• Venue London Coliseum, London
  • Performance dates 29 November 2026
  • Running time 2 hours 30 minutes (including interval)
  • Age guidelines 15+

To Die for [A Comedy] in London

English National Opera presents To Die for [A Comedy] at the London Coliseum for one performance only on 29 November 2026.

Created by British-Russian composer Elena Langer, this sharp black comedy explores celebrity culture, media obsession and the strange spectacle of modern life through an exuberant and darkly entertaining new opera.

Originally commissioned by the Stanislavski-Nemirovich-Danchenko Theatre in Moscow, the production was cancelled following the invasion of Ukraine after being deemed insufficiently patriotic.

Blending absurd humour with biting social satire, To Die for [A Comedy] transforms personal crisis into public entertainment in a surreal opera filled with wit, chaos and uncomfortable truths.

Book To Die for [A Comedy] tickets now for this special ENO presentation at the London Coliseum.

What is To Die for [A Comedy] about?

Semyón Podsekayev dreams of escaping his unhappy life, hoping that learning the tuba might somehow save him.

But when his despair attracts the attention of opportunists eager to profit from his suffering, his personal crisis spirals into a grotesque public spectacle.

As television presenter Ivan Vane transforms Semyón’s struggles into a sensational reality show, To Die for [A Comedy] becomes a darkly comic satire about fame, exploitation and the value of human life.

What to Expect at To Die for [A Comedy]

Performed in English with surtitles, the production combines bold contemporary opera with surreal comedy, theatrical spectacle and razor-sharp satire.

Audiences can expect inventive staging, dark humour and an original score by Elena Langer in this striking ENO production.

Performance Information

Tickets by Month
Nov 2026

Stars and Creatives

Who are the creative team of To Die for [A Comedy]?

  • Composer: Elena Langer
  • Presented by: English National Opera
  • Guest Opera Company: Nederlandse Reisopera
  • Orchestra: Phion Symphony Orchestra
  • Originally commissioned by the Stanislavski-Nemirovich-Danchenko Theatre in Moscow.

Important Notes

Content Advice: This opera contains themes of suicide, strong language and loud gun shots.
Language: Sung in English, with English surtitles projected above the stage.

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

Directions

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Frequently Asked Questions

To Die for [A Comedy] is playing at the London Coliseum in London
The running time of To Die for [A Comedy] is 2 hours 30 minutes (including interval)
The age recommendations for To Die for [A Comedy] are: 15+
To buy official London Theatre tickets to To Die for [A Comedy], click on the Get Tickets button at the top of this page. You will be able to access the booking calendar to check live ticket availability and prices and see any exclusive offers or discounts. You will be purchasing tickets from an authorised retailer and member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers.
Yes, To Die for [A Comedy] has matinee performances on the following days:

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