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Following its hugely successful premiere at Manchester International Festival in 2009, acclaimed singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright's debut opera, Prima Donna, makes its London premiere.

Rufus Wainwright has established himself as one of the great male vocalists and songwriters of his generation, carving out his own singular sound in the worlds of rock, opera, theatre, dance and film. A Grammy nominee, he has released a series of acclaimed albums.

Wainwright’s first foray into opera is inspired by perhaps the best known figure of the art form; the diva. A portrait of a fading opera singer, Régine Saint Laurent, the action is set on Bastille Day in 1970’s Paris. Once the world’s most revered operatic soprano, Saint Laurent is preparing for her return to the stage after six years of silence. But in doing so, she is forced to confront the ghosts of her past.

Celebrated Scottish soprano and Covent Garden regular Janis Kelly reprises the role of Régine Saint Laurent, after giving “the performance of her life” (Financial Times) at Prima Donna’s Manchester premiere. The tenor role is sung by the highly praised Canadian, Colin Ainsworth. Also critically acclaimed, Rebecca Bottone and Jonathan Summers complete the cast.

For these London performances, there is a new production directed by acclaimed British director Tim Albery, whose most recent works include The Flying Dutchman at the Royal Opera House, and Boris Godunov for ENO. The set is designed by Antony McDonald and the opera is conducted by Robert Houssart.

Sung in French with surtitles, the libretto is co-written by Rufus Wainwright and Bernadette Colomine.

Commissioned by Sadler’s Wells, Manchester International Festival, Luminato: Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity and Melbourne International Arts Festival.

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Sadler's Wells Theatre

12 - 17 Apr 2010