Opera North: Rigoletto

Giuseppe Verdi
Thu 12 Nov 2026 and Sat 14 Nov 2026

Rigoletto exists on the margins of a world owned by the privileged few – and is despised by them for his difference. Twisted inside by the life he has been forced to lead, the only thing he lives for is his daughter, Gilda, of whom he is obsessively protective. When a combination of bitterness and bravura gets the better of him, the consequences for his most precious possession are fatal.

This bold, award-winning production by leading UK theatre artist Femi Elufowoju Jr is opera at its most gripping: a thrilling tale of power, love and revenge that includes one of opera’s most famous aria, ‘La donna è mobile’. 

Reviews

★★★★★ “a bold, innovative and purposeful re-imagining” - The Telegraph 
★★★★ “This new take on Rigoletto really works… chillingly excellent…” -  The Guardian 
★★★★★ “a landmark production… spectacular…” - Bachtrack 

 

Save on your booking

  • £20 new to opera tickets
  • £15 for Under 30s members  
  • Multibuy discount when you book for 3 or more operas  

Additional information

  • Age Recommendation: PG (8+)
  • Runtime: Approx 2 hrs 40 mins
  • Language: Sung in Italian with English subtitles
  • Content Warning: Contains some adult themes including violence against women, abduction and murder. Act III includes flashing lights. 

Accessible Performances

  • Audio described performance | 14th Nov

Credits

Leonardo Sánchez - Duke of Mantua

Blake Denson - Rigoletto 

Jasmine Habersham - Gilda 

Callum Thorpe - Sparafucile 

Sir Willard White - Count Monterone 

Alyona Abramova - Maddalena 

Themba Mvula - Marullo 

Thomas Elwin - Matteo Borsa 

Patrick Lange - Conductor 

Femi Elufowoju Jr - Director

Rae Smith - Set and Costume Designer 

Howard Hudson - Lighting Designer

Laila Diallo - Choreographer 

Alison de Burgh - Fight Director 
 

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