Opera, Dance and Ballet in London

Over 100 dancers and musicians bring The Nutcracker to life with exquisite dancing, beautiful sets and Tchaikovsky’s glorious score played live.

A young girl’s enchanted present leads her on a wonderful Christmas adventure in this beautiful classical ballet, danced to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score.

Prince Tamino promises the Queen of the Night that he will rescue her daughter Pamina from the enchanter Sarastro. He begins his quest, accompanied by the bird-catcher Papageno – but all is not as it seems…

Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland burst onto the stage in 2011 in an explosion of colour, stage magic and inventive, sophisticated choreography. Joby Talbot’s score combines contemporary soundworlds with sweeping melodies that gesture to ballet scores of the 19th century. Bob Crowley’s wildly imaginative, eye-popping designs draw on everything from puppetry to projections to make Wonderland wonderfully real.

Mozart’s masterpiece reveals much about the human condition through consummate wit, grace and joyous musical invention. ENO Music Director Martyn Brabbins conducts this second revival of Director Fiona Shaw’s critically acclaimed production.

Jonathan Miller’s classic production of The Barber of Seville is a feast of frivolous fun. Enjoy Figaro’s mischievous escapades as he assists Count Almaviva in prising the beautiful Rosina away from her lecherous guardian, Dr Bartolo. Rossini’s comic masterpiece fizzes with memorable melodies in an entertaining production that unites the theatrical worlds of Italian commedia dell’arte and Whitehall farce. 

Matthew Bourne's interpretation of the classic fairy tale, has, at its heart, a true war-time romance. A chance meeting results in a magical night for Cinderella and her dashing young RAF pilot, together just long enough to fall in love before being parted by the horrors of the Blitz.

The Ukrainian ballet star, Sergei Polunin has created a programme that will feature an international cast and creative team, including Polunin himself.

Hélène longs for vengeance on Montfort, who murdered her brother. She enlists the help of her lover, Henri, and the rebel Procida – although Henri will discover that Montfort is his father.

In his debut production as ENO Artistic Director, Daniel Kramer directs a production which contrasts spectacular party scenes with tender, intimate moments. Verdi’s masterpiece features one of the most iconic, romantic and tragic scores of all time.

Aida must choose between the man she loves and the homeland she longs for. Betrayal is the only option.

Aida is a timeless story of duty, love and betrayal amid the clash of war. This is opera on a grand scale, in which ENO’s award-winning Chorus and Orchestra will demonstrate their full power.

Turiddu sings of his love for Lola. He is overheard by Santuzza, a woman he has seduced. Santuzza tells Lola’s husband Alfio of his wife’s infidelity.

Alfio challenges Turiddu to a duel. Turiddu asks his mother Mamma Lucia to look after Santuzza, and dies at Alfio’s hands.

When Rodolfo, a penniless poet, meets Mimì, a seamstress, they fall instantly in love. But their happiness is threatened when Rodolfo learns that Mimì is gravely ill.

Frederick Ashton’s delightful full-length classical ballet is a charming feast for the senses, set to Delibes’ marvellous score.

English National Ballet returns with a double bill featuring Kenneth MacMillan’s masterpiece Song of the Earth and Frank Andersen’s recreation of the beloved classic La Sylphide.

Lucia’s brother Enrico is horrified to learn she has fallen in love with his sworn enemy Edgardo. He hastily arranges her marriage to his associate Arturo. Edgardo and Lucia privately exchange rings before he leaves to fight in France.

English National Ballet returns with a double bill featuring Roland Petit’s Le Jeune Homme et la Mort and Frank Andersen’s recreation of the beloved classic La Sylphide.

Iolanthe is a brilliantly funny, satirical fantasy, revealing a typically Gilbert & Sullivan topsy-turvy worldview. Phyllis and Strephon wish to marry, but as Phyllis is a ward of court she requires the Lord Chancellor’s permission. The Lord Chancellor, however, wants her for himself.

Based on Shakespeare’s popular comedy, Britten’s opera follows the consequences of a falling-out between the fairy-king Oberon and his queen, Tytania. Mistaken identities, confused lovers and alarming transformations are the result.

Returning to ENO, Robert Carsen’s production explores the blurred relationships between reality and dreams, the natural and supernatural, and sexual desire.

Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer makes his UK opera debut, collaborating with ENO Music Director Martyn Brabbins. Grammy Award-winning mezzo Sasha Cooke sings the title role, while acclaimed bass-baritone Daniel Okulitch sings Mark Rutland. They are joined by ENO favourite Lesley Garrett.

One of Handel’s finest operas, Rodelinda is filled with intense drama told through ravishingly beautiful music. Award-winning director Richard Jones brings his distinctive theatrical imagination to this production, which sets Handel’s bitter political drama in Fascist Italy.

Satyagraha is composer Philip Glass’s meditation on Gandhi’s early years in South Africa, tracing the progress of his concept of non-violent protest as a positive force for change.