English National Opera: 2023 Season at the London Coliseum

English National Opera, based at the London Coliseum, has announced its 2022/2023 season in London. Nine productions will be performed during the season including seven new productions and two revivals of past work. Prior to the new season, the London Coliseum hosts the Broadway production of My Fair Lady from 7 May to 27 August 2022, directed by Bartlett Sher and starring Amara Okereke as Eliza Doolittle, Harry Haddon-Paton, Dame Vanessa Redgrave, Maureen Beattie and Sharif Afifi. Tosca directed by Christof Loy Highlights include the first production of the season, Christof Loy’s production of Puccini’s Tosca (30 September – 4 November 2022), which will have its UK premiere at the ENO, starring Sinéad Campbell-Wallace (La Boheme) as Tosca, and conducted by Leo Hussain. Other cast include Italianate tenor Adam Smith as Cavaradossi; rising star Noel Bouley as Scarpia; Lucia Lucas as Sacristan; current Lindemann Young Artist at The Metropolitan Opera, Msimelelo Mbali as Cesare Angelotti; new ENO Harewood Artist Ossian Huskinson as Sciarrone; and current ENO Harewood Artist John Findon as Spoletta. Sets and costumes are by Christian Schmidt, which will move the opera from the eighteenth to the twentieth centuries. Lighting is by Olaf Winter. Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Yeomen of the Guard ENO will also stage a brand new production of Gilbert & Sullivan’sThe Yeomen of the Guard (3 November – 2 December 2022) - the first they have ever staged, directed by Jo Davies (Opera North's Kiss Me Kate). Conducting is Chris Hopkins, Principal Conductor of English Sinfonia and Musical Director of Orchestra of the City. In terms of cast, Anthony Gregory sings Colonel Fairfax, bass-baritone Neal Davies is Sergeant Meryll of the Yeomen, ENO Harewood Artist Alexandra Oomens is Elsie Maynard, Heather Lowe sings Phoebe Meryll, Baritone Steven Page is Sir Richard Cholmondeley, and Susan Bickley is Dame Carruthers. New ENO Harewood Artist Innocent Masuku is Leonard Meryll, and former ENO Chorus Fellow Isabelle Peters is Kate. Sets and costumes are by Olivier Award-winning designer Anthony Ward, with lighting is by Oliver Fenwick and video design is by Andrezj Goulding. Choreography is by Kay Shepherd. It's a Wonderful Life - the Opera Other UK premieres include a Christmas treat in Jake Heggie’s opera It’s a Wonderful Life (25 November – 10 December 2022), based on the much-loved 1946 film. The family friendly opera is conducted by Nicole Paiement, and directed and choreographed by Aletta Collins, who makes her ENO directorial debut. The cast includes ‘Opera’s coolest soprano’ (The New York Times) Danielle de Niese, making her ENO operatic debut as George Bailey’s guardian angel Clara. Frederick Ballentine sings George, Michael Mayes is Henry F Potter, Jennifer France sings Mary Hatch Bailey, Ronald Samm sings Uncle Billy, Gweneth Ann Rand sings Mother Bailey and Helen Bailey is sung by soprano Segomotso Shupinyaneng. Keri Fuge is joined by current ENO Harewood Artists Idunnu Münch, Zwakele Tshabalala, and Ossian Huskinson to make up the quartet of angels. A blended tale of fantasy and drama loosely based on Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life tells the story of George Bailey, a humble man of humble origins in a humble small town. Having sacrificed many of his own dreams to help others around him, George is driven to breakdown, only to be shown by his guardian angels how his life enriches his community in ways he could never imagine. Jeanine Tesori’s Blue Jeanine Tesori’s contemporary opera about police violence against African American communities also gets its UK premiere at the Coliseum this season. Blue (20 April – 4 May 2023) is conducted by former ENO Mackerras Fellow Mathew Kofi Waldren, and Tinuke Craig (The Colour Purple) will make her operatic directorial debut directing Blue. The conductor is Matthew Kofi Waldren, and set and costumes are by Alex Lowde. Tesori is a multi-Tony Award-nominee and Pulitzer Prize finalist, working across Broadway, cinema and opera. The libretto is by Tazewell Thompson, a noted theatre and opera director, librettist and Director of Opera Studies at Manhattan School of Music. Blue won the Music Critics Association of North America Award in 2020 for Best New Opera. Exploring the effects of police violence on African American families and communities, Blue is a complex story with deep resonance. An activist son clashes with his police officer father in this gripping and tragic story, which places the repercussions of police brutality against unarmed black men at the centre of its narrative. Former ENO Harewood Artist Nadine Benjamin sings the Mother, with bass-baritone Michael Sumuel as the Father, new ENO Harewood Artist Zwakele Tshabalala is the Son, Ronald Samm is the Reverend, and the cast is completed by Chanae Curtis, April Koyejo-Audiger and Idunnu Münch as the Girlfriends, and Joshua Conyers, Rheinaldt Tshepo Moagi, and John-Colyn Gyeantey as the Policemen. More new productions Other new productions in the 2022 / 2023 season include the continuation of Richard Jones’s Ring Cycle, with the first in Wagner’s epic saga, The Rhinegold (18 February – 10 March 2023), conducted by the ENO Music Director Martyn Brabbins. The cast includes John Relyea (Wotan), Leigh Melrose (Alberich), Frederick Ballentine (Loge), Madeleine Shaw (Fricka), Jennifer Davis (Freia), Christine Rice (Erda), John Findon (Mmime), James Creswell (Fafner), Simon Bailey (Fasolt), Blake Denson (Donner), Julian Hubbard (Froh), Eleanor Dennis, Idunnu Münch and Katie Stevenson (Rheinmaidens). Costume and Set Designer is Stewart Laing, Movement Director is Sarah Fahie, Video Designer is Akhila Krishnan, Lighting Designer is Adam Silverman, and Translator is John Deathridge. Korngold’s The Dead City (Die tote Stadt) (25 March – 8 April 2023) is staged by the ENO in the season, directed by the ENO’s Artistic Director Annilese Miskimmon, her second project for the company. The opera will star Allison Oakes and Rolf Romei in their ENO debuts. Also, a new production of Gorecki’s Symphony of Sorrowful Songs (27 April – 6 May 2023) is staged, directed and designed by Isabella Bywater and conducted by Lidiya Yankovskaya. The opera stars Nicole Chevalier (soprano). Revivals: Carmen and Akhnaten Revivals include Calixto Bieito’s Carmen (1 February – 24 February 2023), conducted by Kerem Hasan. Ginger Costa-Jackson makes her ENO debut as Carmen, with Sean Panikkar reprising the role of Don Jose. Bullfighter Escamillo is Nmon Ford, Sophie Bevan MBE sings Micaëla, Keel Watson reprises his role as Zuniga, Benson Wilson is Morales. Other cast include Alexandra Oomens as Frasquita, Niamh O’Sullivan as Mercedes, Seán Boylan as Dancairo, and Innocent Masuku as Remendado. The original director is Calixto Bieito, with sets by Alfons Flores, costumes by Merce Paloma and lighting by Bruno Poet. The revival director is Jamie Manton. Also, Phelim McDermott’s acclaimed production of Akhnaten by Philip Glass (11 March – 5 April 2023) returns to ENO, conducted by Karen Kemensek and with Anthony Roth Costanzo returning to the eponymous role. Joining him is Chrystal E. Williams (Nefertiti), Haegee Lee (Queen Tye), BensonWilson (Horemhab), Keel Watson (Aye), Zachary James (Scribe), Paul Curievici (High Priest of Amon), Ella Taylor, Felicity Buckalnd, Sinéad O’Kelly and Lauren Young (Akhnaten & Nefertiti’s daughters). Other new initiatives by ENO this season include working with disability-led charity Attitude Is Everything on a range of initiatives including disability equality training and work placements to support aspiring professionals who are Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent and/or have a physical or mental health condition; starting in August ENO Engage, their learning and participation department, will launch a new Creative Residency programme, inviting artists from disciplines outside opera to bring diverse perspectives to the artform; also ENO plans to rollout nationally their ‘Finish This…’creative music making programme for primary, secondary, and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) school learners moves from 14 pilot schools to becoming available to schools across the country; ENO will also release a one-off 45 minute family comedy-musical-drama ‘Abracadopera’, designed to introduce young viewers to opera. It will be available to watch on Sky Kids, Sky Arts and streaming service NOW in June 2022; this summer, ENO Engage will partner with Sky Arts on their Access All Arts Programme, a nationwide arts week for primary schools from 6-10 June; and finally, ENO Engage will be launching a new membership scheme for secondary schools across the country, including access to free and discounted tickets, events, teacher training online and in-school workshops. CEO of the ENO, Stuart Murphy told the press that: "The value of the ENO goes way beyond our pioneering artistic work. The ENO’s transformation in the past few years means that now over 50% of all ENO attendees are first time bookers. Our radical access schemes, proactive diversity recruitment, industry training and award-winning national engagement work – such as ENO Breathe – means the ENO is now truly the gateway opera company for the country, and therefore a fundamental part of the national arts ecology." Artistic Director of the ENO, Annilese Miskimmon said: "We are so pleased to present this unique and bold season of artistic plans and announcements, stretching from our home at the London Coliseum and across the country via our new engagement projects with national reach. As a truly 21st century opera company, it’s our mission to offer a combination of both beautiful escapism, and forward-thinking, ambitious work. We have designed this season to deliver just that – fresh, relevant stories which entertain, astound, and make you think." Public booking opens 24 May 2022. Book tickets to English National Opera at the London Coliseum Book tickets to TOSCA at the London Coliseum Book tickets to THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD at the London Coliseum Book tickets to IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE at the London Coliseum Book tickets to BLUE at the London Coliseum Book tickets to THE RHINEGOLD at the London Coliseum Book tickets to CARMEN at the London Coliseum Book tickets to AKHNATEN at the London Coliseum

