From the master of French operetta, who virtually reinvented comic opera in France, this work of genius, studded with famous melodies like the Barcarolle, is as dark a comedy as you can get. No wonder, you say – for it is based on the brilliant, bizarre stories of E.T.A. Hoffmann!

Late at night in a tavern, while waiting for his latest mistress, the character Hoffmann tells an audience the story of his former loves, always shadowed by a dark adversary. These versions of an ideal woman range from a mechanical doll (the celebrated Olympia, whose aria literally unwinds!) to a Venetian courtesan – and as he recreates them he presents around them a gallery of strange, vivid characters and remarkable narrative.

Offenbach’s masterpiece has had many lives – and this new production by James Bonas promises to be inventive, and highly theatrical, matching the virtuoso talents of young tenor Sam Furness in the title role, ETO favourite Ilona Domnich as his three heroines, and Louise Mott (from ETO’s Ariodante) as his friend and inspiration.

CREDITS

Arranged by: Philip Sunderland
Director: James Bonas
Designer: Oliver Townsend
Assistant Designer: Sophie Donaldson
Lighting Designer: Mark Howland