forget!
READ MORE
Jason Byrne: Head In the Clouds
Come join Jason Byrne in the clouds, for a night of beautiful unpredictable, fluffy, mayhem on Saturday 22nd November at the Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline!
READ MORE
Christmas with Anton Du Beke
Embark on a dazzling journey into a festive wonderland as Strictly’s one and only Anton Du Beke brightens up your Christmas 2025!
READ MORE
Gary Meikle: Neurospicy
Scottish Comedy Award winner Gary Meikle will bring his Neurospicy tour to the Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline on Friday 28th November!
READ MORE
Snow White
This year, The Alhambra Theatre is thrilled to announce, for the first time ever, the fairest panto of them all, Snow White!
READ MORE
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers
The Chilli's have fast become a global phenomenon and you can catch them when they return to The Alhambra Theatre on 30th December!
READ MORE
Artie’s Singing Kettle Hogmanay Party
Join Artie at The Alhambra Theatre for his special Hogmanay Party show! It's a joyful musical celebration that kids and parents alike will love.
READ MORE
Beat The Drum - The Runrig Experience
Beat The Drum is a professional tribute band, playing homage to the Scottish Celtic Rock band ‘Runrig’. Catch them at The Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline on Wednesday 14th January!
READ MORE
Al Murray: All You Need Is Guv
Hot on the heels of a sell-out 138 date tour of these green and groovy isles, The Guv will be back, baby, with a brand-new stand-up show for 2026!
READ MORE
The Ultimate Boyband Party Show
Grab ya girls and get ready for a concert experience you’ll never forget when The Ultimate Boyband Party Show comes to The Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline!
READ MORE
A Country Night In Nashville
A Country Night in Nashville, perfectly capturing the energy and atmosphere of an evening in the home of Country Music, returns to The Alhambra Theatre in February!
READ MORE
The Rocket Man - a Tribute To Elton John
Book your tickets now for an unmissable concert spectacular... The Rocket Man - A Tribute to Sir Elton John at the Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline on 28th February 2026!
READ MORE
Justin Live - Justin Time to Rock
CBeebies' megastar Justin Fletcher brings his all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza packed full of well-known songs, lots of dancing, hilarious comedy and plenty of rocktastic fun to Dunfermline!
READ MORE
QUEENZ: Drag Me to the Disco!
Queenz are back with a BRAND NEW SHOW! Join the gals for an electrifying, live vocal, drag-stravaganza, where Dancing Queenz and Disco Dreams collide for the party of a lifetime!
READ MORE
What’s Love Got To Do with It?
What's Love Got To Do With It? The not-to-be missed musical experience celebrating the music of the incredible Tina Turner returns to the Alhambra Theatre on Saturday 21st March 2026!
READ MORE
The Shoop Shoop Show: The Cher Collection
Get ready to experience a Cher show like no other with The Shoop Shoop Show – The Cher Collection, an exhilarating music-led production with a party atmosphere, at The Alhambra Theatre!
READ MORE
The Elo Show - a Tribute To the Genius of Jeff Lynne
The World’s Greatest tribute to Jeff Lynne and E.L.O are back on the road in 2026 with a stunning new stage production and bring it to the Alhambra Theatre on 1st April.
READ MORE
Taylor Mania
Don't miss this award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time!
READ MORE
The Tumbling Paddies
One of Ireland’s most popular music acts, The Tumbling Paddies are now coming to Scotland, with a date at The Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline on Friday 10th April 2026!
READ MORE
Man in the Mirror – A tribute to Michael Jackson
Man in the Mirror is the must see, electrifying tribute concert to Michael Jackson! Don't miss it when it returns to the Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline on Saturday 11th April!
READ MORE
Henning Wehn: Acid Wehn
Award-deserving German Comedy Ambassador Henning Wehn takes an unbiased look at climate change, a topic sure to delight audiences and no surprise. Catch him at Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline in April!
READ MORE
Lost In Music - One Night In the Disco
Get ready to recreate the Magical 70's when Lost In Music take you on a musical journey straight to the heart of Disco!
READ MORE
Massaoke: Sing The Musicals
Direct from London's West End, the first national tour of the greatest musicals of all time, performed by a sensational live band and character singers, comes to the Alhambra Theatre!
READ MORE
Clinton Baptiste: Spectral Intercourse
Clinton Baptiste, Britain's most celebrated clairvoyant medium psychic from Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights, brings his new show 'Spectral Intercourse' to The Alhambra Theatre on 6th June 2026!
READ MORESponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
National Theatre LIve - A Streetcar Named Desire
Gillian Anderson, Vanessa Kirby and Ben Foster lead the cast in Tennessee Williams' timeless masterpiece A Streetcar Named Desire, being screened at Crail Community Hall!
READ MORE
Murder in the Dark
The body of a local councillor has been found in Beveridge Park. Can you help the police to find clues, interpret evidence and solve the crime?
READ MORE
Big Kid Circus in Glenrothes
Roll Up, Roll Up! The Big Kid Circus is in town with their brand new show Kingdom Of Kong! Catch it at Warout Playing Fields, Glenrothes between 1st & 6th July!
READ MORE
Flowers And Friendship Bracelets
Get ready for a dazzling explosion of Music, Dance, and Excitement as Flowers and Friendship Bracelets takes to the stage at The Alhambra Theatre on Saturday 5th July!
READ MORE
Eltonesque
If you want to experience the most realistic Elton John experience then look no further than Eltonesque, coming to The Byre Theatre on Saturday 5th July!
READ MORE
Anton & Giovanni - Together Again
The nation's favourite dancing double act, Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice, will bring their brand new show, Together Again, to the Alhambra Theatre on Friday 11th July!
READ MORE
The Steamie
Lundie Theatre Group proudly presents The Steamie – a heart-warming comedy by Tony Roper that celebrates the spirit, resilience, and camaraderie of working-class women in post-war Glasgow.
READ MORE
The Rat Pack Returns
Get ready to swing the night away with The Rat Pack Returns, starring the sensational performers from the London West End hit show, at the Adam Smith Theatre on 12th July!
READ MORE
Magic Gareth: Balloonatic
Balloonatic is an exciting and fun family show with balloons, games, prizes, and mindblowing magic live on stage. Catch it at The Byre Theatre St Andrews on Thursday 17th July!
READ MOREFind other events in Fife
Sponsored Links