Wolfgang Mozart

The Marriage of Figaro

Betrothal, betrayal and deliciously bad behaviour.

5 Feb–22 Feb 2025

Mozart’s famous opera is a whirlwind comedy of betrothal, betrayal and deliciously bad behaviour.

Set on a single day, it packs in a dazzling procession of madcap comic schemes and setbacks, all of which are punctuated by some of the most sublime music ever written. This is Mozart at the height of his powers.

Overview

When the cheating Count Almaviva makes advances on Susanna, his servant’s wife-to-be, Figaro’s marriage threatens to end before it has started.

The household takes sides. Deception, disguise and double cross are the result, as the warring factions make Figaro’s love-life a comic battleground.

Discover more about the story of The Marriage of Figaro on our dedicated page.

Score

Considered one of the greatest operas ever written, The Marriage of Figaro has a masterful balance of light and shade. Its playful, bubbling overture carries its pace and comic tone. Meanwhile the arias and ensemble pieces capture the rich characterisation and the deeply moving rift – and reconciliation – of Figaro and Susannah.

Many of the arias are now world famous, including ‘Voi che sapete’ (‘Tell me what love is’) and ‘Non piú andrai’ (‘Here’s an end to your life as a wanderer’) which is performed yearly at Trooping the Colour.

Singers & Creators

One of the most gifted directors of his generation, Joe Hill-Gibbins brings an exciting new energy to this classic opera. It’s a bold, contemporary take that accentuates Mozart’s overtures and arias with a pared back staging, which brings out the production’s wit and comedic characters.

Former ENO Harewood Artist, David Ireland sings the title role. Internationally renowned British soprano and another former ENO Harewood Artist, Mary Bevan is Susannah, his fiancée. The production is conducted by Ainārs Rubiķis, following his many successes as Music Director with the Komische Oper, Berlin.

Co-production with Oper Wuppertal.

The role of Susanna, performed by Mary Bevan, is generously supported by Olly Carpenter and Johnno Loggie.

‘as ingenious as it is engrossing’

Evening Standard

‘Slick, cool and a lot of fun’

The Telegraph

‘The escapist tonic you need’

The Times

Running Time
3hrs 20mins

There is one interval.

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: 12+

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

Small plates at the London Coliseum

Upgrade your night at the opera

Treat yourself before the show to classic Italian ‘cicchetti’ and Spanish tapas, followed by dessert during the interval.

Read more

Discover The Marriage of Figaro

The Marriage of Figaro Creative Team 2025

Ainārs Rubiķis

Conductor

ex 12 February

Tess Jackson

Conductor

12 February

Joe Hill-Gibbins

Director

Johannes Schütz

Set Designer

Astrid Klein

Costume Designer

Matthew Richardson

Lighting Designer

Jenny Ogilvie

Movement Director

Jeremy Sams

Translator

The Marriage of Figaro Cast 2025

The Marriage of Figaro FAQs

Our ENO performance of The Marriage of Figaro is approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes long – including one interval.

Yes. If you’ve never been to the opera before, then The Marriage of Figaro is a great place to start. Typically, a comedy is not what people think of when it comes to operas. However, if you’re looking for revenge, disguise, love and trickery all rolled into one – then The Marriage of Figaro is a wonderful first option 

The Marriage of Figaro was originally written in Italian. However, at ENO, we perform in English with the words displayed above the stage (surtitles). We believe that singing in English enhances the emotional connection between performers and audiences.