Under the oppressive heat of the Spanish sun, the fiercely independent Carmen attracts the attention of Don José. She warns him not to fall in love with her, but his obsession knows no bounds. Damiano Michieletto’s searing production returns, casting scorching light on the lust, violence and destructive desire of Bizet’s ever-popular opera.

An all-star cast brings this white-hot drama to life, with Ginger Costa-Jackson in the fiery title role, alongside Russell Thomas as the jealous and despairing Don José. Following his 2023 Royal Opera debut, Sesto Quatrini returns to conduct Bizet’s electrifying and sensual score.

Sung in French with English subtitles.

Cast:

Carmen GINGER COSTA-JACKSON

Don José RUSSELL THOMAS

Micaëla ADRIANA GONZÁLEZ

Escamillo ALEXANDER VINOGRADOV

Zuniga BARNABY REA

Creatives:

Music GEORGES BIZET

Libretto HENRI MEILHAC & LUDOVIC HALÉVY

Conductor SESTO QUATRINI

Director DAMIANO MICHIELETTO

Set Designer PAOLO FANTIN

Costume Designer CARLA TETI

Lighting Designer ALESSANDRO CARLETTI

Dramaturg ELISA ZANINOTTO

what to expect

The Royal Opera House broadcasts performances from its iconic Covent Garden main stage, offering audiences the best seat in the house, and access to exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and rehearsal insights.