ENO: Albert Herring

This autumn sees the debut of English National Opera in Greater Manchester, marking the beginning of the company’s highly anticipated artistic work in the region.

ENO presents a vibrant new production of Britten’s much-loved coming-of-age comedy, Albert Herring — a funny and quirky opera that’s certain to set curtains twitching and tongues wagging.

Directed and designed by multi-award-winning Antony McDonald and conducted by Daniel Cohen, this staging follows ENO’s acclaimed semi-staged presentations at the London Coliseum, including Gloriana, Duke Bluebeard’s Castle, and Suor Angelica.

Loxford, 1947. A typical small market town, where nothing escapes the eye of Lady Billows and her housekeeper Florence Pike. When there are no virtuous girls left in the village, the Queen of the May organising committee decide to break with tradition and crown the shy and innocent greengrocer’s boy Albert Herring as King of the May. But heavy is the head that wears the May King crown, and Albert’s friend Sid intervenes with some mischievous assistance as Albert accepts his fate and the cash prize. Join us as Albert’s newfound village status leads to an alcohol-fuelled night of debauchery and self-discovery. 

Composed in 1947, Benjamin Britten demonstrates his versatility by creating a good-natured comedy with just thirteen instruments. From its gentle ribbing of English Victorian music to its sly quote from Wagner, his light-hearted touch lets the humour shine through the music.

Our unlikely rebel Albert is played by tenor Caspar Singh, and Mrs Herring, his over-bearing mother, is played by Leah–Marian Jones, Emma Bell plays Lady Billows, Mark Le Brocq plays Mr Upfold, the Mayor with Andri Björn Róbertsson as Superintendent Budd.

Meet the Conductor

Reviews

★★★★ 'the star is the orchestra producing a dazzling array of colours under conductor Daniel Cohen.' - The London Standard

"cracker of a show"…."ENO’s brilliant first Manchester-bound production" - The i Paper

★★★★ "Refreshingly modern reframing of Benjamin Britten’s 1947 comedy" - The Stage

★★★★ "the star is the orchestra producing a dazzling array of colours under conductor Daniel Cohen" - The Standard

★★★★ "a real ensemble effort, full of vivid characterisations" - The Times

"Daniel Cohen gets his ensemble of musicians from the ENO orchestra to play with verve" - Financial Times

★★★★ "ENO’s witty new production of Britten’s comedy opera is well worth the trip to Salford"- The Telegraph

★★★ "ENO’s Salford era is starting with a solid, enjoyable show" - The Guardian