ENO’s acclaimed production of Mozart’s Così fan tutte returns to the London Coliseum this February for seven performances, directed by Phelim McDermott.
The witty staging reimagines the opera’s 18th-century Naples setting as 1950s Coney Island, complete with fairground rides and circus acts to mirror the story’s romantic twists and turns.
First seen in 2014, the production was hailed by The Stage as “elegant and fleet” and described by the Daily Express as “a great evening’s entertainment.” Most recently revived in 2022, it is a co-production with New York’s Metropolitan Opera, created in collaboration with Improbable.
Written at the height of Mozart’s genius and premiered in 1790, Così fan tutte explores themes of love, lust and loyalty with psychological depth and biting satire.
Phelim McDermott, winner of Critics’ Circle and Olivier Awards, has directed internationally since 1984. His ENO credits include Verdi’s Aida and Philip Glass operas Akhnaten, Satyagraha and The Perfect American.
The production will be conducted by Portuguese maestro Dinis Sousa, Music Director of the Royal Northern Sinfonia and Founder of Orquestra XXI. He was named Critics’ Circle Young Talent Award winner in 2023.
Lucy Crowe OBE stars as Fiordiligi, alongside Taylor Raven as Dorabella. Crowe recently appeared at the Royal Opera House as Pamina in Die Zauberflöte and earned a Grammy nomination in 2021. Raven, praised as a “vocal sensation” by Washington Classical Review, makes her ENO debut following her Metropolitan Opera appearance in Antony and Cleopatra.
Joshua Blue and Darwin Prakash join as Ferrando and Guglielmo. Blue returns after his acclaimed performance in La bohème, while Prakash, recipient of the Queen’s Commendation for Excellence, brings his rich baritone to the Coliseum.
Andrew Foster-Williams plays Don Alfonso, and Ailish Tynan completes the cast as Despina. Both are celebrated for their versatility and stage presence.
Adding spectacle to the drama, a 12-strong skills ensemble will perform circus acts including sword-swallowing, acrobatics and fire-eating.
The creative team includes Associate Director Peter Relton, Set Designer Tom Pye, Costume Designer Laura Hopkins, Lighting Designer Paule Constable, Revival Lighting Designer Gary James, and Translator Jeremy Sams.
Performances run from 6 to 21 February 2026, with tickets starting at £15. Under-21s can attend for free, and discounted tickets are available for ages 21–35.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
