English National Opera (ENO) has announced a new production of Puccini’s Tosca, opening at the London Coliseum on 30 October 2026 and running through to 11 December.
Directed by ENO Artistic Director Annilese Miskimmon, the new staging relocates the action to a concert hall in an unnamed European state facing civil conflict and the threat of foreign aggression. The contemporary setting aims to highlight the opera’s enduring themes of love, power, resistance and political oppression.
Set against a backdrop of escalating unrest, the opera follows celebrated singer Floria Tosca as she plans a secret meeting with her lover, artist Mario Cavaradossi. When the ruthless police chief Scarpia intervenes, music and art are eclipsed by fear and violence, forcing Tosca into a fight for survival.
The production forms part of ENO’s 2026/27 season and has been developed alongside Kaija Saariaho’s Adriana Mater, creating a thematic exploration of art, war and resilience. Audiences will have the opportunity to experience both productions on the same day on 5 December, with a matinee performance of Tosca followed by an evening performance of Adriana Mater.
Annilese Miskimmon said: “ENO’s 2026/27 Season brings together stories of resistance, resilience and the search for freedom. I am delighted to present this new production of Puccini’s Tosca alongside its sister production, Adriana Mater, and to explore both works through a contemporary lens. Tosca is one of opera’s most iconic characters, and I look forward to placing her at the centre of her own story by revealing the urgent relevance of Puccini’s opera for audiences today.”
Conducting the Chorus and Orchestra of ENO is Ben Glassberg, who returns to the company following his acclaimed work on La bohème in 2022.
Grammy Award-winning soprano Axelle Fanyo stars in the title role, joined by tenor Chaz’men Williams-Ali as Cavaradossi. The role of Scarpia will be shared by Christopher Purves and Craig Colclough.
The cast also features Alaric Green as Angelotti, Robert Hayward as Sacristan, Osian Wyn Bowen as Spoletta and Steffan Lloyd Owen as Sciarrone.
The creative team includes set designer Rosanna Vize, costume designer Evie Gurney, lighting designer Lee Curran, movement director Imogen Knight and translator Amanda Holden.
In addition, 20 children from Marlborough Primary School will appear in the Children’s Chorus through ENO’s partnership with the London West Music Hub, giving young performers the opportunity to take part in a professional opera production at the London Coliseum.
Tickets start from £25, while under-21s can access free tickets across all levels of the theatre and those aged 21 to 35 can benefit from discounted tickets.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
