Last Updated on 14 May 2021 by Showcall Editorial Team
English National Opera has unveiled its 2021/22 season at the London Coliseum including Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore with Les Dennis
Comedy director Cal McCrystal will direct Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore as part of English National Opera’s new season at the London Coliseum.
The operetta, from 29 October to 11 December 2021, will star Les Dennis as the First Lord of the Admiralty alongside John Savournin, Elgan Llŷr Thomas, Alexandra Oomens, Marcus Farnsworth, Henry Waddington, Bethan Langford and Hilary Summers. It will be conducted by Chris Hopkins with choreography by Lizzi Gee and lighting design by Tim Mitchell.
The ENO’s 2021/22 season will also feature a new production of Poul Ruders’ The Handmaid’s Tale, based on Margaret Atwood’s novel. Directed by ENO artistic director Annilese Miskimmon, it will feature Kate Lindsey and be conducted by Joana Carneiro.
Richard Wagner’s The Valkyrie, directed by Richard Jones, will be the first in a new Ring Cycle to be staged at the Coliseum across the next five years co-produced with the Metropolitan Opera.
A new production of Leoš Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen, directed by Jamie Manton, will feature Sally Matthews in the title role, returning to the ENO for the first time since 2005.
Revivals will include Phelim McDermott’s production of Philip Glass’ Satyagraha, with Sean Panikkar returning to the ENO in the role of Gandhi, conducted by Carolyn Kuan. Also returning will be Jonathan Miller’s much-loved La Bohème, conducted by Ben Glassberg, and Phelim McDermott’s Così fan tutte, conducted by Kerem Hasan.
To continue the successful development of new audiences, the ENO will expand its scheme offering free tickets to anyone under 18 to now include under-21s at all performances and at all levels of the house. The ENO will also be extending discounts available to those under 35. Ticket prices for everyone will start at £10.
After the success of the ENO’s first-ever relaxed performance last season, two more are planned on the main stage for this season, which are designed to be more accessible for those who may benefit from a more relaxed environment at the theatre.
Miskimmon, who joined as artistic director in May last year, said: “We have worked hard in lockdown to continue to bring new artistic work in innovative and pioneering ways. The overwhelming determination of all to create ambitious and brilliant opera no matter what the challenges will make this a very special season for the ENO.
“We have painstakingly planned this new season to give audiences a wealth of choice. The ENO’s belief that opera can provide an emotionally invaluable experience in good times and bad is demonstrated by our season which sees a return of old favourites and bold new productions. The season is one in which all can encounter the joy, the drama and the emotion of the most beautiful of art forms.”
Full details at eno.org.
