Duration
3 hrs 30 mins with 1 interval
Closing Date
Until February 21, 2026
Age limit
Suitable for 5+ yrs
Why Watch Cosi fan tutte?
- A witty, whimsical retelling of Mozart’s final comedy, transformed into a 1950s Coney Island fairground that blends romance and carnival charm.
- The creative team blends ENO’s artistic standards with Met Opera co-production values. Director Phelim McDermott and set designer Tom Pye deliver imaginative staging with circus performers and playful visuals.
- Mozart’s timeless music and Da Ponte’s sly libretto explore love, fidelity, and deception in a clever, emotionally rich narrative, which is sure to spark conversation long after the final note.
- Praised as “a perfect introduction to opera” (Broadway World), this limited run revival brings joyful energy to both newcomers and seasoned opera lovers. Booky your tickets to the Così fan tutte opera at London Coliseum!
Mozart’s Così fan tutte returns to the London Coliseum in a bold English National Opera revival that reimagines the classic tale of love and deception within the lively setting of a 1950s Coney Island. Directed by Phelim McDermott, Artistic Director of Improbable, and co-produced with New York’s Metropolitan Opera, the production mixes operatic tradition with circus-inspired spectacle. Tom Pye’s imaginative set design transforms the Coliseum stage into a bustling fairground, complete with rides and performers, while Ailish Tynan leads the cast as the mischievous maid Despina alongside Andrew Foster-Williams as the scheming Don Alfonso.
Dinis Sousa, Principal Conductor of the Royal Northern Sinfonia, conducts the Orchestra of ENO, bringing Mozart’s delicate yet playful score to life with precision and flair. Critics have praised this staging for its inventive energy and accessibility, calling it “playful and witty, yet tinged with melancholy” (The Guardian). This production showcases ENO’s signature approach: opera sung in English with clear surtitles, making the drama as engaging for first-time visitors as it is for seasoned opera-goers.
Storyline
Set in 18th-century Naples but transported to a nostalgic 1950s Coney Island fair, Così fan tutte opera at the London Coliseum follows two naval officers manipulated by their cynical friend, Don Alfonso, into testing their fiancées’ fidelity. Disguises, romantic mix-ups, and emotional vulnerability collide in a games-of-love scenario that challenges expectations of trust and loyalty. As the fairground’s lights dim and identities blur, the test of love has only just begun…
Show timings
Show timings for Cosi fan tutte may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & Crew
Leading roles: Andrew Foster-Williams as Don Alfonso, Samantha Clarke as Fiordiligi, Bethany Horak-Hallett as Dorabella, Joshua Blue as Ferrando, Darwin Prakash as Guglielmo, Ailish Tynan as Despina
Director: Phelim McDermott
Conductor: Dinis Sousa
Set designer: Tom Pye
Orchestra: English National Opera Orchestra
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.
Tickets Redemption
You will get an e-mail confirmation with your Così fan tutte voucher. Please display the same on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID.
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 opera does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 5 years and above.
The opera is playing at the London Coliseum in London.
Mozart’s comic opera follows two young officers who make a wager with the cynical Don Alfonso, testing the loyalty of their fiancées. Disguised in elaborate costumes, the men attempt to woo each other’s partners, sparking a playful yet poignant exploration of love, fidelity, and human folly.
The running time is 3 hours 10 minutes with 1 intermission(s).
The main stars of the show are Andrew Foster-Williams as Don Alfonso, with Ailish Tynan playing the witty maid Despina. The two couples are performed by Samantha Clarke (Fiordiligi), Bethany Horak-Hallett (Dorabella), Joshua Blue (Ferrando), and Darwin Prakash (Guglielmo).
It is performed in English with clear surtitles above the stage for clarity and engagement.
