London Coliseum and English National Opera: November and December line-up

English National Opera (ENO) presents a new, reimagined staging of Puccini’s Tosca – a timeless story of love, power and sacrifice. Set in a concert hall in an unidentified European state overtaken by civil conflict, opera singer Floria Tosca plans a secret meeting with her lover, the painter Mario Cavaradossi. When the corrupt police chief Scarpia intervenes, a place of music is transformed into a site of fear and violence. Tosca is forced to fight for her love, her honour and her life. Directed by Annilese Miskimmon, ENO’s Artistic Director, and conducted by Ben Glassberg, the production stars Grammy Award-winning Axelle Fanyo in the title role.

Iphigénie en Tauride makes its ENO debut in a new staging by Olivier award-winning director Lyndsey Turner. Rarely performed but widely regarded as Gluck’s greatest work, this operatic masterpiece follows Iphigenia, stranded on a remote island and hoping to reunite with her brother Orestes. When a mysterious stranger washes up on the island’s shores with news of the collapse of her family, the siblings are drawn towards reconciliation and divine mercy. The production is conducted by David Bates, making his ENO debut, while Christine Rice leads the cast as Iphigenia, following her stand-out performance in ENO’s Dead Man Walking (2025).

The thrilling final of The Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition, one of the world’s most prestigious stages for emerging talent, will bring the future of ballet to the London Coliseum. In this competition hosted by the Royal Ballet Academy, the next generation of gifted young ballet stars from across the globe will show their technical excellence and artistry as they perform on an international stage.

Alternative rock band Black Country, New Road will perform a landmark and genre-defying concert with the award-winning Orchestra of ENO, curated and conducted by André de Ridder, ENO’s Music Director Designate. One of the most exciting voices in contemporary rock, BC,NR will perform songs from their latest studio album, Forever Howlong, a fearless exploration of chamber pop, folk, and prog influences featuring new arrangements that reveal fresh dimensions of their music.

A story of finding hope in the midst of violence, Kaija Saariaho’s Adriana Mater is set in an unidentified European state during and post-civil war, where Adriana’s son Yonas grapples with the legacy of violence in his bloodline, forcing him to confront the dark origins of his family as he becomes consumed by the desire for revenge. Making her ENO debut in the title role is Kristina Stanek, and returning to ENO following his stand-out performance in last season’s Albert Herring is Caspar Singh as Yonas.

For one night only, ENO presents guest opera To Die For [A Comedy] by Nederlandse Reisopera and Phion Symphony Orchestra for its UK premiere. A satire by British-Russian composer Elena Langer about the fixation on fame and exploitation for profit, it follows Semyon Podsekayev, whose existential crisis is thrust into the spotlight of reality TV. As his personal life becomes public spectacle, he realises that his old life might have been worthwhile after all. This darkly humorous opera is conducted by Adrian Kelly, Artistic Director of Buxton International Festival, and directed by Sam Brown, Artistic Director of the Nederlandse Reisopera. This production was made possible by the generosity of The Nicholas John Trust and the support of Performance Arts Fund NL.

Following last year’s sold-out run, Tony Hadley brings The Christmas Big Band Tour to the London Coliseum for a night of festive cheer and classic swing. The show will see Tony deliver unforgettable performances in his powerhouse voice, from timeless jazz standards and 80s anthems to Christmas favourites. Tony will be joined by the Fabulous TH Band and full brass section as he performs classics from legendary artists including Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Elvis Presley, alongside his big band versions of True, Gold, and Through The Barricades.

This festive season, the English National Ballet brings the much-loved ballet The Nutcracker to life with over 100 dancers and musicians. In Edwardian London, Clara is taken on a magical adventure as she meets an enchanted Nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve and embarks on a journey full of delight and wonder. Accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, The Nutcracker is an enchanting classic ballet filled with Christmas magic and festive charm.