The Merry Widow

Everyone loves this operetta, even people who don't like opera, since it's so light and frothy, comedic and fun. Welcome to the ENO's production of Franz Lehar's The Merry Widow, set to thrill keen audiences at The London Coliseum. So what, exactly, is the plot? Meet wealthy widow Hanna Glawari, who has to decide the fate of her land when she remarries. She's surrounded by keen suitors, but also barracked by a bunch of self-interested politicians who want to keep her money in the country. All Hanna wants is the gorgeous Danilo, but he isn't bothered, unimpressed by her money, the very thing that makes everyone else adore her.

You won't be troubled by the language barrier - the operetta is sung in English, with subtitles projected above the stage so everyone understands the story. Director Max Webster makes an ENO debut for the show, as does the sparkling Estonian conductor Kritiina Poska. Sarah Tynan returns to the ENO to play Hanna, Nathan Gunn plays Danilo, and the legendary Andrew Shore plays pompous Zeta. Robert Murray plays Camille de Rosillon, Rhian Lois plays Valencienne, Nicholas Lester plays the Vicomte Cascada, and Jamie MacDougall performs as Raoul de St Brioche. The end result is a fantasic operetta that'll keep you glued to your seats from start to finish. Very cool.