Theatre
Guide
A night at the Opera: 7 unmissable shows
See Tosca, Madama Buttefly, La Traviata and more – get tickets to the best opera shows using this handy guide.
How often do you get to see world-class opera shows, from the works of Puccini to Verdi? Whether you’re a seasoned opera aficionado or looking for something new to broaden your horizons, our top picks for opera shows in the UK are bound to whet your appetite. Take a look at what’s coming up below.
Puccini’s Tosca
Booking until 21 March 2027
Reimagined by artistic director Annilese Miskimmon, Puccini’s Tosca explores love and resistance in a time of political turmoil. Following the story of singer Floria Tosca and her secret meeting with her lover the painter Mario Cavaradossi. When their plans are foisted by the corrupt police chief Scarpia, the tale takes perilous turns. Get tickets to Tosca, booking through to 2027.
Iphigénie en Tauride
11 – 14 November 2026
Iphigénie en Tauride follows siblings Iphigénie and Oreste as they long to return to each other’s sides. Iphigénie is stranded on an island, following the whims of tyrannical leader, dreaming of reuniting with Oreste. When a stranger washes ashore, everything changes for Iphigénie. See what lies in store as Iphigénie en Tauride plays in at the London Coliseum.
Adriana Mater
28 November – 12 December 2026
Playing at the London Coliseum, Adriana Mater is the story of revenge. Adriana’s son Yonas grows up with a mystery surrounding his father and his origins. After he learns the truth about his violent conception, Yonas becomes consumed by vengeance and murder. Will violence prevail? Get tickets to Adriana Mater to find out.
La Traviata
3 February – 13 March 2027
At the top of 2027, the English National Opera will present Verdi’s La Traviata at the London Coliseum. Set in Paris, La Traviata follows Violetta as she turns away from her life as a courtesan to run away with her lover Alfredo. Their love is short-lived as Alfredo’s family pressures the couple to separate, and a heartbroken Violetta returns to her old life with a secret. Will the truth be revealed, and will love survive the watchful eye of society?
Breaking The Waves
13 – 25 February 2027
An adaptation of Lars Von Trier’s 1996 film, Breaking The Waves is an opera that marries cinema and theatre in a grand and beautiful way. Set on a remote Scottish Island, Breaking The Waves explores Bess and Jan’s tragic love story, full of sacrifice, difficult choices and faith.
Ukrainian National Opera presents Madama Butterfly
24 March 2027
Playing at Sheffield City Oval Hall, the Ukrainian National Opera’s Madama Butterfly is an adaptation of one of Puccini’s most coveted works. The three-act opera is a progenitor to Miss Saigon, and tells the story of a young Japanese woman and her American Naval officer husband. Their love is clouded by clashes of culture, political turmoil and disapproving families, and has been noted as one of Puccini’s favourite works. See the classic story in Sheffield next March – tickets are on sale now.
The Phantom of the Opera
Booking through to 2027
This isn’t exactly an opera but it is inspired by operatic storytelling, and that’s close enough for us. Plus, The Phantom of the Opera is a West End and Broadway classic, so we have to give props where they are due. Marking its 40th anniversary at His Majesty’s Theatre, see the story of soprano singer Christine Daaé and the mysterious masked Phantom, and their unusual relationship that is part artist and muse, part lovers. Tickets are on sale now.
Photo by Mario Wurzburger/Getty Images
