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”
“Electrifying... does Gershwin proud"
"This is how to do it"
“Should not be missed”