Duration
2 hrs with interval
Closing Date
Until February 20, 2026
Age limit
Suitable for 15+ yrs
Why Watch Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny?
- Hedonism, capitalism, and greed collide in Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht’s operatic satire, set in a lawless desert city built for pleasure at any cost.
- Olivier-nominated director Jamie Manton helms this English National Opera (ENO) production, with international soprano Danielle de Niese returning as Jenny Smith.
- Weill’s jazz- and ragtime-inspired score includes the iconic Alabama Song, later reimagined by artists like David Bowie and The Doors.
- This is a rare chance to see a lesser-performed work by two giants of 20th-century theatre, with biting commentary, on stage at the London Coliseum for a strictly limited run—book your tickets to Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny in London now!
The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny is a daring opera that lays bare a world driven by greed and moral decay. Created by playwright Bertolt Brecht (The Threepenny Opera) and composer Kurt Weill, it delivers a biting critique of capitalist excess through bold theatre and adventurous music. This ENO production stars Rosie Aldridge, Kenneth Kellogg, and Mark Le Brocq as the fugitives who found Mahagonny, with acclaimed soprano Danielle de Niese as Jenny Smith. Directed by Jamie Manton (two-time Olivier Award nominee), the staging crackles with sharp theatricality. Weill’s score blends opera with 1920s jazz, ragtime, and cabaret, featuring the iconic Alabama Song, later recorded by David Bowie and The Doors.
Storyline
Three fugitives escape into the desert and establish Mahagonny—a city where every desire has a price, and the only law is indulgence. As gold flows in, so does vice, and the city attracts those seeking escape, like lumberjack Jimmy Mahoney and sex worker Jenny Smith. But when pleasure becomes currency, and rules vanish entirely, the fragile fabric of Mahagonny begins to unravel. Will anyone emerge unscathed from this crumbling utopia? Book your tickets to Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny in London to find out how far society will go in pursuit of happiness.
Show timings
Show timings for Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
Cast & Crew
Leading Roles: Rosie Aldridge as Leokadja Begbick, Kenneth Kellogg as Trinity Moses, Mark Le Brocq as Fatty the Bookkeeper, Richard Trey Smagur as Jimmy MacIntyre, Alex Otterburn as Back-Account Billy, Elgan Llŷr Thomas as Jack O’Brien, David Shipley as Alaska Wolf Joe, Danielle de Niese as Jenny Smith, Zwakele Tshabalala as Toby Higgins.
Conductor: André de Ridder
Director: Jamie Manton
Designer: Milla Clarke
Lighting Designer: D.M. Wood
Translator: Jeremy Sams
Top songs
The score features standout numbers like the iconic Alabama Song, later covered by David Bowie and The Doors, alongside biting pieces such as As You Make Your Bed and The Song of Human Inadequacy. You can listen to the full album here.
Age Suitability
This show is suitable for ages 15 years and above.
The show is sung in English with subtitles displayed above the stage.
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.
Tickets Redemption
You will receive an email with your The Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny 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
The cost of the tickets 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 15 years and above.
The opera is playing at the London Coliseum.
It’s a satirical opera exploring a city built on greed and pleasure, where rules don’t apply and survival depends on indulgence.
The running time is 2 hours 30 minutes with one intermission.
The main stars of the show are Rosie Aldridge as Leokadja Begbick, Kenneth Kellogg as Trinity Moses, Mark Le Brocq as Fatty the Bookkeeper, Richard Trey Smagur as Jimmy MacIntyre, Alex Otterburn as Back-Account Billy, Elgan Llŷr Thomas as Jack O’Brien, David Shipley as Alaska Wolf Joe, Danielle de Niese as Jenny Smith, Zwakele Tshabalala as Toby Higgins.
Yes, all ENO productions, including this one, are performed in English with subtitles displayed above the stage.