Surprise casting today from English National Opera. Their new production of opera The Handmaid's Tale by Poul Ruders, playing at the London Coliseum in April, will feature some clever casting that the agents of the ASK talent agency would be proud of. Much admired French actress Camille Cottin is set to make her West End debut in the cast of The Handmaid's Tale, in the non-singing role of Professor Piexoto. Professor Piexoto is an historian and the Director of the 20th and 21st century archives at Cambridge University, presenting a lecture in the future about the dystopian Republic of Gilead, where the opera is set. Camille recently appeared in Ridley Scott's movie House of Gucci alongside Lady Gaga and Adam Driver; she is also in BBC's Killing Eve ,and is internationally recognised for playing Andrea Martel in the TF1 and Netflix hit Call My Agent. A new musical version of Call My Agent is currently underway for a West End run in 2024, and with her West End debut under her belt, maybe Camille stands a chance of getting cast! This new ENO production of Poul Ruders' The Handmaid's Tale is based on Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel, and directed by ENO's Artistic Director, Annilese Miskimmon, with Joana Carneiro conducting. Annemarie Woods is the Set and Costume Designer, Paule Constable is the Lighting Designer, Imogen Knight is the Movement Director and Intimacy Coordinator, Akhila Krishnan is the Video Designer, and Yvonne Gilbert is the Sound Designer. The cast is led by mezzo-soprano Kate Lindsey as Offred, soprano Emma Bell as Aunt Lydia, bass-baritone Robert Hayward as The Commander, contralto Avery Amereau as Serena Joy, tenor Frederick Ballentine as Nick, soprano Rhian Lois as Janine/Ofwarren, soprano Pumeza Matshikiza as Moira, soprano Elin Pritchard as Ofglen, mezzo-soprano Madeleine Shaw as Rita, tenor Alan Oke as The Doctor, mezzo-soprano Susan Bickley as Offred's Mother, and tenor John Findon as Luke. The Handmaid's Tale plays at the London Coliseum on April 8, 12, 14 at 19.30, and April 10 at 15.00. Book tickets

