Duration
3 hrs 15 mins with interval
Age limit
Suitable for 15+ ##Know Before You Go
Why Watch The Handmaid's Tale?
Watch Margaret Atwood’s novel on stage in the form of an opera in London's largest theatre, the London Coliseum.
First premiered in Copenhagen in 2000, this opera has been performed in several countries.
See the magic of Danish composer Poul Ruder through gospel music and medieval chanting that compliments the brutality of Gilead.
Follow the story of women, especially Offred, in the Republic of Gilead where they have no rights or freedom.
Directed by ENO’s Artistic Director Annilese Miskimmon, the opera explores the dark reality of the women in Atwood's story.
Based on the novel by Marget Atwood of the same name, The Handmaid’s Tale is a powerful rendition by Danish composer Poul Ruder. First premiered in 2000 in Copenhagen, Margaret Atwood’s story has made the rounds around the world.
Watch the patriarchal dictatorship taking hold of Gilead where women are nothing more than trophies. Follow Offred’s struggles and fears as she navigates this new world. See her trying hard to hold on to her individualism and facing consequences for her actions.
The show is being directed by Annilese Miskimmon who has won awards such as International Opera Award, Guardian Theatre, Aarhus Stiften award, and more for her works. Poul Ruder’s score further enhances the brutality faced by the women in Gilead. The music transitions from loud chanting to a beautiful love duet and one can sense the unease that is a part of the story.
With a talented cast of Kate Lindsey as Offred, Susan Bickley as her mother, soprano Rachel Nicholls as Aunt Lydia, Avery Amereau as Serena Joy, James Creswell as The Commander and John Findon as Luke, this show is likely to be a hit. Get immersed in the dark reality of Gilead and go through a roller coaster ride as you follow the story of Offred in this new world.
Storyline
The Handmaid’s Tale opera revolves around a handmaid named Offred who is considered little more than a trophy by the people around her. The story takes place in North America where the Republic of Gilead is formed after the assassination of the President of the United States. This new republic follows a patriarchal dictatorship with women having no rights or freedom.
When the wife of a high-ranking government official cannot bear offspring, Offred is forced to act as a proxy and bear a child for the wife. We see the injustice of this new world and how handmaids are viewed as properties. Watch the struggles of Offred in this new regime as she fights to maintain her individualism and freedom.
Show timings
- Feb 1, 8, 15: 7:30 PM
- Feb 3, 10: 6:30 PM
Cast & Crew
Leading Roles
Kate Lindsey as Offred
Susan Bickley as her mother
Soprano Rachel Nicholls as Aunt Lydia
Avery Amereau as Serena Joy
James Creswell as The Commander
John Findon as Luke
Book By
Margaret Atwood
Director
Annilese Miskimmon
Conductor
Joana Carneiro
Composed By
Poul Ruders
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: Please be aware that for your comfort and security all audience members will be subject to security checks upon arrival at the London Coliseum Theatre.
Dress Code: Smart and casual wear is recommended. Keep in mind, the theater is air-conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly.
Outside Food: Outside food is strictly prohibited inside this venue.
Tickets Redemption
You will get an e-mail confirmation with your The Handmaid's Tale 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
Buy your tickets for The Handmaid's Tale opera online for a hassle-free and convenient experience that ensures the best deals and discounts.
The cost of the tickets for The Handmaid's Tale opera will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The best way to buy cheap or discounted tickets for The Handmaid's Tale opera is to book them online as you will often come across attractive discounts. Book your The Handmaid's Tale tickets in advance as they tend to get more expensive closer to the show date.
You can easily buy last-minute tickets for The Handmaid's Tale opera online.
Watch The Handmaid's Tale opera in London from the best seats. Booking tickets online will give you the opportunity to select your specific seats, thus, ensuring you do not get stuck with partial view seating. But if you try your luck with lottery tickets, or purchase day seats, your seats will be allocated at the discretion of the Box Office, which can potentially mean partial view seating or split seats.
The Handmaid's Tale opens on 1 Feb 2024 at London Coliseum.
The age limit for The Handmaid's Tale opera is 15+.
The Handmaid's Tale is playing at London Coliseum in London and opens on 1 Feb 2024.
The running time of The Handmaid's Tale is 2 hours 45 minutes with one interval.
The Handmaid's Tale is an opera about the loss of agency, suppression of reproductive rights and how subjugated women in patriarchal society try to function and free themselves from their misery.
The main stars of The Handmaid's Tale are Kate Lindsey as Offred, Susan Bickley as her mother, soprano Rachel Nicholls as Aunt Lydia, Avery Amereau as Serena Joy, James Creswell as The Commander, and John Findon as Luke.
There is no specific dress code at West End. However, it is prudent to dress in semi-formals or smart casuals and something comfortable. Carry a light sweater or a jacket as the theatre can get a bit chilly.
No, outside food is not allowed while attending The Handmaid's Tale opera. Most theatres do have a cafeteria or bar inside the premises where you can get snacks and drinks.
London Coliseum has multiple facilities including a bar, restaurant, and toilets available for the audiences during The Handmaid's Tale opera.
Photography, videography, and sound recording are prohibited inside the theatre. Some theatres do have a souvenir shop from where you can purchase pictures of stills of the show.
