ENO - Albert Herring

From Boy, to King, to Man.

In this English National Opera debut at Lowry, join us for May Day celebrations in a fresh and witty new take on Britten’s much-loved coming-of-age comedy.

Following the success of ENO’s previous semi-staged productions at the London Coliseum – Gloriana, Duke Bluebeard’s Castle, and Suor Angelica – Albert Herring will be directed and designed by multi-award winning Antony McDonald and conducted by Daniel Cohen.

Loxford, 1943. A typical small market town, where nothing escapes the eye of Lady Billows and her housekeeper Florence Pike. When there are no virtuous girls left in the village, the Queen of the May organising committee decide to break with tradition and crown the shy and innocent greengrocer’s boy Albert Herring as King of the May. But heavy is the head that wears the May King crown, and Albert’s friend Sid intervenes with some mischievous assistance as Albert accepts his fate and the cash prize. Join us as Albert’s newfound village status leads to an alcohol-fuelled night of debauchery and self-discovery.

This funny, quirky and off-centre opera is the perfect commentary on small town eccentricities and will be sure to set curtains twitching and tongues wagging.

Composed in 1947, Benjamin Britten demonstrates his versatility by creating a good-natured comedy with just thirteen instruments. From its gentle ribbing of English Victorian music to its sly quote from Wagner, his light-hearted touch lets the humour shine through the music.

Our unlikely rebel Albert is played by tenor Caspar Singh, and Mrs Herring, his over-bearing mother, is played by Leah–Marian Jones, Emma Bell plays Lady Billows, Mark Le Brocq plays Mr Upfold, the Mayor with Sir Willard White as Superintendent Budd.