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 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!
Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny is a provocative and rarely staged opera that dissects a world consumed by greed, pleasure, and moral erosion. Created by playwright Bertolt Brecht, known for The Threepenny Opera, Mother Courage and Her Children, and composer Kurt Weill, whose works bridge opera and popular song, the piece offers a searing critique of capitalist excess. Their signature style—politically charged, theatrically bold, and musically adventurous—remains as urgent today as when it premiered in 1930.
This ENO production features Rosie Aldridge, Kenneth Kellogg, and Mark Le Brocq as the trio of fugitives who create the city of Mahagonny, while acclaimed soprano Danielle de Niese takes on the role of Jenny Smith. Directed by Jamie Manton, a two-time Olivier Award nominee, the staging brings sharp theatricality to match the work’s provocative themes.
Weill’s genre-defying score merges traditional opera with popular musical idioms of the 1920s—ragtime, jazz, and cabaret. The orchestration is strikingly unconventional, incorporating banjo and bass guitar alongside classical instruments. Highlights include the iconic Alabama Song, later recorded by David Bowie and The Doors. This unique musical landscape deepens the opera’s satire, making it both sonically captivating and socially resonant.
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
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 years and above.
- The show is sung in English with surtitles displayed above the stage.
- 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. 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: elevator, restrooms, bar
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions about Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny
How much do the Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny tickets cost?
The cost of the tickets will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
What age is Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny appropriate for?
The opera does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 15 years and above.
Where is Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny playing in London?
The opera is playing at the London Coliseum in London.
What is Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny about?
It’s a satirical opera exploring a city built on greed and pleasure, where rules don’t apply and survival depends on indulgence.
How long does Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny run for?
The running time is 2 hours 30 minutes with one intermission(s).
Who are the main stars of Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny?
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.
Are the performances in English?
Yes, all ENO productions, including this one, are performed in English with surtitles displayed above the stage.