English National Opera Announces 2026/2027 Season

Classic and contemporary operas share the stage in the English National Opera’s bold new 2026-27 season. Audiences can experience some of the most famous operas ever written, as well as modern work from female composers and rarely performed pieces, in a line-up billed as “opera that does not look away”.

Explore the shows on SeatPlan, and book your perfect seat using thousands of user-submitted view from seat photos and reviews at the London Coliseum.

Inside the ENO New Season

The season opens in October 2026 with the UK premiere of Angel’s Bone, from Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Du Yun and librettist Royce Vavrek. This dark fable about modern slavery blends immersive magical realism with eclectic musical styles in a production directed by Kip Williams (Dracula with Cynthia Erivo).

It’s followed by two operas in conversation, directed by ENO Artistic Director Annilese Miskimmon. Puccini’s classic story of political corruption, lust, and betrayal Tosca is paired with Kaija Saariaho’s 2006 work Adriana Mater, about a woman raising a child conceived through wartime violence. They can be experienced as standalones, but together form a striking dialogue about cycles of violence and freedom.

Elsewhere, Verdi’s La Traviata returns alongside Gluck’s rarely performed Iphigenie en Tauride, balancing familiar favourites with lesser-seen classics. Comic opera also gets a look-in, with a boisterous double bill of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury and Arthur Sullivan’s The Zoo – two satirical gems presented as a prequel and sequel to a hilariously doomed love affair.

The season ends with another intense contemporary opera, Missy Mazzoli’s Breaking the Waves. Based on Lars von Trier’s acclaimed film, this new production explores love, suffering, and the sacrifices we make for others.

New to Opera? Start Here

English National Opera is accessible to everyone, even if you’ve never heard of surtitles before (they’re like subtitles, but above the stage!). Our top picks for this season include:

Trial by Jury / The Zoo – a light and funny satire double-bill with catchy music, and importantly, easy to follow. Perfect for first timers who don’t want to watch serious, tragic opera.

La Traviata – a tragic love story said to have inspired Moulin Rouge! and Pretty Woman. If you enjoy star-crossed lovers and sad endings, this is the one to book.

Angel’s Bone – A darker, more experimental opera. A great option for fans of art that pushes boundaries and challenges you with bold storytelling.

Find Your Perfect Seat for the English National Opera

Ready to book? Make sure you have a view you’ll love with our interactive London Coliseum seating plan. 

It includes thousands of real view from seat photos, uploaded by theatregoers just like you. Compare views, check sightlines, read reviews from audience members, and book the best seats for your budget with confidence.