Tosca - English National Opera

Puccini’s Tosca returns in a gripping new ENO production directed by Annilese Miskimmon, reimagining the classic opera as a story of political oppression, resistance, and the power of art in times of conflict. Set within a concert hall in an unnamed European state torn apart by civil unrest, the opera follows celebrated singer Floria Tosca as she arranges a secret meeting with her lover, the painter Mario Cavaradossi. Their lives are thrown into danger when the ruthless police chief Scarpia intervenes, transforming a place dedicated to music and beauty into one of fear, manipulation, and violence. Over the course of a single night, Tosca must fight to protect her love, her integrity, and ultimately her survival in a world where every decision carries devastating consequences.

This modern staging combines mid-century inspired architecture with Puccini’s emotionally charged score to create a tense and cinematic theatrical experience. Featuring iconic arias such as “Vissi d’arte” and “E lucevan le stelle,” the music captures both the tenderness of Tosca and Cavaradossi’s love and the relentless pace of the unfolding tragedy. Sung in Amanda Holden’s English translation, the production stars Grammy Award-winning soprano Axelle Fanyo as Tosca, alongside Chaz’men Williams-Ali as Cavaradossi and Christopher Purves as Scarpia. Conducted by Ben Glassberg, this powerful reinterpretation presents Tosca not simply as a love story, but as a compelling exploration of tyranny, courage, and artistic resistance.