Northern Ireland Opera has announced further principal casting for its upcoming production of Georges Bizet’s Carmen. Directed by Artistic Director Cameron Menzies, the grand-scale show marks the national company’s first-time staging of Bizet's definitive masterpiece. The visceral story of passion and defiance runs at Belfast’s Grand Opera House on September 12, 15, 17, and 19, 2026, viewing the classic work through a contemporary lens.
Northern Ireland Opera welcomes rising star baritone Thomas Chenhall to the cast as the charismatic bullfighter Escamillo, fresh from his house debut at Glyndebourne. He joins previously announced US tenor Noah Stewart, a firm favorite with Belfast audiences, who revisits the city as Don José. Stewart interprets the unravelling obsession of Don José opposite rising star Ruby Dibble, a Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition national finalist making her role debut as the fiercely independent Carmen.
Northern Ireland Opera is also showcasing exceptional local talent, with tenor Andrew Irwin joining as Le Remendado alongside soprano Mary McCabe as Micaëla, mezzo-soprano Jenny Bourke as Mercédès, and soprano Petra Wells as Frasquita. Bass-baritone Niall Anderson also joins the cast as Zuniga. Music Director Greg Arrowsmith returns to lead the 37-strong Orchestra of Northern Ireland Opera alongside an in-character on-stage instrumental quintet performing custom arrangements.
Northern Ireland Opera Artistic Director Cameron Menzies stated that the production demands the right moment, offering an urgent opportunity to examine the tragic story through a modern lens. To complement the performances, the company will host Behind the Curtain: Muse, Martyr and Murder Victim on August 20, 2026. The pre-show panel event features live musical extracts and discussions examining traditional operatic tropes alongside real-world conversations surrounding gender-based violence and safety.
Northern Ireland Opera presents Carmen with set designs by Niall McKeever and movement by West End choreographer Jennifer Rooney. Press night takes place on September 12 at 7:30 PM, with ticket prices ranging from £32.50 to £65.