English National Opera (ENO) has announced its 2021/22 main stage season. The announcement sees ENO’s ambition to return to the London Coliseum following Covid. The season has been designed by the ENO to please opera aficionados and newcomers alike, with a range of audience favourites and bold new productions. Key highlights of the new season include: The ENO’s 2021/22 season features four new productions and three revivals with a total of 67 performances.This broad spectrum of opera encompass not only beautiful, entertaining and moving stories, but also address issues that resonate with us today.Multi-award winning comedy director Cal McCrystal returns to the ENO to direct the first production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore in the company’s history.Acclaimed director and fellow multi-award winner Richard Jones directs Wagner’s The Valkyrie, the first production in a new Ring Cycle to be staged at the London Coliseum across the next five years, co-produced with the Metropolitan Opera.Jamie Manton makes a main stage directorial debut with a new production of Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen. Sally Matthews takes the title role, returning to the ENO for the first time since 2005.ENO Artistic Director Annilese Miskimmon makes her ENO directorial debut with a new production of Ruders’ The Handmaid’s Tale, featuring a house and role debut for Kate Lindsey and conducted by the outstanding young Portuguese conductor Joana Carneiro.Revivals comprise Phelim McDermott’s captivating Satyagraha, with Sean Panikkar returning to the ENO in the role of Gandhi conducted by Carolyn Kuan, Jonathan Miller’s much loved La bohème, conducted by Ben Glassberg, and Phelim McDermott’s Così fan tutte, conducted by Kerem Hasan in an ENO debut, and with three ENO Harewood Artists in principal roles.The season showcases some of the industry’s finest operatic talent across casts and creatives.90% of the cast this season is British, British-based or British-trained, continuing the ENO’s commitment to support and nurture homegrown talent. The ENO continues to develop new talent through the renowned ENO Harewood Artists programme and ENO Mackerras Fellowship.This season’s productions also play host to talent from around the world, including ENO debuts by Kate Lindsey, Pumeza Matshikiza, Amitai Pati, Carolyn Kuan and welcome returns for artists including Joana Carneiro, Sean Panikkar, Soloman Howard and David Junghoon Kim.To continue the successful development of new audiences, the ENO will expand its under 18s come free ticket offer to now include under 21s at all performances and at all levels of the house. The ENO will also be extending discounts available to those under 35. Ticket prices for everyone will start at £10.Following the success of the ENO’s first ever relaxed performance last season, two more are planned on the main stage for this season, which are designed to be more accessible for those who may benefit from a more relaxed environment at the theatre.The ENO’s social prescribing intervention for long-COVID, ENO Breathe, in partnership with Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust, will continue throughout 2021/22, supporting patients managing long-term symptoms of breathlessness and anxiety post-illness.The ENO will launch Finish This… a new creative music making programme for primary and secondary aged learners. Using specially commissioned operatic works as a starting point, learners will respond to and resolve unfinished music, created with the full forces of the ENO Chorus and Orchestra. ENO Artistic Director Annilese Miskimmon said: ‘To join the ENO at such a turbulent time for the industry has been a privilege as I have been blown away by the energy and commitment of the company and the fabulous freelance talent we work with. We have worked hard in lockdown to continue to bring new artistic work in innovative and pioneering ways. The overwhelming determination of all to create ambitious and brilliant opera no matter what the challenges will make this a very special season for the ENO. We have painstakingly planned this new season to give audiences a wealth of choice. The ENO’s belief that opera can provide an emotionally invaluable experience in good times and bad is demonstrated by our season which sees a return of old favourites and bold new productions. The season is one in which all can encounter the joy, the drama and the emotion of the most beautiful of art forms. The 2021/22 season offers a collection of stories from across opera’s history that are as pertinent today as ever. We have not let the past difficult year dim our ambition and I look forward to welcoming audiences both new and old back to the ENO’s home, the London Coliseum.’ ENO Music Director Martyn Brabbins said: ‘It has been a pleasure to work with Annilese on curating this long-awaited season. Whilst the seats in our home the London Coliseum have remained empty, the innovation shown across the company – from drive-ins to concert work – has enabled us to share our work in new and ambitious ways. It is with this zeal that we return to performing to live audiences. It is a huge privilege to work with such exciting talent to bring our new season of operas to life. This will be a homecoming for the company, and we look forward to welcoming old and new faces alike to our stage, pit and house.’ ENO CEO Stuart Murphy said: ‘After 3 years at the company, I continue to be inspired by the relentless innovation at the heart of the ENO. We have kept audiences’ needs front and centre during lockdown, from our social prescribing intervention for long-COVID ENO Breathe, to drive-in La bohème, TV coverage of Mozart’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah to ‘Nessun Dorma’ on Comic Relief, enabling millions to experience the ENO’s work. We were founded to bring world class opera to everyone, and I’m very proud that the ENO reaffirmed its place as the national opera house for everyone. Our teams produced work in response to the Black Lives Matter movement, we were proactive and unequivocal in our continual push for greater fairness and representation on stage, backstage and in the pit, and we showed operational resilience and flexibility in the face of continual change. This season we will extend our free ticket scheme to everyone under the age of 21, proactively growing the next generation of opera fans. Significantly, this will include seats across all parts of the auditorium and for every performance. We are unique in offering this, only possible thanks to the public investment from Arts Council England and the DCMS. Our commitment to those with disabilities, health conditions and different access needs, continues and this year we are delighted to grow the number of relaxed performances, with two more, both on the main stage. The ENO is changing, expanding and growing, and under the expert artistic guidance of Annilese Miskimmon and Martyn Brabbins, we have never been more confident in the direction of the company.’ Book tickets to English National Opera at the London Coliseum New productions at the London Coliseum HMS Pinafore Hot on the heels of his ‘grand and gorgeous extravaganza’ (Daily Telegraph) Iolanthe, Cal McCrystal will direct a new production of another Gilbert and Sullivan comic classic − HMS Pinafore. This will be the first time that the ENO has ever staged the work. An acclaimed comedy director and the mastermind behind some of the most celebrated comic scenes in theatre and film (One Man, Two Guvnors, Paddington), Cal lends his trademark slapstick humour to this farcical satire of the British class system, packed with witty characters aboard a grand naval vessel. HMS Pinafore’s score abounds with memorable musical moments: sea shanties, patter songs and witty reimagining’s of patriotic anthems. Conducting is Chris Hopkins, Principal Conductor of English Sinfonia, Musical Director of Orchestra of the City and ENO regular, following on from his success conducting The Mikado last season. A multi-talented cast brings Pinafore’s absurd characters to life. Making his operatic debut as Sir Joseph, First Lord of the Admiralty, is actor and comedian Les Dennis. Bass-baritone John Savournin sings Captain Corcoran and ENO Harewood Artist Elgan Llŷr Thomas is Ralph Rackstraw, following his role as Nanki-Poo in last season’s The Mikado, whilst new Harewood Artist Alexandra Oomens makes her ENO debut as Josephine. They are joined by award-winning baritone Marcus Farnsworth as the Boatswain, and Henry Waddington returns to the ENO as Dick Deadeye. Making a much anticipated ENO debut is Bethan Langford as Hebe with sought-after contralto Hilary Summers making a welcome return as Buttercup. The seafaring set and costumes are by Greek designer takis whose work has graced the stages of theatres across the UK and abroad and whose installations have also appeared at the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Design Museums in both London and Helsinki. Reuniting with Cal after Iolanthe is leading West End choreographer Lizzi Gee and lighting designer Tim Mitchell. The Valkyrie This autumn will see the first of celebrated director Richard Jones’s new Ring Cycle productions, which will be