Orpheus in the Underworld
See this lampoon of the ancient Greek myth with Orpheus in the Underworld tickets
Offenbach’s all-singing and all-dancing opera based on the Orpheus myth heads to the London Coliseum this October, directed by Emma Rice.
Written as a lampoon of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, Jacques Offenbach’s opera was first performed in Paris in 1858. In its early productions, it was seen as a veiled satire of the court of Napoleon III. Despite being Offenbach’s first full-length opera and receiving mixed reviews, it became a box office success.
Set in the hedonistic, party-filled Underworld, Eurydice and Orpheus’ marriage is broken through tragedy. Eurydice is fooled into taking Pluto, the ruler of the Underworld, as her new lover. To achieve the impossible task of winning back his wife, Orpheus needs some help from the gods. But though glamorous, the gods are also conceited, and rather bored…
Ed Lyon and Claudia Boyle play Orpheus and Eurydice alongside Alan Oke as John Styx and Sir Willard White as Jupiter. Joining them are ENO Harewood Artists Alex Otterburn and Idunnu Münch as well as former ENO Harewood Artist Mary Bevan.
Emma Rice makes her ENO directorial debut. Rice is best known for her productions which feature theatrical spectacle, boldness, and humour. Former artistic director of both Kneehigh and Shakespeare’s Globe, her shows such as The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk and A Midsummer Night’s Dream have captured the imaginations of audiences. Rice is the founder of new company Wise Children, which recently toured the UK with its debut production of the titular show by Angela Carter.
Former ENO Music Director Sian Edwards (1993-95) will return to the venue to conduct.
An operetta featuring riotous singing and dancing, as well as the popular ‘Can-can’, Orpheus in the Underworld is set to be a glitzy spectacle. Orpheus in the Underworld at the London Coliseum opens on October 5th.
Child Friendly
The age recommendation for this show is to be announced.