London Drum

Verdi’s Rigoletto at the London Coliseum

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The original version of Rigoletto told the story of a hunchbacked jester and his sweet, innocent daughter Gilda, who longed to experience love.

A powerful Duke decided that he wanted Gilda for himself and had her kidnapped. Rigoletto then vowed to take revenge and the opera descended into a battle between power and innocence in a world full of decadence, corruption and decay.

Jonathan Miller's classic adaptation

Jonathan Miller's critically-acclaimed adaptation shifts the action from 16th-century Mantua to 1950s New York. Rigoletto is now a wisecracking mobster in Little Italy, who's attempt at humour gets him into trouble with the local mafia.

A vendetta then erupts between him and the depraved Duke, who seduces his daughter in revenge. Will Rigoletto be able to avenge her honour and restore his family name?

Verdi's score includes 'La donna e mobile'

Verdi's score is packed with atmospheric melodies from the very opening chords, and includes some of his most famous works like Caro nome and La donna e mobile.

What the theatre critics say...

The Guardian: "Jonathan Miller's iconic New York mafiosi staging is as dramatic and complex as ever"

Rigoletto Cast & Creatives

Director: Jonathan Miller; Composer: Giuseppe Verdi; Cast: Weston Hurt, Yongzhao Yu, Robyn Allegra Parton, William Thomas, Amy Holyland, David Kempster, Patrick Alexander Keefe, Edwin Kaye

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