Thwarted love, unhealthy obsessions and doomed political marriage permeate through the English National Opera’s Lucia Di Lammermoor, Donizetti’s most compelling romantic drama.

The show is based on Walter Scott’s novel The Bride Of Lammermoor, and is directed by the Olivier Award-winning David Alden, who makes his return to the ENO after eight years.

Lucia Di Lammermoor follows an innocent woman who is manipulated by the men in her life until, no longer willing to submit to their control, she descends into insanity.

An example of the bel canto school of 19th-century Italian opera, Donizetti’s score is full of beautiful melodies as well as psychological insights.

Conductor Stuart Stratford, Music Director of Scottish Opera, makes a welcome return to the London Coliseum. Following her acclaimed performance as Rosina in ENO’s recent revival of The Barber Of Seville, Sarah Tynan returns for her role debut as Lucia.

Lucia Di Lammermoor is sung in English, with surtitles projecting lyrics above the stage.