La fille du regiment Tickets

La fille du regiment in London 

Atteeention! March on down to the Royal Opera House, in the heart of Covent Garden, for La fille du regiment this summer. Gaetano Donizetti’s Bel canto comic opera, about a precocious girl raised by a troop of soldiers, is packed with vivacity and vocal fireworks and comes to life in Laurent Pelly’s humorous new staging, starring Juan Diego Flórez, Jonah Hoskins, and Sara Blanch, making her Royal Opera House debut. You won't want to miss it - secure your tickets today. 

What is the opera La fille du regiment about?

Set during the Napoleonic Wars in the Tyrol, the opera tells the story of Marie, a vivandière (aka canteen girl) adopted and raised by the 21st Regiment of French soldiers after being found as an infant on the battlefield. When Tonio, a young Tyrolean peasant, declares his love for Marie and joins the regiment to be with her, the path to their happiness seems clear. However, when the aristocratic Marquise de Berkenfield appears and lays claim to Marie, a long‑buried secret about her origins comes to light, threatening their plans and leading to lively comedy, heartfelt moments and, ultimately, a celebration of love and community.

The History of La fille du regiment 

La fille du regiment (which translates as The Daughter of the Regiment) is an opéra comique in two acts by Gaetano Donizetti to a French libretto by Jules‑Henri Vernoy de Saint‑Georges and Jean‑François Bayard. Donizetti composed La fille du regiment while living in Paris in the late 1830s, and it was his first opera written directly in French. Since its premiere at the Opéra‑Comique on 11 February 1840, the work has become a beloved staple of the operatic repertoire, admired for its blend of lively ensemble numbers, bright orchestration and comic dialogue.

One of the opera’s most famous moments is Tonio’s aria “Ah! mes amis, quel jour de fête!”, renowned for its taxing series of eight (often nine) high Cs, a highlight for tenors and a crowd‑pleasing showstopper. Laurent Pelly’s engaging staging - a co‑production with the Vienna State Opera and the Metropolitan Opera, New York - evokes the military camp and aristocratic tensions with imaginative design and humour, making this production a lively experience for both seasoned opera lovers and newcomers alike.

The Cast of La fille du regiment 

Casting varies by performance date. Principal cast includes:

• Sara Blanch – Marie
• Juan Diego Flórez – Tonio
• Jonah Hoskins – Tonio
• Paolo Bordogna – Sergeant Sulpice 

The spoken role of the Duchesse de Crakentorp is often a surprise highlight of La fille du régiment. In past Royal Opera House revivals, the part has been played by stars including Dawn French, Ann Widdecombe, Miranda Richardson, and Kiri Te Kanawa. Casting for the role is yet to be announced - expect a memorable guest appearance!

The Creative Team of La fille du regiment

La fille du regiment is directed by Laurent Pelly (Lakmé, Don Pasquale, Cendrillon), who also designed the costumes for the show. Giuseppe Finzi (La bohème, L’elisir d’amore, Rigoletto) conducts. 

Dialogue is prepared by Agathe Mélinand (L’Impresario de Smyrne, Gypsy), set design is by Chantal Thomas (La Bohème, Manon), lighting by Joël Adam (Wozzeck, The Magic Flute), and choreography is by Laura Scozzi (Orpheus in the Underworld, La Dolce Vita).

The music is by Gaetano Donizetti (L’elisir d’amore, Lucia di Lammermoor, Don Pasquale), with a French libretto by Jules‑Henri Vernoy de Saint‑Georges and Jean‑François Bayard. 

Tickets for La fille du regiment at the Royal Opera House

Ready for high spirits and even higher Cs? La fille du regiment is a feel‑good operatic comedy full of charm, catchy melodies and thrilling vocal feats. From its touching heroine to its exuberant choruses and spirited duets, this production is an ideal night out for dedicated opera fans and newbies alike. Book your tickets for La fille du regiment at the Royal Opera House now and enjoy a summer of laughs, love and bel canto brilliance