About the Show

Witty WWII-era opera, directed by Antony McDonald and conducted by Daniel Cohen.

Set in the fictional Suffolk village of Loxford in 1943, Albert Herring follows the unexpected rise of a meek greengrocer’s son to May King. When no suitable young women are found for the annual May Queen celebration, the village committee crowns Albert instead, upending social norms. A cash prize and a dose of mischief lead Albert into a chaotic night of self-discovery, rebellion, and an alcohol-fueled challenge to authority.

This new production by English National Opera marks a company first for Albert Herring and features tenor Caspar Singh in the title role.

First composed by Benjamin Britten in 1947 with a libretto by Eric Crozier, the opera blends comic satire with post-war commentary, scored for a small chamber ensemble of thirteen instruments. This semi-staged production builds on ENO’s history of successful concert presentations and offers a fresh take on Britten’s wry, character-driven storytelling.

Critic Reviews (5)

“What makes the staging remarkable is the precise characterisations, matched by a musical performance in which the 13 players of ENO’s orchestra, virtuosos all, are perfectly coordinated by conductor Daniel Cohen.”
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"This is a real ensemble effort, full of vivid characterisations... this would be a vintage ENO show."
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"Daniel Cohen conducts the tiny, virtuosic ensemble with sharp precision. It’s well worth catching at the Lowry in Salford."
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"Whether its “twin city” existence will usher in a new era remains to be seen, but this small-scale show packs a genuine punch."
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"ENO’s Salford era is starting with a solid, enjoyable show: not a bang, but no whimper either."
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