La tragédie de Carmen
This event is in the past
A brutal, gritty tale of self-destruction fuelled by lust, set to some of the most famous music in opera. When Don Jose falls for the fiery and ambitious Carmen their tragic fates are sealed. His childhood sweetheart is eschewed, and they begin a visceral journey that descends to madness and murder.
Peter Brook’s adaptation of Bizet’s Carmen doesn’t hold back, stripping the opera to its core essentials whilst focussing on themes of obsession and jealousy.
If you’re familiar with the story, then this production offers a different perspective that focusses on the intense relationships between the main characters. If you’re new to opera – expect plenty of music that you didn’t know you knew!
A Buxton International Festival and Norwich Theatre Production, with the Northern Chamber Orchestra.
Sung in French with English surtitles.
Important information
Ticket prices: £10 - £50
Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes with no interval
Concessions:
Friends – 5% off band A-D
Ambassadors, Supporters, Best Friends and Gold Friends – 10% off band A-D
Under 26 – £6 off
Schools – Bands B-D Only – £20 and 1 x Free TA with every 10 tickets sold
£10 seats for this show are reserved for members of My Theatre
Please be aware: This production contains moderate violence and moderate sexual content.
Why not visit our restaurant…
Make your theatre trip extra special and dine in Prelude, a fresh and contemporary space inspired by the building’s art deco heritage.
With the hassle taken out, relax and enjoy our seasonal set price menu in Prelude. Your table is reserved for the whole evening, so you can enjoy your dessert and drinks in the show interval. Plus, Theatre Royal Friends can enjoy a 10% discount!
Trailer
Gallery
Background
La tragédie de Carmen includes elements of the Georges Bizet opera as well as the original Prosper Mérimée novella on which Bizet’s opera was based. Brook adapted the script with academy award-winning screenwriter Jean-Claude Carrière, re-examining it from a new perspective. The original score was adapted for a chamber orchestra by Marius Constant and the show premiered in Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord, Paris in November 1981.
Director of this production, Katharina Kastening has created new productions for Oper Frankfurt, Opéra National de Lorraine, and Opera Northern Ireland. The cast is led by the charismatic Irish mezzosoprano, Niamh O’Sullivan.
Reviews
★★★★
“Raw but revealing.”
The Times
“Carmen is stunningly bought to life by an outstanding cast.”
Derby Days Out
★★★★
“For more seasoned opera goers, it may be a welcome change of pace.”
Explore Buxton
★★★
“The liquid beauty of [Elgan Llŷr] Thomas’ tone throughout, and especially in the famous Flower Song, is exemplary.”
The Stage
Fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced produce. Enjoy the best in food and drink at our restaurant Prelude or a quick delicious bite before the show.
Directions to the Theatre Royal. Where to park near the theatre, drop-off & disabled parking plus public transport information.
Up-to-date information on access our building, accessible performances and details on personal assistant tickets.