Opera

Carmen Tickets

Passion meets peril in ENO’s Carmen, set in 1970s Spain. Book your Carmen opera tickets now to see raw desire,seduction and betrayal in this limited London Coliseum revival starring Niamh O’Sullivan.

Ensnaring opera lovers Bizet’s Carmen, set during Franco’s final years, blends seduction, obsession, and drama, perfect for opera lovers, drama fans & newcomers.

ENO’s bold revival by Calixto Bieito & Jamie Manton wowed critics in 2012 & 2023 and has been hailed by The Guardian, FT, and The Stage for its raw, modern edge.

Hear the iconic Habanera and Toreador Song amid gunmetal car park sets, steel bullrings, visceral 1970s staging. Book your Carmen opera London tickets before they vanish.

Mezzo-soprano Niamh O’Sullivan leads as Carmen with John Findon, Cory McGee, and Sarah-Jane Brandon, co-conducted by Clelia Cafiero(La bohème 2024), and former Mackerras Conducting Fellow Olivia Clarke.

This opera is out for a limited London run: only 10 evening shows at the iconic London Coliseum are playing, so grab your Carmen opera tickets now!

Set in scorching late‑Franco Spain, Carmen follows free‑spirited Carmen who ensnares gentle soldier Don José, drawing him away from duty into jealousy and crime. As he falls deeper, she shifts her passion to charismatic bullfighter Escamillo, sparking a deadly love triangle. Bizet’s iconic melodies pulse throughout this gritty, English‑sung drama. Book your tickets for Carmen, the opera where love can cost everything.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

16 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from Germany, Latvia, Mexico and over 7 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Ivy G
Solo
Verified booking
Nov 2025
The music was beautiful. Modern production so one has to be prepared for that. The first half was a little bit heavy with violence but the second half was more enjoyable 😉
Kristine M
Solo
Verified booking
Nov 2025
The best opera expierence ever! It was something! So powerful! I love it!
John P
Solo
Verified booking
Nov 2025
It was quite marvellous, it was an excellent performance.
Stephen B
Solo
Verified booking
Oct 2025
First visit to the ENO and I couldn't believe the size and quality of the production. The musicians. Cast and main players were all fantastic. A brilliant venue as well Thank you 🙏
Carlos A
Couple
Verified booking
Oct 2025
The play being so modern compared to the classival version. The mezzsoprano was indeed the highlight of the show and the theatre is amaging

Show details

Categories: Opera, Critics' Choice, Classics, Olivier Winner

Audience: Suitable for 15+ yrs

Theater name: London Coliseum

Find the best seats in the house with the London Coliseum seating plan.

Theater facilities: restrooms, bar, elevator

Theater accessibility: wheelchair accessible, guide dogs allowed, hearing assistance, access performances, accessible restrooms, audio description

Dress code: Smart casual

Cast & crew

Leading roles: Mezzo‑soprano Niamh O’Sullivan as Carmen, tenor John Findon as Don José, baritone Cory McGee as Escamillo, soprano Ava Dodd as Micaela, bass-baritone Patrick Keefe as Dancairo, tenor Osian Wyn Bowen as Remendado, mezzo Siân Griffiths as Mercedes, soprano Harriet Eyley as Frasquita, bass‑baritone Keel Watson as Zuniga

Director: Original staging by Calixto Bieito

Revival director: Jamie Manton

Production: Co-production with Den Norske Opera and Ballet

Conductors: Clelia Cafiero and Olivia Clarke

Intimacy & fight direction: Haruka Kuroda

Composer: Georges Bizet

Libretto translators & lyric adaptation: Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy; English translation by Christopher Cowell

Set designer: Alfons Flores

Costume designer: Mercè Paloma

Lighting designer: Bruno Poet

Additional info

This show is suitable for ages 15 years and above.

Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!

Most theatres are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.