Giuseppe Verdi

Rigoletto

Words are weapons. Sometimes they misfire.

30 Oct–21 Nov 2024

Full of melodies that are now the musical backdrop of modern life, Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto is one of the world’s best-loved operas. Jonathan Miller’s production is the godfather of the genre. Set in Little Italy in 1950’s New York, it is a terrific night out: a fast-paced gangster saga of jealousy, love and revenge.

Book your tickets now to enjoy this iconic opera live on the London Coliseum stage with the ENO’s 2024 production of Rigoletto by world-renowned composer, Verdi. 

Overview

The title character is a wise-cracking mobster who uses words as weapons. But he shoots his mouth off once too often and a misplaced joke sparks a deadly vendetta. Now the joke’s on Rigoletto as the depraved Duke seduces his daughter, Gilda. Rigoletto vows to avenge her honour and his family name.

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

Score

Verdi’s score features some of the most familiar and recognisable music in all opera. ‘La donna è mobile’ – ‘Women abandon us’ – has been taken up by everyone from film producers to Venetian gondoliers, entering the popular imagination. So, as well as the excitement of the gangster staging, expect to be left humming those memorable melodies for the next week or two.

Singers & Creatives

Internationally renowned conductor and former Music Director of Opera North, Richard Farnes will conduct Verdi’s exciting score. Weston Hurt leads the cast in the title role, alongside Yongzhao Yu as The Duke and Robyn Allegra Parton as Rigoletto’s infatuated daughter, Gilda.

ENO Harewood artists are represented by Amy Holyland, singing Maddalena, the assassin’s sister and Patrick Alexander Keefe as Marullo. William Thomas, who will sing Sparafucile, is a former ENO Harewood artist. This revival is directed by Elaine Tyler-Hall.

 

Jonathan Miller’s iconic New York mafiosi staging is as dramatic and complex as ever

The Guardian

Running Time
2hrs 45mins

There are two intervals.

Access

We have an Access Scheme for our audiences with a disability, a health condition, or different access needs to ensure everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable visit.

Tickets
Tickets start at just £10 plus £3.75 booking fee and £1.50 building levy per ticket. A maximum of £10.50 per transaction is charged.
Language
Sung in English with the words displayed above the stage (Surtitles)

Age guidance: 15+

For more information, please contact our box office on 020 7845 9300 or [email protected]

Small plates at the London Coliseum

Enhance your Opera Experience

Join us before the show for classic Italian ‘cicchetti’ and Spanish tapas, followed by dessert during the interval.

Read more

Discover Rigoletto

Rigoletto Opera Creative Team 2024

Richard Farnes

Conductor

Jonathan Miller

Director

Elaine Tyler-Hall

Revival Director

Patrick Robertson and Rosemary Vercoe

Designers

Robert Bryan

Original Lighting Designer

Ian Jackson-French

Revival Lighting Designer

Tommy Shaw

Choreographer

James Fenton

Translator

Rigoletto Opera Cast 2024

Rigoletto FAQs

Our performance of Rigoletto is approximately 2hrs 45mins, including two 20-minute intervals.

Yes, Rigoletto is a great opera for beginners. Considered to be one of Verdi’s most popular works, this classic opera features a storyline that is interesting and powerful, and easy to follow. With memorable characters, well-known musical moments and unexpected plot twists – Rigoletto is especially accessible for those not familiar with opera.

Rigoletto is a tragic opera by Giuseppe Verdi, renowned for its intense drama, complex characters and unforgettable arias like ‘La donna e mobile’. This operatic thriller is a wonderful example of Romantic-era music whilst highlighting themes of love, betrayal and revenge.  

Absolutely! Rigoletto is a must-see for any opera enthusiast. Whether you’re a seasoned opera-goer or new to the genre, this opera offers a powerful and memorable experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. See it for yourself and book Rigoletto tickets for 2024 now.