Partenope Tickets

Tickets for Partenope On Sale Now!

Get ready to fall in love as English National Opera revives its Olivier Award-winning production of Partenope at the London Coliseum. This inventive staging by Christopher Alden reimagines Handel’s 1730 comic opera as a glamorous 1920s Parisian salon, inspired by the surrealist art movement. With its blend of romantic entanglements, mistaken identities, and sparkling wit, this “stylish and effortless” (Arts Desk) revival offers a delightful evening of baroque brilliance - book your tickets today!

What is the opera Partenope about?

Queen Partenope presides over a court of suitors: the ardent Arsace, the shy Armindo, the warlike Emilio, and the enigmatic Eurimene. Unbeknownst to all, Eurimene is actually Rosmira, Arsace’s former lover, disguised as a man to win him back - or seek revenge. As romantic rivalries and political intrigues unfold, the characters navigate a maze of love, loyalty, and deception. Handel’s opera combines heartfelt arias with comedic twists, culminating in revelations that test the boundaries of love and identity.

Premiering in 1730, Handel’s Partenope was a departure from his typical opera seria, embracing a more comedic and satirical tone. The opera’s playful exploration of gender roles and romantic confusion resonated with audiences, though it remained less frequently performed than his other works. In 2008, ENO’s production, set in a 1920s surrealist Paris, reimagined the narrative with visual flair and was awarded the Olivier Award for Best New Opera Production. The production’s success led to revivals and international acclaim, highlighting the timelessness of Handel’s music and the adaptability of his storytelling. Notably, this staging draws inspiration from surrealist artists like Man Ray and Salvador Dalí, infusing the opera with a distinctive aesthetic that complements its themes of disguise and desire. The acclaimed production returns for a strictly limited run, so don’t miss out - book for Partenope now!

Who are the cast and creative team of Partenope?

Partenope stars soprano Nardus Williams (La bohème, Don Giovanni), a former Harewood artist, as Partenope, countertenor Hugh Cutting (Theodora) as Arsace, baritone Jake Ingbar (The Magic Flute) as Armindo, mezzo-soprano Katie Bray (Carmen) as Rosmira, tenor Rupert Charlesworth (The Turn of the Screw) as Emilio, and bass William Thomas (Don Giovanni) as Ormonte.

The creative team includes director Christopher Alden (Norma), conductor Christian Curnyn (Rodelinda), set designer Andrew Lieberman (The Marriage of Figaro), costume designer Jon Morrell (The Mikado), lighting designer Adam Silverman (The Barber of Seville), and movement director Claire Glaskin (The Pirates of Penzance). This production is co-produced with Opera Australia.

Book Tickets for Partenope at the London Colliseum!

This “witty and sharp-tongued” (Financial Times) production combines Handel’s exquisite music with a visually arresting 1920s setting, creating “a world of chic, gender-bending glamour” (The Standard) and putting a surrealist spin on a classic opera. Whether you’re a longtime opera enthusiast or new to the genre, it promises an evening of humour, romance, and artistic innovation. Let yourself be seduced - secure your tickets for Partenope at the London Coliseum now!