English National Opera (ENO) has unveiled a bold new production of Puccini’s Tosca, running at the London Coliseum from 30 October through 11 December 2026. Directed by ENO’s Artistic Director Annilese Miskimmon, following her Olivier Award-winning production of Dead Man Walking, this contemporary reimagining places the timeless story of love, power, and sacrifice within a concert hall inside an unnamed European state engulfed by civil conflict.
Miskimmon’s staging draws striking parallels between art, political oppression, and war, placing Floria Tosca firmly at the center of her own story. The narrative unfolds against an escalating conflict as Tosca plans a secret meeting with her lover, the painter Mario Cavaradossi, only for the corrupt police chief Scarpia to intervene, turning a space dedicated to music into a site of fear and survival.
Presented alongside Kaija Saariaho’s Adriana Mater (opening 28 November), the two productions form a connected narrative arc exploring artistic resilience amidst wartime turmoil. On Saturday 5 December 2026, audiences can experience a unique double-header, attending a matinee of Tosca followed by an evening performance of Adriana Mater.
Conductor Ben Glassberg returns to the London Coliseum to lead the Chorus and Orchestra of ENO, following his acclaimed 2022 production of La bohème. Acclaimed Grammy Award-winning soprano Axelle Fanyo stars in the title role, joined by tenor Chaz’men Williams-Ali as Cavaradossi. The role of Scarpia is shared by baritone Christopher Purves and bass-baritone Craig Colclough. The cast also features Harewood Artists Alaric Green, Osian Wyn Bowen, and Steffan Lloyd Owen, alongside a 20-strong Children’s Chorus formed in partnership with Marlborough Primary School.
Performed in English with translation by Amanda Holden, the production features set design by Rosanna Vize and costumes by Evie Gurney. Tickets start at £15, with free tickets available for under-21s and discounts for ages 21–35 across all 13 performances.
