From the very first note of Carmen‘s overture to the final tragic chords, the very essence of Spain is brought to life in this acclaimed in-the-round production of the Bizet’s popular opera. The dusty atmosphere of the town square, the cool night air of the smugglers’ mountain hideout and the festivities outside the bullring in Seville are all vividly recreated in this powerful tale of lust, superstition and murder slowly unravelling with fatal consequences.

Carmen, a fiery gypsy girl, is arrested for attacking a fellow worker in the cigarette factory but manages to persuade her guard, Don José, to release her on the promise of love. Never satisfied with the love of one man alone, Carmen quickly casts aside the hapless guard in favour of the glamorous toreador, Escamillo. Consumed by passion and jealousy, Don José pursues Carmen back to Seville leading to the inevitable and tragic conclusion

Bizet’s rich and timeless score contains some of opera’s finest arias and best-loved music. Escamillo’s rousing Song of the Toreador, Carmen’s bewitching Seguidilla and tantalizing Habanera and Don José’s heartfelt Flower Song have captivated generations of audiences, seducing them with the sensual music and sultry rhythms of Spain.

Following its highly acclaimed seasons in 2002 and 2005, this in-the-round production of Carmen returns to the Royal Albert Hall for a strictly limited season of just 12 performances.

Performed in English.

Learn more about London operas within the West End.