World Opera Day: Ellen Kent Productions Return to the Edinburgh Playhouse

Award-winning producer Ellen Kent returns in Spring 2024 with the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv presenting two stunning classical productions.

Article Source: Edinburgh Playhouse
Last Updated: 25 October 2023 12:17

Senbla, by arrangement with Opera International, proudly presents three Ellen Kent Productions featuring the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra.

Award-winning producer Ellen Kent returns in Spring 2024 with the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv presenting two stunning classical productions of Bizet’s Carmen and Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. These will be performed at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th March respectively.

Ellen Kent’s Madama Butterfly, winner of the 'BEST OPERA AWARD' by the Liverpool Daily Post Theatre Awards, returns in a new production with exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan. One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results. Highlights include the melodic ‘Humming Chorus’, the moving aria ‘One Fine Day’ and the unforgettable ‘Love Duet’. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Bizet’s masterpiece, Carmen, is an evening of passion, sexual jealousy, death and unforgettable arias. Carmen is the story of the bewitching gypsy girl whose tantalising beauty lures a soldier to desertion and leads to her own murder. The opera includes some of the most evocative and best-loved melodies in opera –The Habanera, The Seguidilla, The Flower Song, The Chanson Bohème and perhaps the best-known baritone aria of all The Toreador’s Song. The stunning set reflects the magnificent architecture of Seville with its Roman and Moorish influences, which includes the main square, the bull ring and the famous tobacco factory. The set was built for Ellen Kent in England by Setup Scenery, who also build sets for the Royal Opera Covent Garden. Sung in French with English surtitles.

Alike Ellen’s past UK and Ireland opera tours, Ellen personally hand-picks and directs all soloists to create visually beautiful and moving productions. Ellen Kent said ‘I am delighted to be working with the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv again after the huge success of the spring 2023 tour. I started working with Ukraine in 2000 and have continued these strong relationships ever since, working with the Odessa National Opera for which I was awarded The Golden Fortune Honorary Medal from the President of the Ukraine, as well as the Kharkiv National Opera and for the last couple of years with the brilliant Opera & Ballet Theatre Kyiv.’

Tickets are on sale now! To book tickets please visit atgtickets.com. Cast is subject to change.

Image: Carmen

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Widest ranging exhibition of Italian Renaissance drawings in 50 years to be staged in Edinburgh

Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Titian will be among 45 Italian Renaissance drawings going on display in Scotland for the first time this October.

Inspiring climate action through the Edinburgh Climate Festival

Edinburgh Climate Festival returns on 28th June. A free festival that aims to celebrate & inspirate climate action in our local communities.

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

Pret gets ready for Pride with free glow up and goodies

This weekend, in celebration of Edinburgh Pride, Pret A Manger is turning up the sparkle with an in-shop glow-up station!

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

Fist Look: Inside new Cafe Calton which offers stunning Panoramic views of Edinburgh

Cafe Calton, located at the top of Calton Hill and offering panoramic views of Edinburgh, has opened in Edinburgh.

Casting announced for the new production of Miss Saigon at Edinburgh Playhouse

Michael Harrison, in association with Cameron Mackintosh, is delighted to announce the full casting for a major UK and Ireland tour of MISS SAIGON, including a run at Edinburgh Playhouse.

Scottish Legend Dougie MacLean to Lead Opening Weekend Big Singalong at the Edinburgh International Festival

A lineup of world-class musicians at the forefront of their fields are today added to the Edinburgh International Festival programme.

East Lothian community revives woodland ecosystem with help from Loganair GreenSkies fund

A community-owned woodland in East Lothian is undergoing a remarkable transformation thanks to a grassroots replanting project supported by Loganair’s GreenSkies Community Fund.

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh Celebrates Pride Week in Support of LGBT Health and Wellbeing

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is proud to announce its vibrant celebration of Edinburgh Pride, honouring the city's LGBTQIA+ community.

Free Surf Lessons for Kids at Lost Shore Surf Resort this July

Lost Shore Surf Resort, Scotland’s most exciting new holiday destination, is making waves for families this summer - with free surf lessons and sessions for kids throughout July.

EIFF to present World Premiere of NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab Short Films

Edinburgh International Film Festival has announced that the six short films created as part of the inaugural NFTS Sean Connery Talent Lab will have their World Premieres this year.

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

Casting Announced for FRIENDS! The Musical Parody coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow

Today, the producers of the 2025/26 UK and Ireland tour of FRIENDS! The Musical Parody are delighted to announce casting for the side-splitting musical comedy.

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

Houstoun House recognised as one of the top hotels in UK by Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Awards

Houstoun House in West Lothian has been recognised in Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards 2025 following consistently high ratings from guests.

Paint the town pink this summer

Edinburgh’s first ‘Rosé Wine Trail’ has been launched across the capital this week as part of a summer-long campaign to celebrate the popular pink tipple.

Edinburgh Bar Awards returns for year two

After a sold-out debut last year, The Edinburgh Bar Awards are back for year two and they’re coming in even stronger.

Stumpy the Lemur makes history at Five Sisters Zoo

One of Five Sisters Zoo’s most beloved residents has achieved worldwide recognition as the oldest living ring-tailed lemur in captivity, according to Guinness World Records.

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces closing night film of Midnight Madness strand

Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 announces UK Premiere of eagerly-awaited cult classic remake THE TOXIC AVENGER as closing night film of year’s Midnight Madness strand.

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

June at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Masterclasses to Father's Day, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in June!

Teachers warn new school uniforms are too costly for too many families

With many families in Edinburgh finding the cost of purchasing a new school uniform completely unaffordable, The Leith Collective launches free school uniform exchange.

Young Carers enjoy a break this Carers Week at Edinburgh Zoo

Young carers from across Scotland will enjoy a well-deserved day out at Edinburgh Zoo on Wednesday 12th June, thanks to a partnership between Carers Trust Scotland and the RZSS.

Filmhouse cinema announces opening programme

Edinburgh’s landmark cinema Filmhouse will re-open its doors with a hand-picked programme of the very best films the cinema missed out on playing during its closure.

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

Adele Anderson to star in UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Fascinating Aïda's Adèle Anderson will play the role of Bernadette in the UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2026.

Quebec EdFests showcase presents an exciting and varied programme

Québec’s annual Edinburgh Festivals showcase once again brings the best of circus, comedy, dance and music to the world’s biggest celebration of performing arts in 2025.