English
English
2 hr 30 min with 1 interval
Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny
Opening on Feb 16, 2026
DURATION
CLOSING DATE
Until February 20, 2026
AGE LIMIT
Suitable for 15+ yrs
AboutVenueTickets
Why watch Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny?
- Hedonism, capitalism, and chaos collide in Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht’s sharp 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, on stage at the London Coliseum for a strictly limited run.
- The show blends opera, subversive theatre and popular music with bold staging and biting commentary—book your tickets to Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny in London now!
Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny is a thrilling operatic experience that examines a society driven by excess, greed, and moral ambiguity. Created by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill, the minds behind The Threepenny Opera—this rarely performed piece offers a provocative lens on consumerism, made eerily relevant today.
The production features a standout cast led by Rosie Aldridge, Kenneth Kellogg, and Mark Le Brocq as the three criminal founders of Mahagonny, with celebrated soprano Danielle de Niese adding star power as Jenny Smith. Directed by Jamie Manton (Olivier nominee), the ENO’s staging is as audacious as the source material, infused with visual flair, ironic spectacle, and Weill’s genre-blending score. Whether you're a seasoned opera-goer or exploring Weill’s revolutionary music-theatre for the first time, this is one of London’s most daring theatrical offerings of the year.
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 (Leokadja Begbick), Kenneth Kellogg (Trinity Moses), Mark Le Brocq (Fatty the Bookkeeper), Richard Trey Smagur (Jimmy MacIntyre), Alex Otterburn (Back-Account Billy), Elgan Llŷr Thomas (Jack O’Brien), David Shipley (Alaska Wolf Joe), Danielle de Niese (Jenny Smith), Zwakele Tshabalala (Toby Higgins).
- Conductor: André de Ridder
- Director: Jamie Manton
- Designer: Milla Clarke
- Lighting Designer: D.M. Wood
- Translator: Jeremy Sams
Note: Producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.
Age & content guide
- This show is suitable for ages 15 and above.
- Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!
London Coliseum Read more
The London Coliseum is one of the West End’s grandest venues and the home of English National Opera. Built in 1904, it boasts a stunning Edwardian Baroque façade and one of the largest proscenium arches in London. With a seating capacity of around 2,300, the theatre is known for its excellent sightlines and acoustics. Over the years, it has hosted world-class productions such as Carmen, The Magic Flute, La bohème, The Mikado, and Akhnaten—making it a landmark destination for opera lovers and a cornerstone of London’s performing arts scene.
The London Coliseum seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Getting there
- Train: Charing Cross Train Station is the nearest station.
- Tube: Charing Cross Underground Station and Leicester Square Underground Station are nearby stations served by the Northern, Piccadilly and Bakerloo Lines.
- Bus: You can take buses stopping on Charing Cross Road (24, 29 and 176) and Charing Cross Station or Trafalgar Square (6, 9, 11, 15, 23, 87 and 91).
Facilities & accessibility
Available facilities: restrooms, bar, elevator
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible, guide dogs allowed, hearing assistance, access performances, accessible restrooms, audio description
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.
Q- How much do the Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny tickets cost?
A- The cost of the tickets starts from £ and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
Q- What age is Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny appropriate for?
A- The opera does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 15 yeas and above.
Q- Where is Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny playing in London?
A- The opera is playing at the London Coliseum in London.
Q- What is Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny about?
A- It’s a satirical opera exploring a city built on greed and pleasure, where rules don’t apply and survival depends on indulgence.
Q- How long does Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny run for?
A- The running time is 2 hours 30 minutes with one intermission(s).
Q- Who are the main stars of Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny?
A- The main stars of the show are Rosie Aldridge (Leokadja Begbick), Kenneth Kellogg (Trinity Moses), Mark Le Brocq (Fatty the Bookkeeper), Richard Trey Smagur (Jimmy MacIntyre), Alex Otterburn (Back-Account Billy), Elgan Llŷr Thomas (Jack O’Brien), David Shipley (Alaska Wolf Joe), Danielle de Niese (Jenny Smith) and Zwakele Tshabalala (Toby Higgins).
Q- Are the performances in English?
A- Yes, all ENO productions, including this one, are performed in English with surtitles displayed above the stage.
Tickets redemption
- You’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
- Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!
Cancellation & refunds
- Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.
