Partenope

When it comes to Partenope’s love life, complicated doesn’t quite cover it. Settle in for Handel’s first operatic rom com, where all isn’t fair in love and war.

This critically acclaimed production won an Olivier Award for Best New Opera Production when it premiered in 2008. Since then, it has been seen all around the world and returns to the London Coliseum for its second revival.

Overview

Finding The One isn’t easy. Especially when you’re tangled up in a tricky love quadrangle.

Join our social butterfly Partenope and her three potential suitors – Arsace, Armindo and Eurimene – in this timeless tale where boys meet girl, girl falls for boy, and another ‘boy’ is really a girl looking for revenge on a boy… keeping up?

Find out if love is on the cards and if honesty wins, in this complex game of romance, where not everything (or everyone) is as it seems.

Discover more about the story of Partenope on our dedicated page.

Staging & Score

Set in a 1920’s Paris salon, Christopher Alden’s production is inspired by the surrealist artists of the time including Salvador Dali and Man Ray, with the character of Emilio being based on Man Ray himself.

With non-stop parties, bottomless cocktails, endless card games and some questionable disguises, the scene is set for romance, complemented by Handel’s captivating score which brings each character’s emotions to life beautifully. Don’t miss this fun, classy and charming battle for Partenope’s heart.

Singers & Creatives

Our socialite Partenope is played by former Harewood artist, Nardus Williams, Winner of the Rising Talent award at the 2022 International Opera Awards. Her suitors Arsace, Emilio and Armindo are played by Hugh Cutting, Ru Charlesworth, and Jake Ingbar.

This award-winning production will once again be directed by Christopher Alden and conducted by Christian Curnyn.

Co-produced with Opera Australia.

This production has been made possible through the generous support of a syndicate comprising Liz Cratchley OBE, Alan Karr & Jeanne Ruane, Vincent Mercer & Anzo Francis, Kate Olver & Jeremy Young, and Leo Toralballa.