The announcement of the London transfer follows the opera’s run at the Aviva Studios in Manchester in the spring.
The English National Opera has confirmed that following its UK premiere in Manchester earlier this year, Du Yun‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Angel’s Bone will transfer to the London Coliseum this October (16th to the 31st October).
Angel’s Bone tells the story of Mr and Mrs X.E., a desperate couple longing for a better life who discover two wounded angels in their garden. They set out to nurse them back to health, but what begins as an act of apparent compassion quickly spirals into a disturbing portrait of greed and exploitation, and an unflinching take on human trafficking and modern-day slavery.
Composer, performance artist and activist Du Yun’s score brings together medieval polyphony, punk, electronics, chamber music and cabaret creating a unique and vital sonic world. The opera also features a a libretto by playwright and filmmaker Royce Vavrek and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2017 following its acclaimed world premiere in New York.
Theatre and opera director Kip Williams returns to lead this production following his UK opera debut in Manchester. He is joined by Tony and Olivier Award-winning designer Marg Horwell, continuing their long-term creative collaboration, with recent shows including Dracula starring Cynthia Erivo at the Noel Coward Theatre, The Maids at Donmar Warehouse, and The Picture of Dorian Gray in the West End and on Broadway. Completing the creative team is Jack Knowles as Lighting Designer, Ash J Woodward as Original Video Designer, and Dominic Bilkey and Joseph Reiser as Co-Sound Designers.
The full cast returns to reprise their critically acclaimed roles from the Manchester run. In the role of Mrs X.E. is Scottish mezzo-soprano and singing actress Allison Cook. Cook has secured a reputation for her stand-out performances within the contemporary repertoire, and she makes a welcome return to ENO following her role as Judith in Duke Bluebeard’s Castle (2024). Performing as her husband, Mr X.E. is British baritone Rodney Earl Clarke who is often recognised for his versatility in performance. Clarke has extensive experience on stage, with his musical repertoire spanning opera and musical theatre.
The role of Girl Angel is performed by Swedish cross-genre musician and voice actress Mariam Wallentin. Best known as one half of the acclaimed duo Wildbirds & Peacedrums, her work spans experimental opera, including The Wasp Factory at the Royal Opera House’s Linbury Theatre. Scottish tenor Matthew McKinney performs the role of Boy Angel. Winner of the 2024 Kathleen Ferrier Awards, he’s currently a 2025 Jerwood Young Artist with Glyndebourne. They are joined by Hong Kong countertenor Keith Pun as Male Soprano.
Manchester-based guest vocal ensemble, Kantos Chamber Choir – renowned for their distinctive sound also return to the production.
To book tickets visit: https://www.eno.org/events/angels-bone/?