The Merry Widow

New production

A lavish Parisian party is a grand occasion for dancing, drinking, and (in)discreet love affairs. But Baron Zeta, the ambassador to the fictional cash-strapped state of Pontevedro, has a slightly more serious matter on his mind. Among his party guests is Hanna Glawari. Hanna is the glamorous Pontevedrian widow who arrived in Paris to enjoy her late husband’s immense fortune. Baron Zeta cannot bear the thought of Pontevedro losing half its national wealth should Hanna marry a Parisian. So, he assigns the charismatic Count Danilo to watch over her heart. But little does he know that they have quite the history…

Director John Savournin (Opera Highlights Spring 2022) brings his joyful touch to Lehár’s waltz-filled charmer. Designer takis brings his dynamic visuals to the romance. A new English translation by Savournin and David Eaton makes the opera’s wit sparkle, with the cast to be announced later in 2024.

Cast & Creatives

Conductor – Stuart Stratford
Director – John Savournin
Designer – takis
Lighting Designer – Ben Pickersgill
Choreographer – Kally Lloyd-Jones
The Orchestra of Scottish Opera
The Chorus of The Merry Widow

New co-production with D’Oyly Carte Opera and Opera Holland Park
Kindly supported by Scottish Opera’s ‘Play a Supporting Role’ Appeal
Part of Scottish Opera’s 2024/25 Season

Audio description is available at selected performances with a pre-show Touch Tour. Specially-created for audience members with sight loss, Touch Tours give the chance to experience the set, props and costumes close up.

Enhance your experience of The Merry Widow with a pre-show talk on Saturday 14 June at 6pm.

Language: 

Sung in English with English supertitles
Translation by John Savournin (book) and David Eaton (lyrics)

Duration

Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes including a 20-minute interval