The Handmaid’s Tale Opera Is Coming Back to London

After a successful run in 2022, The Handmaid’s Tale opera is returning to town this February

If there’s been a Handmaid’s Tale-shaped hole in your life since the end of season five, we’ve got something to keep you going until number six drops… The Handmaid’s Tale opera. Yes, after staging the adaption of Margaret Atwood’s work in 2022, the English National Opera is bringing the production back to the London Coliseum this February.

This actually marks the third time round for the opera as it first opened in London in 2003. The original score was composed by Poul Ruder way back in 1998, so it massively pre-dates the television show, taking the book as inspiration instead, and moves between Offred’s past life and her life as a handmaid in Gilead.

This year, the opera is once again being directed by ENO’s Artistic Director Annilese Miskimmon and several cast members will be returning too, including mezzo-sopranos Kate Lindsey (as Offred), and Susan Bickley (as Offred’s mother) and ENO Harewood Artist John Findon as Luke. New additions to the cast include soprano Rachel Nicholls (as Aunt Lydia) and contralto Avery Amereau (as Serena Joy). And with Ruder’s score using medieval chanting and gospel music as influences, it’s sure to be a powerful take on the classic tale.

Thurs 1st – Thurs 15th February 2024
London Coliseum, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4ES
eno.org

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