The Show In this ENO first, join us for May Day celebrations in a fresh and witty new take on Britten's much-loved coming-of-age comedy.
Following the success of ENO's previous semi-staged productions - Gloriana, Duke Bluebeard's Castle, and Suor Angelica - Albert Herring will be directed and designed by multi-award winning Antony McDonald and conducted by Daniel Cohen, making his ENO debut on the podium.
OverviewLoxford, 1943.
A typical small market town, where nothing escapes the eye of the redoubtable Lady Billows and her housekeeper Florence Pike.
When there are no virtuous girls left in the village, the May Queen organising committee decide to break with tradition and crown the shy and innocent greengrocer's boy Albert Herring as the May King.
But heavy is the head that wears the May King crown, and Albert's friend Sid intervenes with some mischievous assistance throughout the day as Albert accepts his fate and the cash prize.
Join us as Albert's newfound village status leads to an alcohol-fuelled night of debauchery and self-discovery.
Showing in London and Salford, this funny, quirky and off-centre opera is the perfect commentary on small town eccentricities and will be sure to set curtains twitching and tongues wagging, up and down the country.
Staging & ScoreComposed in 1947, Britten demonstrates his versatility by creating a good-natured comedy.
From its gentle ribbing of English Victorian music to its sly quote from Wagner, his light-hearted touch lets the humour shine through the music.
The score also requires the same thirteen instruments that he used in his previous opera The Rape of Lucretia.
Theatre details
London Coliseum
London Coliseum St Martin`s Lane London WC2N 4ES
Directions: 3 min walk from Charing Cross Station. Cross the Strand and continue along Adelaide Street, left along William IV Street, then right onto St Martin`s Lane and the Coliseum will be on the right.
Tube: Leicester Square station is 2 minute walk (189 metres)
Leicester Square station is 2 minute walk (189 metres)
Dear . Fantastic news! You have a credit of to spend against your next hotel booking. Hotel Direct has awarded this money back to you in thanks for your regular custom. We hope that you have an opportunity to enjoy this personal money-off offer very soon. T&Cs apply.
You'll have an opportunity to add return rail tickets after selecting your show and hotel. Rail tickets are often cheaper as part of our packages
