- Venue London Coliseum, London
- Performance dates Booking to 18 November 2025
- Running time 2 hours 50 minutes (including 1 interval)
- Age guidelines 18+
Dead Man Walking at ENO – A Landmark Operatic Event
Jake Heggie and Terrence McNally’s Dead Man Walking received its London Coliseum premiere as part of English National Opera’s 2025/26 season, marking 25 years since the opera’s world premiere. It won the 2026 Olivier Award for Best New Opera.
This powerful production, directed by ENO Artistic Director Annilese Miskimmon, brought to life a deeply moving story of redemption, justice, and moral courage. Based on Sister Helen Prejean’s memoir and the Oscar-winning film, the opera unfolded within the stark confines of a high-security US prison.
Widely regarded as the most performed contemporary opera of modern times, Dead Man Walking captivated London audiences with its emotional intensity and haunting score.
What Was Dead Man Walking About?
Inspired by true events, Dead Man Walking follows Sister Helen Prejean as she becomes the spiritual adviser to Joseph De Rocher, a man on death row.
As his execution approaches, she confronts profound questions of faith, forgiveness, and justice—while navigating the grief of the victims’ families and seeking the truth from a man who may never confess.
Set to Jake Heggie’s evocative score, the opera remains one of the most compelling explorations of humanity and morality in modern opera.
Missed Dead Man Walking?
Although Dead Man Walking has now closed at the London Coliseum, you can explore more opera and theatre tickets in London currently on sale.
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More about the story
Joseph De Rocher faces execution for the brutal murder of two teenagers. As he maintains his innocence, Sister Helen Prejean offers spiritual guidance while witnessing the devastating impact of his crimes on the victims’ families.
The opera charts an intense emotional journey, asking whether truth, redemption, or forgiveness can ever truly be achieved.
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Performance Information
Check booking calendar for full details
- Evenings
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Saturday
- Group Bookings For groups of 10+ enquire here
Stars and Creatives
Who is in the cast of Dead Man Walking?
- Sister Helen Prejean: Christine Rice
- Joseph De Rocher: Michael Mayes
- Mrs Patrick De Rocher: Sarah Connolly
- Sister Rose: Madeline Boreham
- Warden George Benton: Andrew Manea
- Father Grenville: Ronald Samm
- Kitty Hart: Gweneth Ann Rand
- Owen Hart: Jacques Imbrailo
- Jade Boucher: Catherine Carby
- Howard Boucher: Hubert Francis
- Motorcycle Cop: Zwakele Tshabalala
- Older Brother: Michael Lafferty
- Younger Brother: Marcus Swietlicki
- Sister Catherine: Olivia Rose Tringham
- Sister Lillianne: Amy Holyland
- Prison Guard 1: Alaric Green
- Prison Guard 2: Malachy Frame
Who are the creative team of Dead Man Walking?
- Jake Heggie – Composer
- Terrence McNally – Librettist
- Kerem Hasan – Conductor
- Annilese Miskimmon – Director
- Alex Eales – Set Designer
- Evie Gurney – Costume Designer
- D.M. Wood – Lighting Designer
- Imogen Knight – Movement and Intimacy Director
Venue Information
London Coliseum , St. Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES
Nearest Tube or Train: Leicester Square (Northern line, Piccadilly line), Charing Cross (Northern line, Bakerloo line), Embankment (Northern line, Bakerloo line, District line, Circle line)
Nearest Buses: 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 53, 77a, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176
Google
AppleCritics' reviews of Dead Man Walking
★★★★★ “This extraordinary show has the most shocking spectacle I’ve seen in opera” The Telegraph
★★★★★ “Searing honesty and humanity in ENO’s staging of Heggie’s compelling opera” The Guardian
★★★★★ “Stunning... Contemporary opera at its very best” The Times
★★★★ “Worth the 25-year wait to see this opera finally staged in London” Evening Standard
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