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Carmen Tickets

London Coliseum

Opens 8th October

This fiery, political and provocative revival of Bizet’s tragic operatic masterwork relocates the setting to Franco-era Spain.

Burning Passion: Carmen Tickets On Sale Now!

Passion and tragedy ignite as the English National Opera present a new revival of Carmen at the London Coliseum. This scintillating production offers a raw and intense portrayal of Bizet’s classic opera, exploring the destructive power of desire and the consequences of freedom. Don’t miss the hottest opera of the season - secure your tickets to this sizzling show today.

What is the opera Carmen about?

Set in Seville, Carmen tells the story of a passionate and free-spirited woman who works in a cigarette factory. She becomes the object of desire for Don José, a soldier who abandons his duties and fiancée to be with her. However, Carmen's affections wane, and she becomes enamoured with the charismatic toreador, Escamillo. Consumed by jealousy and unable to accept her rejection, Don José's obsession leads to a tragic conclusion. Bizet's opera delves into themes of love, freedom, and fate, underscored by a vibrant and emotive score.

Bizet's Carmen premiered in 1875 and was revolutionary for its time, portraying a strong, independent female protagonist who defies societal norms. This revival of Calixto Bieito’s acclaimed production is set in the politically charged atmosphere of 1970s Spain, and its gritty, provocative staging delves into themes of seduction, obsession, and freedom, drawing parallels between Carmen's personal rebellion and the broader struggle for freedom during Franco's regime.

With its compelling narrative and iconic score, including the famous "Habanera" and "Toreador Song," Carmen remains a timeless tale that continues to captivate audiences - and this is Bizet’s fiery masterpiece as you’ve never seen it before. Secure your tickets today!

Who are the cast of the opera Carmen?

The cast includes mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan (La bohème, The Marriage of Figaro) as Carmen, tenor John Findon (The Magic Flute, Rigoletto) as Don José, baritone Cory McGee (Don Giovanni, La traviata) as Escamillo, and soprano Ava Dodd (The Turn of the Screw, La bohème) as Micaëla.

Who are the creative team of the ENO’s Carmen?

Carmen is conducted by Clelia Cafiero (La traviata, Madama Butterfly) and Olivia Clarke (The Barber of Seville, The Elixir of Love), and directed by two time Olivier Award-nominee Jamie Manton (The Day After, The Mask of Orpheus), with original direction by Calixto Bieito (Don Giovanni, The Abduction from the Seraglio). The design team includes Alfons Flores (set, Turandot, Aida), Mercè Paloma (costumes, La fanciulla del West, Il trovatore), and Bruno Poet (lighting, Frankenstein, Miss Saigon), with Haruka Kuroda (The Turn of the Screw, The Magic Flute) as Intimacy and Fight Director, and translation by Christopher Cowell (La bohème, The Marriage of Figaro).

Book Tickets for Carmen at the London Coliseum!

Don't miss the chance to experience the flames of passion with this powerful revival of Carmen at the London Coliseum. With compelling performances, innovative staging, and Bizet's unforgettable music, Carmen promises an evening of intense emotion and dramatic storytelling. Secure your tickets for this fiery, political twist on a classic opera today!

Performance dates:
08 Oct 2025 - 05 Nov 2025
Running time:
2 hours and 50 minutes including an interval.
Age recommendation:
Best for age 15+
Audience Notes:

This production is sung in English, with surtitles projected above the stage

Categories:

Carmen Reviews

4.2
155 Reviews
  • 5 Stars54%
  • 4 Stars26%
  • 3 Stars12%
  • 2 Stars4%
  • 1 Stars4%

User Reviews

Justina Gringyte and Sean Panikkar are excellent leads, great voices and take you in as Carmen and Don Jose. Great support from the other players as well. The staging was 1970's Spain and shows that the story is, unfortunately, eternal. If you've nev Read more

Performance date: 08 February 2020
Verified

I loved the vocals of this performance but personally I feel like a more "classical" approach towards this piece is far better.

Performance date: 25 February 2020
Verified

Great music. Very minimal set. Beautiful voices and great to see some of the ENO youths involved on stage

Performance date: 27 January 2020
1/52
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