New production of the iconic experimental opera by Philip Glass, directed by Phelim McDermott, by English National Opera, staged in the round at Aviva Studios.
English National Opera are bringing Einstein on the Beach to The Warehouse, Aviva Studios from 29 May to 12 June 2027. It's a new production of Philip Glass's iconic opera, which fifty years ago changed the genre by folding experimental music into theatre. This staging is directed by Phelim McDermott, co-founder of Improbable, who describes it as the final piece of his 'Glass Portrait Trilogy' after directing Glass's Satyagraha and the award-winning Akhnaten. Designer Tom Pye, who also worked on Akhnaten and My Neighbour Totoro, joins the team.
The production is staged in the round, drawing on Einstein's ideas and Glass's athletic, minimalist score, and it brings in local performers from across Greater Manchester. It arrives in the composer's 90th year, and the season marks 20 years since the first Manchester International Festival in 2007, whose premieres Aviva Studios continues to stage alongside its own programme. It's recommended for ages 12+, under 14s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18+, and under 5s aren't permitted.
On stage, the production is a collaboration between English National Opera, Factory International, Park Avenue Armory and Improbable. Brad Lubman conducts the BBC Philharmonic, and the vocal ensemble unites the Chorus of ENO and Kantos Chamber Choir. It's a long one: the running time is four to five hours with no interval, so you'll want to settle in for the full stretch.
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There are plenty of dates to choose from: 29-31 May at 3pm; 2-4 June at 6pm; 5-6 June at 3pm; 8, 9 and 11 June at 6pm; and 12 June at 3pm. Captioned performances are on 11 and 12 June, with an audio-described performance on 8 June. Standard tickets are £36.50, £56.50, £76.50, £96.50, and £126.50, with a booking fee on all of them, plus Aviva £10 tickets and concessions up to 25% off. The Warehouse is at Aviva Studios, St John's, Manchester, M3 4JQ.
