Dead Man Walking makes its way to the London Coliseum for a limited run, celebrating 25 years since its world premiere at the San Francisco Opera in 2000. Set behind the bars of a high-security United States prison, this opera is based on the Pulitzer-nominated best-selling 1993 memoir by Sister Helen Prejean, which also inspired the 1995 Oscar-winning film starring Sean Penn and Susan Sarandon. With a libretto by Tony Award-winning Terrence McNally, music by Musical America 2025 composer of the year Jake Heggie, and directed by Annilese Miskimmon, ENO’s Artistic Director, the production boasts complex storytelling with a haunting score. Called “easily the most performed contemporary opera of the twenty-first century” by the Metropolitan Opera, Dead Man Walking has travelled the globe with more than 70 productions. Now it’s your turn to witness it on stage, book your Dead Man Walking tickets today!
As Joseph De Rocher awaits execution for the murder of two teenagers, Sister Helen Prejean steps in to offer spiritual guidance in his final days. As she gets to know him and hears the pain of the victims’ families, she’s forced to confront grief, guilt, and what compassion truly means in the face of violence. As the execution day draws closer, will she be able to get the confession that can bring peace to the families?
Show timings for Dead Man Walking may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
This gripping tale comes to life with Jake Heggie’s atmospheric score, featuring haunting melodies with sweeping orchestration. Known for its emotional depth, the music moves between quiet reflection and soaring drama. With standout arias like “He Will Gather Us Around” and “This Journey,” this album captures the full impact of one of the most emotionally complex stories ever performed.
The London Coliseum is the largest theatre in London, located in the heart of St Martin’s Lane. Opened in 1904 and designed by famed theatre architect Frank Matcham, the Coliseum was built to be ‘the people's palace of entertainment’. Today, it is home to the English National Opera and known for staging grand-scale productions, from classic operas like La bohème and Carmen to contemporary works like Philip Glass's Orphée. The first theater in England to have installed the revolving stage, it also features lavish interiors and an iconic tower.
The London Coliseum seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Address: St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4ES, United Kingdom
Tube: The nearest station is Charing Cross
Bus: Bus routes servicing the area include 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 53, 77a, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176.
Available facilities: restrooms, bar, cloakroom, lounge, gift shop, air conditioning, bag check
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible, wheelchair spaces available, assistive listening devices, guide dogs allowed, hearing assistance, access performances, ramp, accessible restrooms, audio description, accessible elevator, sign language interpreters, step-free access, access hosts
The cost of the tickets starts from £13 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The show does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for individuals aged 18 and above.
The show is playing at the London Coliseum in London.
The show is about a nun who becomes the spiritual advisor to a death row inmate, confronting themes of justice, guilt, and forgiveness in the process.
The running time is 2 hours and 50 minutes with 1 intermission.
The main stars of the show are Christine Rice as Sister Helen Prejean and Michael Mayes as Joseph De Rocher.
The libretto for this opera was written by playwright Terrence McNally.
Yes, the show is based on Sister Helen Prejean's real-life memoir about her experiences as a spiritual advisor to death row inmates.
Yes, the opera is performed in English with surtitles.
The music for the show is composed by Jake Heggie. Catch a glimpse of the operatic score here.