staged at the London Coliseum over the next five years, co-produced with the Metropolitan Opera. Commencing with The Valkyrie, a heroic tale of power and conflict set against the rich landscape of Norse mythology, eight-time Olivier Award-winner Richard Jones joins forces with ENO’s Music Director Martyn Brabbins to bring Wagner’s thunderous story to life. This is Richard Jones’s first production for the ENO in 5 years. With a new English translation by John Deathridge, the production is designed by Stuart Laing, with Adam Silverman as lighting designer, Sarah Fahie as movement director and Akhila Krishnan as video designer. Leading a stellar cast is Matthew Rose, who makes a role debut as the mighty Wotan, returning to the ENO following his ‘smoothly sonorous King Mark’ (the Guardian) in 2016’s Tristan and Isolde. Established Wagnerian Rachel Nicholls, who sang a ‘delightful’ (The Daily Express) Eva in the ENO’s 5-star 2015 production of The Mastersingers of Nuremberg, revisits the role of Brünnhilde. Nicky Spence makes his role debut as Siegmund. A former ENO Harewood Artist, versatile Scottish tenor Nicky’s last Wagner role at the ENO was a ‘world-class’ (the Independent) David in 2015’s The Mastersingers of Nuremberg. Singing his twin sister Sieglinde and also making a role debut is Emma Bell, whose performance in the Royal Opera House’s Tannhäuser in 2016 rocketed her ‘into the Wagnerian premier league’ (The Times). Respected bass Brindley Sherratt sings Hunding, and ENO favourite Susan Bickley is Fricka. The eponymous Valkyries are sung by a selection of first-class voices. Current and former ENO Harewood Artists Nadine Benjamin, Idunnu Münch, Katie Stevenson and Claire Barnett-Jones are Gerhilde, Siegrune, Grimgerde, and Rossweisse respectively. Jennifer Davis makes her ENO debut as Helmwige, following a leading role in Wagner’s Lohengrin at the Royal Opera House in 2018. Sarah-Jane Lewis sings Waltraute, Fleur Barron is Schwertleite and Mari Wyn Williams is Ortlinde. The Cunning Little Vixen One of Janáček’s best-loved later works, this production of The Cunning Little Vixen will be the first time the company has staged the opera since 2001. With a score typical of Janáček’s musical style − incorporating the folk music and speech rhythms of his Moravian roots − the tale of the capture and escape of the titular fox treads a careful balance between comic and tragic. This new production is contemporarily staged, contrasting the ageing human world with the constant renewal of the animal kingdom. This is director Jamie Manton’s first main stage production for the ENO, having previously directed The Day After at Lilian Baylis House and Paul Bunyan − ‘an exhilarating experience’ (The Mail on Sunday) – at Wilton’s Music Hall and Alexandra Palace Theatre. Joining Jamie to lead the ENO Orchestra is Martyn Brabbins, conducting his second production of the season. Set and costumes are by Tom Scutt, lighting by Lucy Carter, and movement direction is by Jenny Ogilvie. Making a much anticipated return to the ENO in the role of Vixen is outstanding British soprano Sally Matthews who last appeared at the London Coliseum in David McVicar’s La clemenza di Tito in 2005. Making her ENO debut this season as Fox is South African soprano Pumeza Matshikiza. The Forester is sung by Lester Lynch, returning to the ENO following 2018’s ‘superb’ (Daily Telegraph) Lucia di Lammermoor. The Forester’s Wife is former ENO Harewood Artist Madeleine Shaw, and Alan Oke sings the first of two roles this season, as both Schoolmaster/Mosquito. Joining them is renowned bass Clive Bayley as both Priest/Badger and Welsh soprano Ffion Edwards as Frantík/Jay. Completing the cast are current Harewoods Claire Barnett-Jones, John Findon, and Alexandra Oomens as Dog, Innkeeper (Pásek)/Cock and Pepík/Woodpecker respectively. The Handmaid’s Tale Artistic Director Annilese Miskimmon will make her ENO directorial debut this season with a new production of Poul Ruders’s The Handmaid’s Tale. The ENO last staged this outstandingly relevant work in 2003, when it received its first English language debut at the London Coliseum. Based on Margaret Atwood’s dystopian masterpiece of the same name (the basis of the hugely successful Hulu series of the same name starring Elisabeth Moss), the opera is set in a totalitarian state in which women, stripped of their identities and rights, are subjected to the whims of a patriarchal republic. Ruders’s minimalist score is filled with tension and unease, reflecting the brutality of the regime. Annilese’s previous work includes the ‘intelligent and sensitive’ (the Guardian) Jenůfa for Scottish Opera/Danish National Opera and a critically acclaimed production of Billy Budd whilst Opera Director of Norwegian National Opera. Making a much anticipated return to the ENO following her ‘superbly conducted’ (the Guardian) The Gospel According to the Other Mary (John Adams) is commended Portugese conductor Joana Carneiro. Principal Conductor of the Orquestra Sinfónica Portuguesa, Joana is highly sought after for her specialism in contemporary works. Set and costumes are by Annemarie Woods, with lighting by Paule Constable and video designed by Akhila Krishnan. Acclaimed mezzo-soprano Kate Lindsey makes both her role and ENO debuts as heroine Offred. Following his ‘impressive’ (Daily Telegraph) ENO debut in last season’s Luisa Miller, bass Soloman Howard returns, singing The Commander. ENO Harewood Artist John Findon joins the cast as Luke whilst ENO favourite Emma Bell sings Aunt Lydia. Following his successful UK debut in 2018’s Porgy and Bess, tenor Frederick Ballentine is Nick, and making her ENO debut is Raehann Bryce-Davis as Serena Joy. Another exciting talent making her ENO debut is Elin Pritchard singing Ofglen. Also included in this compelling lineup are Susan Bickley as Offred’s Mother, Pumeza Matshikiza as Moira and Alan Oke as The Doctor. They are joined by former ENO Harewood Artists Rhian Lois as Janine/Ofwarren and Madeline Shaw as Rita. Revival productions at the London Coliseum Satyagraha Returning for its fourth revival at the ENO is Phelim McDermott’s ‘unmissable masterpiece’ (Daily Telegraph) Satyagraha. A collaboration between the ENO and theatre company Improbable, Satyagraha marries Philip Glass’s hypnotic score with mesmerising stagecraft. The second in Glass’s ‘Portrait Trilogy’ (Einstein on the Beach, Satyagraha and Akhnaten), Satyagraha is based on Mahatma Gandhi’s early years in South Africa, exploring the leader’s development of non-violent protest, its non-linear libretto written entirely in Sanskrit. Making her much anticipated ENO debut is Taiwanese conductor Carolyn Kuan. Carolyn is Music Director at the Hartford Symphony Orchestra in the US and recently conducted the world premiere of Iain Bell’s Stonewall with the New York City Opera. After ‘stealing the show’ (Opera Now) during his ENO debut as Don José in 2020’s Carmen, American tenor Sean Panikkar makes a welcome return to the company, starring as M.K. Gandhi after a critically acclaimed role debut at Los Angeles Opera. Following 2017’s ‘impressive’ (The Times) UK debut in Aida, Musa Ngqungwana sings Lord Krishna. New ENO Harewood bass William Thomas makes his London Coliseum live audience debut as Parsi Rustomji following his soloist appearance in the national broadcast of Handel’s Messiah in March 2021. After huge success covering roles on stage in the ENO’s previous productions of Rigoletto and Orpheus in the Underworld, Gabriella Cassidy makes her official ENO debut as Miss Schlesen, while Ross Ramgobin makes his London Coliseum debut as Prince Arjuna following ENO Drive & Live: La bohème in September 2020. The cast is completed by James Cleverton as Mr Kallenbach, Felicity Buckland as Kasturbai − making her debut as a soloist − and Sarah Pring, who returns to the role of Mrs Alexander. La bohème Set in inter-war Paris, Jonathan Miller’s now iconic production of La bohème has travelled to stages around the world since its premiere in 2009, and now returns to the London Coliseum. In the pit is Ben Glassberg, one of Britain’s most exciting young conductors, who last conducted the ENO Orchestra at Regents Park Open Air Theatre for 2019’s Olivier Award-nominated co-production of Hansel & Gretel. Ben is currently Music Director at Opéra de Rouen Normandie, and Principal Conductor of the Glyndebourne Tour. Soprano Sinéad Campell-Wallace makes her ENO debut as Mimì, with former Harewood Artist Nadine Benjamin sharing the role for two performances. They are joined by David Junghoon Kim as Rodolfo, reprising his role following ENO Drive & Live: La bohème and returning to the London Coliseum after delivering a performance imbued with ‘radiance, lyricism and power’ (The Stage) in 2020’s Luisa Miller. Baritone Charles Rice sings Marcello, and Louise Alder makes a welcome return to the ENO as Musetta, whose ‘vocal warmth’ (The Arts Desk) as Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro was cut short by theatre closures in March 2020. The role of Schaunard is shared by Harewood Artists Alex Otterburn and Benson Wilson, the latter sang this role in ENO Drive & Live. Also reprising his Drive & Live role is William Thomas as Colline; his second ENO engagement