Savor the breathtaking visuals and music of one of the most popular operettas in history at the London Coliseum this season! Directed by Emma Rice and starring Ed Lyon and Claudia Boyle, Orpheus in the Underworld is an entertaining trip to the depths of the hedonistic Greek underworld.
Why Watch Orpheus in the Underworld
Why Watch Orpheus in the Underworld
Known for its upbeat compositions and hilarious characters, Jacques Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld is amongst his finest pieces alongside The Tales of Hoffmann. One of the most famous classical compositions of all time ‘Can-can’ is a part of this song and dance-filled operetta. In fact, it was Offenbach who made the operetta (a combination of a musical and an opera) an internationally loved form of theatre.
The show features Ed Lyon, who played Zadok in Solomon, and Claudia Boyle, who played Violette in La Traviata, in the lead roles as Orpheus and Eurydice. The prolific Sir Willard White is set to play the role of Jupiter while Alan Oke of Oedipe fame takes on the role of John Styx. The English National Opera is led by music director and conductor Sian Edwards. He is joined by director Emma Rice and an amazing team of creative artists who are certain to bring Offenbach’s masterpiece to life like never before.
The Story
This ancient Greek myth is a story of love and loss. Orpheus is a young man who is taught to play the lyre by Apollo himself. Legends say that the trees and rocks swayed to his tunes just as every other being whose ears were touched by his music. Orpheus falls in love with a young and beautiful woman named Eurydice, but their happiness is short-lived. When Eurydice dies of a snake bite, Orpheus is maddened by his grief. In his quest to reunite with his wife, he journeys to the realm of Hades and Persephone.
He melts the hearts of all the gods of the underworld and even manages to charm the three-headed dog Cerberus with his music. Impressed by his dedication and talent, Hades agrees to let him take Eurydice back to the world of the living. There is, however, one condition, and Orpheus might have bitten off more than he can chew. Watch this gripping story retold in Offenbach’s inimitable fashion at the West End this season!
Good for
Fans of Offenbach | Lovers of Operettas | History Buffs
Critics Reviews
N/A
Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Know Before You Go
Know Before You Go
Show Details
Show Timings
Tuesday - Saturday | 7:30 PM |
Saturday | 2:45 PM |
Duration
TBC
Leading Roles
Ed Lyon as Orpheus
Claudia Boyce as Eurydice
Williard White as Jupiter
Alex Otterburn as Pluto
Directed by
Emma Rice
Lighting by
Malcolm Rippeth
Design by
Lizzie Clachan
Know Before You Go
Audience
To be confirmed
Available Facilities
Wheelchair accessible
In-house bar
Coat check
Seating
The London Coliseum has a seating capacity of 2,359 in total.
Outside Food
Strictly prohibited. If you'd like to grab a meal before or after the show, check out our guide to the 30 Best Restaurants in West End.
Dress Code
Smart and casual wear is recommended. Keep in mind, the theatre is air conditioned throughout the year and can get a bit chilly.
My tickets
My tickets
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