Book To Die for [A Comedy] tickets & see the dark opera comedy at London Coliseum
For one night only, English National Opera welcomes the UK premiere of Elena Langer's acclaimed comic opera, To Die for [A Comedy]. Sharp, witty and brilliantly subversive, this darkly funny production takes aim at fame, celebrity culture and society's fascination with spectacle.
To Die for [A Comedy] at London Coliseum:
- Date: 29th November 2026
- Venue: London Coliseum, St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4ES
- Running Time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes including an interval
- Age Guidance: 15+
- Language: Sung in English with English surtitles
Inspired by Nikolai Erdman's famous 1928 play The Suicide
Originally commissioned by the Stanislavski and Nemirovich-Danchenko Theatre in Moscow, Elena Langer's bold comic opera was cancelled after the invasion of Ukraine for being considered insufficiently patriotic. Now, audiences have the opportunity to experience this remarkable work in a one-night-only UK premiere.
Inspired by Nikolai Erdman's famous 1928 play The Suicide, the story follows the unfortunate Semyón Podsekayev, whose hopes of finding purpose through learning the tuba end in failure. As he reaches a crisis point, a cast of opportunists see a chance to profit from his despair.
What follows is a wildly entertaining satire that transforms personal tragedy into public spectacle. TV presenter Ivan Vane and a parade of ambitious schemers turn Semyón's struggles into a media sensation, creating a chaotic and absurd reality-show world where fame, greed and entertainment collide.
Combining unforgettable music, razor-sharp social commentary and laugh-out-loud comedy, To Die for [A Comedy] offers a unique operatic experience that is both thought-provoking and hugely entertaining.
Book your To Die for [A Comedy] tickets today and witness this extraordinary one-night-only event at the London Coliseum.