of the season. Completing the cast is originator of these roles Simon Butteriss, as both Benoit and Alcindoro. Così fan tutte Also returning for a triumphant revival is Phelim McDermott’s riotous Così fan tutte, created in collaboration with Improbable. Premiering in 2014, the production transports audiences to a faded 1950s Coney Island-esque seaside attraction complete with pleasure garden, fairground rides, and an end-of-the-pier circus sideshow. A cast of exciting new talent – including three ENO Harewood Artists in main roles – will be joined by an ensemble of spectacular circus skills performers to set the scene and Phelim McDermott returns to direct. Taking up the baton for his ENO debut is young British conductor Kerem Hasan, Chief Conductor of the Tiroler Symphonieorchester-Innsbruck. Winner of Nestlé and Salzburg Festival Young Conductors Award, Kerem has recently conducted the London Symphony Orchestra and the Oslo Philharmonic. Nardus Williams, who recently shared the role of Mimì in ENO Drive & Live: La bohème, makes a role debut as Fiordiligi. Mezzo-soprano Hanna Hipp, who sang Cherubino in 2020’s The Marriage of Figaro will sing the role of her sister Dorabella, a role Hanna has previously sung for Seattle Opera. Known as part of the New Zealand operatic trio Sol3 Mio, tenor Amitai Pati makes his ENO debut as Ferrando, with Harewood Artist Benson Wilson singing Guglielmo following a ‘strong’ (Opera) Schaunard in ENO Drive & Live. They are joined by another current Harewood Artist, ‘diamantine’ (Daily Telegraph) soprano Soraya Mafi, also fresh from ENO Drive & Live where she sang Musetta. ENO favourite Neal Davies completes this lineup as Don Alfonso, returning to the London Coliseum following 2017’s Rodelinda. As part of the ENO’s continued efforts to make the opera industry more accessible, inclusive and representative of the society in which we live, the Chorus and Orchestra Fellowships and Director Observership programme, which launched in 2019, will continue to run into the new season. A new recruitment of five string fellows and four choristers from an ethnically diverse background will join the ENO Orchestra and Chorus respectively for the 2021/22 season, while the ENO’s paid Director Observership programme offers the opportunity for four emerging directors from an ethnically diverse background to work alongside world-renowned opera directors, observing the entire process of directing an opera from start to finish. This forms part of the ENO’s continued commitment to nurture diverse talent and increase opportunities for those who are currently under-represented, both in London and nationally. As part of this goal we are continuing our scheme for aspiring reviewers, ENO Response, for a second season. ENO Response gives aspiring journalists and reviewers the opportunity to produce opera reviews and receive writing advice and feedback. The ENO’s student placement scheme for instrumentalists, ENO Evolve, gives students the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated full-time opera orchestra. The placement offers undergraduates from the Royal College of Music the chance to play with and learn from our ENO Orchestra. The ENO Mackerras Fellowship for emerging conductors continues into the new season and is currently held by fellow Olivia Clarke. The structured two-year programme provides a unique opportunity for an exceptional emerging conductor to develop their skills with mentoring from ENO Music Director Martyn Brabbins, members of the ENO music team and visiting conductors; as well as providing invaluable performance opportunities. Listings information: ENO performances at the London Coliseum Philip Glass − Satyagraha Vocal Text by Constance de Jong (adapted from the ‘Bhagavad Gita’) Book by Philip Glass and Constance De Jong Revival 14 October − 28 October 2021 Oct 14, 16, 20, 23, 27, 28 at 19.00 Oct 17 at 15.00 Seven performances Conductor: Carolyn Kuan, Director: Phelim McDermott, Revival Director: Peter Relton, Set Designer/Associate Director: Julian Crouch, Costume Designer: Kevin Pollard, Lighting Designer: Paule Constable, Revival Lighting Designer: Kevin Sleep, Video Designer: Leo Warner and Mark Grimmer, Revival Movement Director and puppetry: Rob Thirtle. Cast includes: Sean Panikkar (M.K. Gandhi), Musa Ngqungwana (Lord Krishna), William Thomas (Parsi Rustomji), Felicity Buckland (Kasturbai), James Cleverton (Mr Kallenbach), Sarah Pring (Mrs Alexander), Ross Ramgobin (Prince Arjuna), Gabriella Cassidy (Miss Schlesen). Co-produced with the Metropolitan Opera, New York. In collaboration with Improbable. Arthur Sullivan – HMS Pinafore Libretto by W.S. Gilbert New production 29 October − 11 December 2021 Oct 29 at 19.00 Oct 30, Nov 6, 12, 17, 18, 27, 30 & Dec 3, 6, 9, 11 at 19.30 Oct 30 & Nov 6, 7, 14, 27 at 15.00 Nov 20 at 14.00 Signed performance: Nov 17 at 19.30 Relaxed performance: Dec 3 at 13.30 19 performances Conductor: Chris Hopkins, Director: Cal McCrystal, Set Designer/Costume Designer: takis, Lighting Designer: Tim Mitchell, Choreographer: Lizzi Gee. Cast includes: Les Dennis (Sir Joseph), John Savournin (Captain Corcoran), Elgan Llŷr Thomas (Ralph Rackstraw), Henry Waddington (Dick Deadeye), Marcus Farnsworth (Boatswain), Alexandra Oomens (Josephine), Bethan Langford (Hebe), Hilary Summers (Buttercup). Richard Wagner −The Valkyrie Libretto by Richard Wagner New production 19 November − 10 December 2021 Nov 19, 22, 25 & Dec 1, 7, 10 at 17.00 Nov 28 & Dec 4 at 14.30 Eight performances Conductor: Martyn Brabbins/Anthony Negus (7 Dec), Director: Richard Jones, Set Designer/Costume Designer: Stewart Laing, Lighting Designer: Adam Silverman, Video Designer: Akhila Krishnan, Movement Director: Sarah Fahie, Translator: John Deathridge. Cast includes: Matthew Rose (Wotan), Rachel Nicholls (Brünnhilde), Nicky Spence (Siegmund), Emma Bell (Sieglinde), Brindley Sherratt (Hunding), Susan Bickley (Fricka), Claire Barnett-Jones (Rossweisse), Fleur Barron (Schwertleite), Nadine Benjamin (Gerhilde), Jennifer Davis (Helmwige), Sarah-Jane Lewis (Waltraute), Idunnu Münch (Siegrune), Katie Stevenson (Grimgerde), Mari Wyn Williams (Ortlinde). Co-produced with the Metropolitan Opera, New York. Giacomo Puccini − La bohème Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa Revival 31 January − 27 February 2022 Jan 31 & Feb 2, 4, 10, 12, 19, 23, 25, 27 at 19.30 Feb 5, 12, 19, 27 at 14.30 13 performances Conductor: Ben Glassberg, Director: Jonathan Miller, Set and Costume Designer: Isabella Bywater, Lighting Designer: Jean Kalman. Revival Lighting Designer: Kevin Sleep, Translator: Amanda Holden Cast includes: Sinéad Campell-Wallace/Nadine Benjamin (Matinees 12, 18, 27 Feb) (Mimì), David Junghoon Kim (Rodolfo), Charles Rice (Marcello), Louise Alder (Musetta), William Thomas (Colline), Benson Wilson/Alex Otterburn (Schaunard), Simon Butteriss (Benoît/Alcindoro). A co-production with Cincinnati Opera. Leoš Janáček − The Cunning Little Vixen Libretto by Leoš Janáček New production 18 February −1 March 2022 Feb 18, 22, 24, 26 & Mar 1 at 19.30 Feb 20 at 15.00 Relaxed performance: Feb 26 at 14.30 Seven performances Conductor: Martyn Brabbins, Director: Jamie Manton, Set Designer/Costume Designer: Tom Scutt, Lighting Designer: Lucy Carter, Movement Director: Jenny Ogilvie, Translator: Robert T. Jones & Yveta Synek Graff. Cast includes: Sally Matthews (Vixen), Pumeza Matshikiza (Fox), Madeleine Shaw (Forester’s Wife/Owl), Alan Oke (Schoolmaster/Owl), Lester Lynch (Forester), Claire Barnett-Jones (Dog), Clive Bayley (Priest (Parson)/Badger), John Findon (Innkeeper (Pásek)/Cock), Sarah-Jane Lewis (Innkeeper’s Wife/Hen), Alexandra Oomens (Pepík/Woodpecker), Ffion Edwards (Frantík/Jay). Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart − Così fan tutte Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte Revival 10 − 22 March 2022 Mar 10, 14, 16, 18, 22 at 19.00 Mar 12 at 18.00 Mar 20 at 15.00 Signed performance: Mar 16 at 19.00 Seven performances Conductor: Kerem Hasan, Director: Phelim McDermott, Set Designer: Tom Pye, Costume Designer: Laura Hopkins, Lighting Designer: Paule Constable, Revival Lighting Designer: Kevin Sleep. Translator: Jeremy Sams. Cast includes: Nardus Williams (Fiordiligi), Hanna Hipp (Dorabella), Amitai Pati (Ferrando), Benson Wilson (Guglielmo), Soraya Mafi (Despina), Neal Davies (Don Alfonso). Co-produced with the Metropolitan Opera, New York. In collaboration with Improbable. Poul Ruders − The Handmaid’s Tale Libretto by Paul Bentley (based on the novel by Margaret Atwood) New production 4 − 14 April 2022 Apr 4, 6, 8, 12, 14 at 19.30 Apr 10 at 15.00 Six performances Conductor: Joana Carneiro, Director: Annilese Miskimmon, Set Designer/Costume Designer: Annemarie Woods, Lighting Designer: Paule Constable, Video Designer: Akhila Krishnan, Movement Director: Imogen Knight. Cast includes: Kate Lindsey (Offred), John Findon (Luke), Susan Bickley (Offred’s Mother), Emma Bell (Aunt Lydia), Pumeza Matshikiza (Moira), Rhian Lois (Janine/Offwaren), Raehann Bryce-Davis (Serena Joy), Madeleine Shaw (Rita), Solomon Howard (The Commander), Frederick Ballentine (Nick), Elin Pritchard (Ofglen), Alan Oke (The Doctor). Book tickets to English National Opera at the London Coliseum

