Duration
2 hrs 45 mins with 1 interval
Closing Date
Until October 16, 2025
Age limit
Suitable for 12+ yrs
Why Watch Albert Herring?
- A witty take on Britten’s 1947 comedy about a shy greengrocer’s boy crowned May King, offering a clever, spoiler-free glimpse into quirky village life.
- Directed and designed by multi-award-winning Antony McDonald, with conductor Daniel Cohen making his debut at ENO, critics praise this opera as a “golden combination of clarity and expression” (Bachtrack).
- The opera’s playful themes like coming-of-age, small-town absurdity, and unexpected tradition-breaking, unfold in beautifully crafted staging that flickers between Victorian musical jokes and sly Wagner nods.
- This limited-run staging at the London Coliseum, the home of ENO, has world-class cast that includes Caspar Singh, Emma Bell, and Sir Willard White. Book tickets to the Albert Herring opera in London now!
English National Opera presents a semi-staged production of Albert Herring, a Britten comedy directed and designed by Antony McDonald, with conductor Daniel Cohen making his ENO debut. Set in 1943 in the small market town of Loxford, the shy greengrocer’s apprentice Albert is unexpectedly chosen as May King and stumbling into a night of rebellious self-discovery. The score, composed in 1947, uses the same 13-instrument blend as in Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia and playfully riffs on Victorian English music while nodding to Wagner. The cast features Caspar Singh as Albert, Leah-Marian Jones as Mrs Herring, Emma Bell as Lady Billows, Mark Le Brocq as Mr Upfold, and Sir Willard White as Superintendent Budd.
Storyline
Set in 1943 in Loxford, Albert Herring opera in London tells the tale of Albert, a humble greengrocer’s boy, who’s unexpectedly crowned May King when there are no suitably virtuous girls available, turning a quiet village legend into a wild evening of unlikely rebellion. Amid strict social expectations and watchful eyes, Albert tips toe-line solemnity into humorous chaos, prompted by his mischievous friend Sid. This off-centre comedy explores themes of innocence, tradition, and transformation. What unfolds when social roles are flipped, and can one quiet boy handle unexpected fame?
Show timings
Show timings for Albert Herring may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & Crew
Leading roles: Caspar Singh as Albert, Leah-Marian Jones as Mrs Herring, Emma Bell as Lady Billows, Mark Le Brocq as Mr Upfold, and Sir Willard White as Superintendent Budd.
Director: Antony McDonald
Conductor: Daniel Cohen
Age Suitability
This show is suitable for ages 12 years and above.
The venue has an age recommendation of 5 years and above.
Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
Most theatres are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.
London Coliseum
A multi-arts venue, The London Coliseum was designed by the renowned Theatre Architect, Frank Matcham. It opened in 1904 with the aspirations to become one of London's largest and most luxurious "family" variety theatres. Its original seating capacity is 2,939 people. English National Opera is a highly acclaimed opera company located at the London Coliseum. They are recognized internationally for their rich repertoire of innovative productions conducted by the world's greatest conductors and starring the best available singers. London Coliseum seating plan seating capacity: 2,939
The London Coliseum seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theatre.
Getting There
- Address: London Coliseum, St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4ES, UK
- By metro:
Charing Cross and Leicester Square are the nearest stations served by the Northern, Piccadilly and Bakerloo Lines
- By train:
Charing Cross Train Station is the nearest station.
- By bus:
Buses servicing the area include Charing Cross Road (24, 29 and 176) and Charing Cross Station or Trafalgar Square (6, 9, 11, 15, 23, 87 and 91)
Facilities & Accessibility
Amenities: Toilets, Dining outlets, Cloak room, Souvenir shop
Accessibility: Elevator access, Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed
Additional Information
- Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
- Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
- Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.
Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of the tickets starts from £14.06 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The show does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 12 years and above.
The show is playing at the London Coliseum in London.
In 1943 Loxford, a shy greengrocer’s boy becomes May King by default when no girls are deemed virtuous, setting off a night of unexpected rebellion, comedy, and self-discovery.
The running time is 2 hours 45 minutes with 1 intermission(s).
The main stars of the show are Caspar Singh as Albert, Leah-Marian Jones as Mrs Herring, Emma Bell as Lady Billows, Mark Le Brocq as Mr Upfold, and Sir Willard White as Superintendent Budd.
Yes, the opera is performed in English, and surtitles are projected above the stage so you won’t miss a word.
It’s ENO’s first semi-staged production of Albert Herring, bringing a fresh and witty approach following similar productions like Gloriana and Suit Angelica.
