Richard Jones returns to ENO!

Olivier-winning director Richard Jones returns to the Coliseum to helm a brand-new production of tragi-comedy Don Giovanni. With operatic star Christopher Purves singing the role of the spiritually bankrupt Don Giovanni, he is joined by Christine Rice as Elvira and Allan Clayton as Ottavio. The legendary libertine and rake appears to have a deathwish, raping and murdering his way around rural Spain. However, there is one thing he is unable to beat - and that is the road to Hell.

What is it about?

Based on the legend of Don Juan, Mozart's darkly comic opera takes full advantage of the sultry Spanish countryside as Don Giovanni attempts to rape a nobleman's daughter in the middle of the night. With his consigliere on watch, the Don fails to assault the girl - but it comes at a heavy price; the death of her father at his hands. Fleeing the scene, Giovanni is completely remorseless and determined for sex that night; making a pass at a hooded woman on the road, he is horrified to discover that it is his jilted ex-lover Elvira, and escapes once again.

Thwarted in his seductions, he targets a farmgirl for his attentions; but to no avail as Elvira and Donna Anna and her fiance arrive and denounce him publicly for the nobleman's murder. He manages to escape once again with his life, albeit more narrowly this time. It would appear that time is running out for the Don, especially when he is confronted by a supernatural force that offers him a chance to repent for his abhorrent crimes - will he show remorse? Or is his soul doomed to hell forever?