Production photos of Calixto Bieito's Carmen at English National Opera First Look at Calixto Bieito's acclaimed production of Carmen which is currently playing at the ENO. Set during the dying days of Franco's Spain, Bizet's Carmen is a passionate tale of lust, seduction and betrayal.  No other opera boasts as popular a following . Carmen plays a strictly limited season until 3 July 2015 at the ENO. Book tickets to English National Opera productions at the London Coliseum > [ngg src="galleries" ids="496" display="basic_thumbnail"] Photos by Roy Tan

Win a pair of tickets to see Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance! Sentimental pirates, blundering policeman, absurd adventures and improbable paradoxes – Gilbert and Sullivan’s dazzling The Pirates of Penzance comes to ENO in a highly anticipated new production from renowned film maker and director Mike Leigh (Mr Turner, Another Year). This much-loved comic opera is a showcase of brilliant humour and razor-sharp wit and features a sparkling score chock-full of memorable melodies and catchy tunes. With stylish designs from Alison Chitty, this vibrant production is conducted by David Parry. The superb cast includes the ever-versatile Andrew Shore as the very model of a modern Major-General, Jonathan Lemalu as the affectionate parody of the British bobby, Robert Murray as the innocent pirate-apprentice Frederic, and Rebecca de Pont Davies as the older woman who has designs on him. BOOK Book tickets to The Pirates of Penzance   [contesthopper contest="36662"]   The Pirates of Penzance is sung and surtitled in English | Running time: 2hrs 20mins London Coliseum 9 May – 27 June 2015 Terms & conditions: Enter your name and email address to join our mailing list and enter the Free Prize Draw. You can unsubscribe at any time. The Prize is valid 9 May 2015 – 27 June 2015. Subject to availability. Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged. No cash alternative will be offered. The competition closes at 11.59pm on Friday 26 April 2015. Any entries submitted after this time will not be eligible. The winner will be selected at random and notified via email. The Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged. Tickets are subject to availability. Read WestEndTheatre.com’s general competition Terms and Conditions here.

