The Gershwins'

Porgy and Bess

by George Gershwin,
DuBose and Dorothy Heyward,
and Ira Gershwin


Bess’s love for Porgy saves her from her dark past with Crown. But old habits die hard. When Crown returns, will a new life with Porgy save Bess from herself?

Please note: for sold out performances, a limited number of £15 standing tickets will be available to purchase in person at the Box Office from 10am on the day of the performance.

The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess explores the relationships between members of a close-knit community in 1920s South Carolina.

More than 80 years after its premiere, Porgy and Bess receives its first ENO staging. Written for a large cast, with a 40-voice chorus specially formed for this production, and full orchestra, Porgy and Bess is infused with unforgettable melodies, including the much-loved ‘Summertime’. This is a stage work that is emotionally charged, powerful and moving, delivered through jazz, ragtime, blues and spirituals

Making their ENO debuts are conductor John Wilson and director James Robinson, the Artistic Director of Opera St Louis. Leading the cast are Eric Greene as Porgy and Nicole Cabell as Bess. Nmon Ford makes his role debut as Crown, and Latonia Moore, an outstanding ENO Aida, returns to the London Coliseum as Serena. British soprano Nadine Benjamin makes her company debut as Clara, while rising tenor Frederick Ballentine makes his UK debut as Sporting Life.

“Thrilling... spine-tingling”

The Times

“Electrifying... does Gershwin proud"

The Independent

"This is how to do it"

The Guardian

“Should not be missed”

The Arts Desk

Running Time
3hrs 10mins

Aged 16-29 or a full time student? Join Access All Arias to get discounted tickets.

Signed Performance
29 Oct 2018
Language
Sung in English. Our surtitles system projects lyrics above the stage.

*Booking fee is £2.25 per ticket. A maximum of £9.00 per transaction is charged for Multi-Buy Packages.

The start time of the performance on Saturday 27th October is 6.15pm and begins with a bonus onstage presentation by our ENO Baylis Youth Project, inspired by Porgy and Bess. ENO Baylis is our learning and participation programme and our Youth Project nurtures creativity in young people aged 13-18. ENO Baylis is an integral part of our mission to make opera open to all. Find out more information on the ENO Youth Programme. Porgy and Bess will begin at 6.30pm.

We operate security checks and do not allow drinks or food into the theatre. We do allow sealed water bottles. Additionally, water is available at every bar and on every level of the theatre. Please refer to our food and drink policy for more information.

The worldwide copyrights in the works of George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin in this presentation are licensed by the Gershwin Family.

GERSHWIN is a registered trademark of Gershwin Enterprises. Porgy and Bess is a registered trademark of Porgy and Bess Enterprises.

A Co-Production with the Metropolitan Opera, New York and Dutch National Opera, Amsterdam.

Supported by George and Patti White and a syndicate of supporters.

Discover Porgy and Bess