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English National Opera

Mezzo-soprano

Niamh O’Sullivan

Carmen

Tenor (+4)

John Findon

Don José

Bass (+3)

Cory McGee

Escamillo

Soprano (+1)

Ava Dodd

Michaela

Bass (+1)

Freddie Tong

Zuniga

Baritone (+2)

Jolyon Loy

Morales

Soprano (+2)

Harriet Eyley

Frasquita

Mezzo-soprano (+2)

Siân Griffiths

Mercedes

Baritone (+3)

Patrick Alexander Keefe

Dancaire

Tenor

Osian Wyn Bowen

Remenado

Conductor

Conductor (+2)

Clelia Cafiero

Conductor (+1)

Olivia Clarke

Stage director

Stage director (+4)

Calixto Bieito

Revival Stage Director

Jamie Manton

Intimacy Director

Actor (+2)

Haruka Kuroda

Set designer

Set designer (+1)

Alfons Flores

Costume designer

Costume designer (+1)

Mercè Paloma

Lighting designer

Bruno Poet

Lighting designer (+1)

Marc Rosette

Translator

Christopher Cowell

London Coliseum

Den Norske Opera & Ballet

Follow the ill-fated story of weak-willed Don José whose infatuation with the flirtatious, free-spirited Carmen forces him out of the army and lands him in prison. When Carmen’s passion fades, danger lies ahead as she turns her affection to the mysterious bullfighter Escamillo. With love turning to obsession Don José starts to see red.

Discover more about the story of Carmen on our dedicated page.

Staging & Score
In a rebellious twist on tradition, the story is set in 1970’s Spain, where we pick up the drama under a scorching sun in the final days of dictator General Franco’s oppressive regime.

From the vibrant prelude to the dramatic end, Bizet’s seductive score pulsates with passionate melodies and evocative rhythms. Let the Orchestra of ENO transport you to Spain with the click of a castanet. From Carmen’s sultry ‘Habanera’ to Escamillo’s swaggering ‘Toreador song’, this opera has more recognisable tunes than any other. Combining memorable music and a powerful story, it is no wonder that Carmen continues to be one of the most popular operas of all time.

Singers & Creatives
Carmen is played by mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan, whose path tragically crosses with Don José played by former Harewood Artist and rising star John Findon. Escamillo the bullfighter is played by Cory McGee making his UK and role debut. They will be joined by Harewood Artist Ava Dodd as Micaela.

This fourth revival is directed by twice Olivier Award-nominated Jamie Manton together with Haruka Kuroda. Conducting duties are shared between Clelia Cafiero, following her acclaimed ENO debut in La bohème in 2024, and former Mackerras Conducting Fellow Olivia Clarke.

Co-production with Den Norske Opera and Ballet.

Fotografies