Production photos of The Indian Queen at the London Coliseum. Devised by acclaimed Director Peter Sellars, this production of The Indian Queen is a vibrant, rich and transcendent score of Purcell's final unfinished opera. The production is a spectacle of music, theatre, dance, literature and visual art which has been reworked around a new text and the inclusion of a number of Purcell's most ravishing religious anthems. The show features stunning set designs from LA based graffiti artist, Gronk, with choreography by Christopher Williams,  costumes by Dunya Ramicova and lighting by James F. Ingalls. [ngg src="galleries" ids="471" display="basic_imagebrowser"]  Photos by Roy Tan The Indian Queen is playing at the London Coliseum from 26 February 2015 til 14 March 2015. Book tickets to English National Opera productions at the London Coliseum >

Production photos of  Verdi's tragic masterpiece La Traviata at the London Coliseum. The ENO's production of La Traviata, directed by Peter Konwitschny,  is playing at the London Coliseum from 9 February 2015 until 13 March 2015.  The production stars Elizabeth Zharoff as Violetta, Ben Johnson as Alfredo and Anthony Michaels-Moore as Germont. A Parisian courtesan, a young bourgeois and a strict society that keeps them apart – experience Verdi’s tragic masterpiece this year. [ngg src="galleries" ids="441" display="basic_imagebrowser"]  Photos by Roy Tan

Win a pair of tickets to see La bohème at the London Coliseum! [caption id="" align="alignright" width="240"] La Boheme at the London Coliseum[/caption] Experience one of opera’s greatest love stories, tracing the doomed relationship between the impoverished poet Rodolfo and his seamstress girlfriend Mimì. La bohème is one of the world’s most popular and captivating operas. With its heartrending story and featuring some of Puccini’s most ravishingly beautiful music, it never fails to move and enchant. Jonathan Miller’s stylish and acclaimed production, inspired by photographs of the 1930s Paris Left Bank, makes its third revival on the London Coliseum stage. Angel Blue, a sensational Musetta in ENO’s 2013 production, makes her role debut as Mimì, alongside David Butt Philip as Rodolfo. ENO Harewood Artist George von Bergen sings Marcello, while long-standing company favourite Andrew Shore takes the cameo roles of Benoit and Alcindoro. La bohème is sung and surtitled in English. Win a pair of tickets to see La bohème at the London Coliseum. [contesthopper contest="31091"]   London Coliseum St Martin's Lane London WC2N 4ES 29 October – 6 December Box Office: 020 7845 9300 www.eno.org/boheme Terms and conditions apply. Prize is valid on performances from 29 October – 6 December 2014. Subject to availability. Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged. Terms & conditions: Enter your name and email address to join our mailing list and enter the Free Prize Draw. You can unsubscribe at any time. The Prize is valid on performances from 29 October – 6 December 2014 The competition closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 28 September 2014. Any entries submitted after this time will not be eligible. The winner will be selected at random and notified via email. The Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged. Tickets are subject to availability. Read WestEndTheatre.com's general competition Terms and Conditions here. Book Tickets to La boheme >  

Production photos of English National Opera's production of Xerxes at the London Coliseum Sir Nicholas Hytner directs and translates this iconic production of Handel’s comic opera, which returns to the Coliseum until 3 October 2014. With designs by David Fielding evoking Vauxhall’s pleasure gardens in the eighteenth century, this Olivier Award-winning production features a cast led by Alice Coote as Xerxes, Andrew Watts as Arsamenes, and Sarah Tynan as Romilda. Xerxes is conducted by Michael Hofstetter. Photos by Roy Tan Book tickets to English National Opera productions at the London Coliseum >

Production photos of English National Opera's Otello at the London Coliseum. Verdi's extraordinary opera Otello, based on Shakespeare’s great tragedy, comes to the London Coliseum this Autumn (13 September to 17 October 2014). This major new production by the ENO is timed to celebrate the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth and is directed by David Alden (Peter Grimes - ENO), with ENO Music Director Edward Gardner. A powerful cast includes star tenor - and 2014 International Opera Awards Male Singer of the Year - Stuart Skelton, who sings Otello for the first time, plus Leah Crocetto as Desdemona and Jonathan Summers as Iago. Otello is sung and surtitled in English. Photos by Roy Tan Book tickets to English National Opera productions at the London Coliseum >

Production photos of English National Opera's  The Pearl Fishers at the London Coliseum ENO's production of Bizet's opera The Pearl Fishers returns to London Coliseum this summer. Opening with an extraordinary underwater sequence, this visually stunning production is directed by acclaimed film-maker Penny Woolcock. The cast includes soprano Sophie Bevan, John Tessier and George von Bergen. The conductor is Jean-Luc Tingaud. The Pearl Fishers is playing at the London Coliseum until 5 July 2014. Photos by Roy Tan Book tickets to English National Opera productions at the London Coliseum >

Production photos of English National Opera's Thebans at the London Coliseum Book tickets to English National Opera productions at the London Coliseum > Acclaimed British composer Julian Anderson and distinguished playwright Frank McGuinness collaborate on this compelling re-telling of Sophocles’ classic Theban tragedies. Centred on the fate of Oedipus and his daughter Antigone, a swirling plot of murder and incest, political ambition, love and loyalty, hatred and revenge drive set the characters on a collision course to catastrophe. De Nederlandse Opera Artistic Director Pierre Audi makes his anticipated ENO debut with this world premiere production, with music direction by Edward Gardner leading the ENO Chorus and Orchestra. A superb cast includes Roland Wood as Oedipus, Susan Bickley as Jocasta, Julia Sporsén as Antigone and Peter Hoare as Creon. [ngg src="galleries" ids="284" display="basic_imagebrowser"]Photos by Roy Tan Book tickets to English National Opera productions at the London Coliseum >

