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English National Opera

Partenope

Relationship status: It's complicated

a woman with red nail varnish and a smart black suit and tie holds a pack of cards close to her chest
When it comes to Partenope’s love life, ‘complicated’ doesn’t quite cover it. Settle in for Handel’s first operatic rom-com, where all isn’t fair in love and war. Finding The One isn’t easy, especially when you’re tangled up in a tricky love quadrangle.

Join our social butterfly Partenope and her three potential suitors – Arsace, Armindo and Eurimene – in this timeless tale where boys meet girl, girl falls for boy, and another ‘boy’ is really a girl looking for revenge on a boy… keeping up? Find out if love is on the cards and if honesty wins in this complex game of romance, where not everything (or everyone) is as it seems.

Set in a 1920’s Paris salon, Christopher Alden’s production is inspired by the surrealist artists of the time including Salvador Dali and Man Ray, with the character of Emilio being based on Man Ray himself.

With non-stop parties, bottomless cocktails, endless card games and some questionable disguises, the scene is set for romance, complemented by Handel’s captivating score which brings each character’s emotions to life beautifully. Don’t miss this fun, classy and charming battle for Partenope’s heart.

Performers:
Nardus Williams
Partenope
Hugh Cutting Arsace
Ru Charlesworth Emilio
Jake Ingbar Armindo
Katie Bray Rosmira
William Thomas Ormonte
Christopher Alden director
Orchestra of English National Opera
Christian Curnyn conductor


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This production has been made possible through the generous support of a syndicate comprising Liz Cratchley OBE, Alan Karr & Jeanne Ruane, Vincent Mercer & Mrs Anzo Francis, Kate Olver & Jeremy Young, and Leo Toralballa.

  • date Thu, 20 November 2025
  • location The London Coliseum
  • time 7:00pm
  • ticket From £15

Full Event Details

When it comes to Partenope’s love life, ‘complicated’ doesn’t quite cover it. Settle in for Handel’s first operatic rom-com, where all isn’t fair in love and war. Finding The One isn’t easy, especially when you’re tangled up in a tricky love quadrangle.

Join our social butterfly Partenope and her three potential suitors – Arsace, Armindo and Eurimene – in this timeless tale where boys meet girl, girl falls for boy, and another ‘boy’ is really a girl looking for revenge on a boy… keeping up? Find out if love is on the cards and if honesty wins in this complex game of romance, where not everything (or everyone) is as it seems.

Set in a 1920’s Paris salon, Christopher Alden’s production is inspired by the surrealist artists of the time including Salvador Dali and Man Ray, with the character of Emilio being based on Man Ray himself.

With non-stop parties, bottomless cocktails, endless card games and some questionable disguises, the scene is set for romance, complemented by Handel’s captivating score which brings each character’s emotions to life beautifully. Don’t miss this fun, classy and charming battle for Partenope’s heart.

Performers:
Nardus Williams
Partenope
Hugh Cutting Arsace
Ru Charlesworth Emilio
Jake Ingbar Armindo
Katie Bray Rosmira
William Thomas Ormonte
Christopher Alden director
Orchestra of English National Opera
Christian Curnyn conductor

This production has been made possible through the generous support of a syndicate comprising Liz Cratchley OBE, Alan Karr & Jeanne Ruane, Vincent Mercer & Mrs Anzo Francis, Kate Olver & Jeremy Young, and Leo Toralballa.

Venue Details & Map

Location

The London Coliseum
St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4ES

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