Duration
2 hrs 50 mins with interval
Closing Date
Until November 5, 2025
Age limit
Suitable for 15+ yrs
Why Watch Carmen?
- The ENO revival of Carmen sets Bizet’s timeless story in 1970s Franco‑Spain, blending raw political edge with classic passion to appeal to fans of historical drama and opera alike.
- Mezzo‑soprano Niamh O’Sullivan leads as Carmen with rising star John Findon as Don José and debuting Cory McGee as Escamillo, offering fresh talent and strong vocal performances.
- Famous for the “Habanera” and “Toreador Song,” Bizet’s score pulses with rhythm and drama, an ideal choice for those drawn to powerful, melodic music.
- Calixto Bieito’s acclaimed staging (revived by Jamie Manton) has toured top opera houses and earned praise for its gritty intensity and memorable visuals.
- With a limited run for one month only at the London Coliseum, this high‑demand production is compelling, seductive and hypnotising. Book your Carmen opera London tickets today!
English National Opera’s Carmen is a 1970s‑Spain revival of Bizet’s classic, running at London Coliseum from 8 October to 5 November 2025. Directed by Jamie Manton after Calixto Bieito’s powerful original, it stars Niamh O’Sullivan, John Findon, and Cory McGee, backed by conductors Clelia Cafiero and Olivia Clarke. The production earned critical acclaim, The Stage says it “shimmers with every one of the company’s strengths,” while The Guardian praises its tense atmosphere. Performed in English with surtitles, this opera offers gritty fight choreography, stylish design by Alfons Flores and Mercè Paloma, and dramatic lighting by Bruno Poet .
Storyline
Set amid the final days of Franco’s Spain, Carmen opera London follows the flirtatious factory-worker Carmen who draws soldier Don José into a spiral of passion and crime. Carmen shifts her freedom-loving heart to bullfighter Escamillo, igniting a fierce love triangle that ends in jealous obsession. Freedom, desire, and fate play under scrutiny in this intense opera as passions burn and consequences unfold. Book your Carmen opera tickets to see betrayal and love onstage.
Show timings
Show timings for Carmen may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & Crew
- Leading roles: Mezzo‑soprano Niamh O’Sullivan as Carmen, tenor John Findon as Don José, baritone Cory McGee as Escamillo, soprano Ava Dodd as Micaela, bass-baritone Patrick Keefe as Dancairo, tenor Osian Wyn Bowen as Remendado, mezzo Siân Griffiths as Mercedes, soprano Harriet Eyley as Frasquita, bass‑baritone Keel Watson as Zuniga
- Director: Original staging by Calixto Bieito
- Revival director: Jamie Manton
- Production: Co-production with Den Norske Opera and Ballet
- Conductors: Clelia Cafiero and Olivia Clarke
- Intimacy & fight direction: Haruka Kuroda
- Composer: Georges Bizet
- Libretto translators & lyric adaptation: Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy; English translation by Christopher Cowell
- Set designer: Alfons Flores
- Costume designer: Mercè Paloma
- Lighting designer: Bruno Poet
Top songs
Before you see Carmen live, dive into its fiery score. Bizet’s music brims with passion, danger, and unforgettable drama. Expect iconic arias like the sultry Habanera, the bold Toreador Song, the tender Flower Song (La fleur que tu m'avais jetée), and the playful Seguidilla—each as thrilling as the story itself.
Age Suitability
- This show is suitable for ages 15 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
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.
Tickets Redemption
You will receive an email with your Carmen voucher. No need to print. Please carry a valid Photo Id for identification.
Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
Carmen is a tragic opera by Georges Bizet that tells the story of a passionate but doomed love affair between Don José, a soldier, and Carmen, a free-spirited factory worker in Seville. Their relationship spirals into jealousy and violence when Carmen falls for a charismatic bullfighter named Escamillo.
Carmen is one of the most performed and beloved operas worldwide due to its gripping drama, unforgettable melodies, and its bold, complex heroine. Its music has become iconic, especially the "Habanera" and "Toreador Song".
The opera follows Don José, who abandons his military duties for Carmen, a fiercely independent woman. Their love turns destructive when Carmen grows tired of him and falls for Escamillo, leading to a tragic end.
Carmen explores themes of freedom, desire, jealousy, and fate. Carmen refuses to be controlled, insisting on her right to love freely—even if it means death. The opera challenges traditional gender roles and portrays the tragic cost of obsession.
The most famous pieces are “Habanera” (L’amour est un oiseau rebelle) and “Toreador Song” (Votre toast, je peux vous le rendre), both instantly recognisable and widely performed in classical and popular contexts. Notable other arias and pieces include: “Seguidilla,” “Flower Song,” and the “Card Trio.” The ENO performance may feature some adapted or reordered numbers in English.
Yes, the English National Opera (ENO) performs Carmen in English, with surtitles provided to support clarity for all audiences.
The 2025 cast includes Niamh O’Sullivan as Carmen with John Findon, Cory McGee, and Sarah-Jane Brandon, conducted by Clelia Cafiero and Olivia Clarke on alternate nights.
The performance runs for approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes, including one interval.
Yes, there will be a BSL-interpreted performance on 3 November 2025 (evening).
The show is recommended for audiences aged 15 and above due to its mature content.
The production is sung in English, in line with ENO’s tradition.
Yes, the London Coliseum offers full wheelchair access, lifts, accessible toilets, and companion seating.
No, photography and recording are strictly prohibited during the performance.
Yes, but they may be seated at a suitable break in the performance to avoid disruption.