Production photos of English National Opera's Peter Grimes at the London Coliseum. Book tickets to English National Opera productions at the London Coliseum > The first revival of David Alden's 2009 five-star sell-out production, Peter Grimes is back at the London Coliseum as part of English National Opera's 2014 season. ENO Music Director Edward Gardner conducts Benjamin Britten's electrifying score, with Stuart Skelton heading an outstanding cast in his return to the title role. Photos by Roy Tan. Book tickets to English National Opera productions at the London Coliseum >

Productions photos of ENO's The Magic Flute at the London Coliseum. Book tickets to English National Opera productions at the London Coliseum > Brimming with stunning theatricality and extraordinary imagination, the ENO presents their spectacular new staging of one of the greatest and most popular operas ever written - The Magic Flute. Mozart’s beloved magical tale follows Prince Tamino and bird-catcher Papageno on an adventure to rescue Princess Pamina. On their journey they meet fantastical creatures and face unexpected trials and challenges in a light-hearted but profound examination of man’s search for love and his struggle to attain wisdom and virtue. Complicite's artistic director Simon McBurney brings this innovative new interpretation to the London Coliseum stage – making the orchestra a visible part of the action and using breathtaking projections throughout. Conducted by Gergely Madaras (ENO Charles Mackerras Fellow), The Magic Flute features ENO Harewood Artist Ben Johnson as Tamino, American soprano Devon Guthrie as Pamina, Roland Wood as the bird-catcher Papageno and James Creswell as Sarastro.   [ngg src="galleries" ids="217" display="basic_imagebrowser"] Photos by Roy Tan Book tickets to English National Opera productions at the London Coliseum >

Production photos of English National Opera's Death in Venice at the London Coliseum. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="240"] Death in Venice at the London Coliseum[/caption] Britten’s acclaimed opera Death in Venice is revived by English National Opera at the London Coliseum. Deborah Warner's critically celebrated production of Britten's final opera celebrates the composer's centenary year. This production reunites Warner with ENO Music Director Edward Gardner, who returns to Britten following ENO's productions of Billy Budd (2012) and Peter Grimes (2009). Until 26 June 2013. Photos by Roy Tan. Book tickets to English National Opera productions at the London Coliseum > [ngg src="galleries" ids="176" display="basic_imagebrowser"]

ENO and Sky collaborate again on a world-first broadcasting project, with the first live opera in 3D around ENO's new production of Lucrezia Borgia, directed by Mike Figgis. Both ENO and Sky Arts are committed to developing new audiences for the arts and to pioneering innovative and dynamic ways to present opera and this project continues these ambitions. The partnership will create the world's first 'quadcast' on 23 February 2011 with a live broadcast on Sky Arts 2 (HD), Sky 3D and live into selected cinemas in 3D around the UK and a deferred relay in 2D into selected cinemas internationally. The fourth element of the 'quadcast', onto Sky Arts 1, is directed by Mike Figgis, and will allow audiences a closer understanding of his concept for Lucrezia Borgia as well as including interviews with people behind the scenes. ENO's new production of Lucrezia Borgia brings together opera and film in a unique and compelling way. This new staging integrates a newly commissioned film by Mike Figgis which runs at interludes throughout the performance. Set in location in Rome with an outstanding cast of Italian actors, the film provides a parallel narrative about the early life of Lucrezia Borgia and is accompanied by a film soundtrack produced from Donizetti's original score. Mike Figgis's film is central to the concept and direction of the opera and bears all the hallmarks of a classic Figgis treatment. Lucrezia Borgia follows the success of two recent Donizetti productions - The Elixir of Love and Lucia di Lammermoor. Staged for the first time in the Company's history, it is conducted by one of Britain's most important conductors, Paul Daniel, with acclaimed lyric soprano Claire Rutter in the title role. Fast rising star Michael Fabiano, who made an impressive UK debut in his portrayal of the Duke of Mantua in ENO's revival of Rigoletto, sings the role of Gennaro. British bass Alastair Miles sings the role of Alfonso d'Este, Elizabeth DeShong makes her ENO debut as Maffio Orsini and Richard Roberts is Rustighel. Mike Figgis is best known for films such as Leaving Las Vegas and Internal Affairs, yet his background in theatre, music and the visual arts as a performer and director is eclectic. It ranges from his earliest projects, including Redhugh, Slow Fade and Animals of the City, which won awards for their innovative blend of live action with music and film, to his role as musician and performer in the experimental group People Show. He has focused on film for the past 20 years, taking artistic risks, experimenting with digital technology and producing works such as the ground-breaking Timecode and Hotel. This new production of Lucrezia Borgia shows his visionary talent applied in an operatic context for the first time. Donzietti's psychologically profound masterpiece is loosely based on the Borgias and follows the complicated relationship between mother and illegitimate son, exploring the brutal nature of Machiavellian politics and the struggle for power. Lucrezia's reputation as a ruthless femme fatale precedes her; such status is shown to be entirely justified when she unwittingly condemns her own son, Gennaro, and his friends to death after they deface her family crest. Although she manages to save Gennaro from death once, the second attempt she makes on his friends' lives ends in tragedy as his rejects Lucrezia as his mother and embraces death with his friends. Lucrezia's motherly tenderness in spite of her reputation runs throughout the opera, as well as providing a strong element of drama in this opera's tragic conclusion. Designer Es Devlin has worked extensively in opera, theatre and dance with artists such as David McVicar, Max Stafford Clark and Russell Maliphant, as well as designing large-scale concert tours by artists such as Take That and Kanye West. The creative team is completed with costume designer Brigitte Reiffenstuel and lighting designer Peter Mumford. John Berry, ENO's Artistic Director said, 'ENO's second collaboration with Sky Arts not only gives audiences a unique opportunity to view Mike Figgis's production of Lucrezia Borgia in a multitude of ways, it also reflects ENO's ambition to create an exciting future for opera and reach out to a wider audience through innovative collaborations with the wider arts.' John Cassy, Channel Director, Sky 3D commented, 'Our work with ENO on La bohème was a groundbreaking production, simulcasting both the production on stage, and the work backstage. We're delighted to be able to continue this relationship with another pioneering project. Simultaneously broadcasting on three channels, as well as the world's first live 3D opera, is a huge challenge but one that we're delighted to tackle. Having Mike Figgis at the helm, along with the esteemed company of ENO, will guarantee a dramatic, thrilling and unique operatic experience, which perfectly reflects the shared ambitions of Sky 3D and Sky Arts, to bring the best of the arts to new audiences in exciting and innovative ways.' New production supported by Lord and Lady Laidlaw and the Friends of ENO Release issued by: ENO press office LINKS Book tickets to English National Opera productions at the London Coliseum >