Opening on Feb 06, 2026
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.
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 for Cosi fan tutte may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
The London Coliseum is one of the West End’s most distinguished theatres and the celebrated home of the English National Opera. Opened in 1904, this Edwardian Baroque landmark features one of the largest proscenium arches in London. Known for its outstanding acoustics and unobstructed views, the Coliseum has welcomed landmark productions including La Traviata, Madama Butterfly, and Rigoletto.
London Coliseum seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theatre.
Tube: Leicester Square (Northern/Piccadilly), about 2–3 minutes on foot; Charing Cross (Bakerloo/Northern), around 4 minutes.
Bus: Day routes include 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 24, 29, 87, 139, 159, 176; night buses include N5, N9, N11, N15, N20, N29, N41, N91, N97, N113, and stop near St Martin’s Place or Trafalgar Square.
Available facilities: elevator, restrooms, bar, restaurant
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible, guide dogs allowed, hearing assistance, access performances, accessible restrooms, audio description
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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.