The English National Opera (ENO) is set to rediscover the whimsy and wit of Mozart’s Così fan tutte, returning to the London Coliseum for a strictly limited seven-performance run starting February 6, 2026. This celebrated co-production with New York’s Metropolitan Opera, directed by the Olivier Award-winning Phelim McDermott, swaps 18th-century Naples for the vibrant, technicolor world of 1950s Coney Island.
A Rollercoaster of Romance and Deceit
McDermott’s production—hailed as "elegant and fleet" by The Stage—utilizes a fairground backdrop to mirror the opera’s emotional highs and lows. The staging features a 12-strong skills ensemble of circus performers, including sword-swallowers, contortionists, and fire-eaters, who assist the cynical Don Alfonso in his elaborate game to test the fidelity of two pairs of lovers.
At its heart, Mozart’s 1790 masterpiece remains a poignant satire on lust and loyalty. While it was once deemed too "immoral" for 19th-century audiences, modern spectators prize the work for its psychological depth and some of the most beautiful music Mozart ever composed.
A Stellar International Cast
The production features a world-class ensemble led by soprano Lucy Crowe OBE as Fiordiligi and American mezzo-soprano Taylor Raven making her highly anticipated ENO debut as Dorabella. They are joined by tenor Joshua Blue and baritone Darwin Prakash as their respective fiancés, Ferrando and Guglielmo.
Veteran bass-baritone Andrew Foster-Williams takes on the role of the scheming Don Alfonso, while soprano Ailish Tynan brings her "vocal tour de force" to the role of the maid, Despina. Under the baton of the acclaimed Dinis Sousa, the Orchestra of ENO will breathe new life into Mozart’s iconic score.
Accessible Opera for All
The ENO continues its commitment to accessibility with tickets starting at just £15. Furthermore, the "Under 21s" program offers free tickets at every level of the theatre, while those aged 21–35 can access significant discounts.
The production runs from February 6 to February 21, including a BSL-interpreted performance on February 17. Following the London residency, the cast will head to Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall for two semi-staged concert performances.
