To Die for [A Comedy] breaks

For one night only, ENO and London Coliseum welcomes a Nederlandse Reisopera and Phion Symphony Orchestra guest production for the UK premiere of this exceptional new comic opera following the world premiere in The Netherlands in April 2026. Overview This exuberant and subversive black farce, by British-Russian composer Elena Langer, mocks and questions our obsession with celebrity – and encourages us to embrace the highs and lows of our turbulent, gruesome, joyful and beautiful life. Originally commissioned by the Stanislavski-Nemirovich-Danchenko Theatre in Moscow, this comic opera was cancelled after the invasion of Ukraine. The piece was deemed insufficiently patriotic. The existential angst of Semyón Podsekayev drives him to suicide, but he hopes that playing the tuba will save him. A plan that fails miserably. TV presenter Ivan Vane is one of several characters keen to use Semyón’s possible suicide for their own gain. In the second act, we see Vane’s reality show The Naked Truth, in which Semyón’s desire to commit suicide – and everyone’s desire to profit financially from it – becomes a public game. Staging and score A comic opera in two parts, by composer Elena Langer. Libretto by Arkady Zastyrets, translated into English by Maggie F. Gottlieb. Based on the play The Suicide (1928) by Nikolai Erdman. Singers and creatives Directing is Sam Brown, Artistic Director of the Nederlandse Reisopera, the Dutch national touring opera company and on the podium, English conductor Adrian Kelly, Artistic Director of the Buxton International Festival. Co-produced by the Netherlands Reisopera and Phion Symphony Orchestra This production was made possible by the generosity of The Nicholas John Trust and is dedicated to the memory of Nicholas John, Dramaturge of English National Opera, 1985-1996.

Recommended age guidance 15+. Note that children under 5 are not allowed in the auditorium.

Running time - 2hrs 30mins

Booking until - 29/11/2026

Recommended age guidance 15+. This opera contains themes of suicide, strong language and loud gun shots

St Martin's LaneLondon
WC2N 4ES

Nearest tube - Charing Cross

Seating information - The theatre is split into four tiers: the Stalls (nearest the stage, at stage level) and the Dress Circle (overhanging the stalls), the Upper Circle (overhanging the Dress Circle) and finally the Balcony

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