• Venue Royal Opera House, London
  • Performance dates 30 November 2026 - 18 December 2026
  • Running time 2 hours and 50 minutes (including interval)

Book tickets for Un Ballo in Maschera (A Masked Ball) at the Royal Opera House and experience a playfully surreal new production of Verdi’s opera live in London.

Un Ballo in Maschera at the Royal Opera House, London

A murderous affair. Director Philipp Stölzl makes his Royal Opera debut with a playfully surreal new production of Un Ballo in Maschera (A Masked Ball), featuring costumes by Antony McDonald. Charles Castronovo, Malin Byström, Aleksei Isaev, Anita Rachvelishvili and Kseniia Nikolaieva star, with Jakub Hrůša conducting.

Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera draws loosely from real historical events, recounting the story of Sweden’s King Gustav III (1746–1792), his assassination at the hands of aggrieved nobleman Jacob Johan Anckarström and the fortune-teller Madame Ulrica Arvidsson, who allegedly predicted the king’s tragic fate.

The opera is sung in Italian with English surtitles, which are displayed on screens above the stage and around the auditorium.

Why see Un Ballo in Maschera?

German director Philipp Stölzl crafts a visually arresting production that illuminates the inherent theatrics of Verdi’s stirring opera. Stunning costumes by Antony McDonald (Alcina, Hansel and Gretel) celebrate the uncanny, with rotating sets, also by Stölzl, echoing the propulsive movement of Ballo’s richly layered score.

Book Un Ballo in Maschera tickets

Un Ballo in Maschera runs at the Royal Opera House on select dates from 30 November to 18 December 2026. We recommend booking early to secure your preferred seats.

King Gustavo III is tormented by his love for Amelia, the wife of his closest friend Count Anckarstroem. His conscience prevents him from acting on his desire, but his mind is powerless to his passion. When Anckarstroem warns Gustavo of a deadly conspiracy taking shape, Gustavo ignores the threat. A visit to the fortune-teller Madame Ulrica Arvidson reveals good news: Amelia returns the king’s feelings. But Ulrica also warns that the next man to shake Gustavo’s hand will be his killer – and that man happens to be Anckarstroem.

Performance Information

Tickets by Month
Nov 2026
Dec 2026

Stars and Creatives

Who is in the cast of Un Ballo in Maschera?

Starring:

  • Charles Castronovo
  • Malin Byström
  • Aleksei Isaev
  • Anita Rachvelishvili
  • Kseniia Nikolaieva

Who are the creative team of Un Ballo in Maschera?

  • Composer: Giuseppe Verdi
  • Libretto: Antonio Somma
  • Director and Designer: Philipp Stölzl
  • Costume Designer: Antony McDonald
  • Lighting Designer: Fabiana Piccioli
  • Movement Director: Sarah Fahie

Important Notes

More information available soon. As this is a new production, age guidance and content warnings may be subject to change.

Language: Sung in Italian with English surtitles, which are displayed on screens above the stage and around the auditorium.

Venue Information

Royal Opera House , Bow Street, London, WC2E 9DD

Nearest Tube or Train: Covent Garden (Piccadilly line), Leicester Square (Piccadilly line, Northern line)

Nearest Buses: 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 26, 68, 76, 77a, 91, 168, 171, 176, 188, 501(southbound only), 505, 521, X68 all go to the Aldwych.

Directions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Un Ballo in Maschera is playing at the Royal Opera House in London
The running time of Un Ballo in Maschera is 2 hours and 50 minutes (including interval)
To buy official London Theatre tickets to Un Ballo in Maschera, 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, Un Ballo in Maschera has matinee performances on the following days:

Un Ballo in Maschera is sung in Italian with English surtitles, which are displayed on screens above the stage and around the auditorium.

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