David McVicar's sumptuous production

Francesco Cilea's tragic opera returns to the Royal Opera House in the first revival of David McVicar's sparkling production. Based partly on the true story of French actress Adrienne Lecouvreur in the 1700s and her mysterious death, jealousy and murder are the name of the game when a possessive princess finds her lover entranced by a mere actress. McVicar's 2010 production was The Royal Opera's first staging of the opera since 1906, whereby they enlisted the help of set designer Charles Edwards to recreate an authentic working Baroque theatre for the stage.

Beloved by everybody who meets her or indeed seen her perform on the stage, she is the toast of Paris. Her stage manager is desperately in love with her, but her heart belongs to another, Maurizio, Count of Saxony. However, he is trapped in a possessive relationship with the Princess de Boullion, who is not about to let him go without a fight. Learning that her love rival is the enchanting actress Adriana, the Princess takes drastic measures to keep Maurizio with her forever.