Desire burns in the shadows, rage blazes in the light.

Anne Boleyn won the king’s desire first, his love second, but only an heir could deliver his loyalty. In a court full of secrets and spies, the Tudor Queen’s time is running out.

Donizetti’s opera rips the best bits from a bloody time in history to create a thrilling ride through the last days of Anne Boleyn’s marriage to King Henry VIII. Jealous courtiers and scheming royals have the queen caught fast in a tightening trap. And her lady-in-waiting is waiting indeed, consumed with guilt, to take her place on the throne.

With ardent melodies, fiery singing and acrobatic coloratura, every minute of Anna Bolena is a masterclass in bel canto opera. It depends on a stellar soprano to throw herself into the role.

From the creative team that brought you Aida comes the first of a new trilogy of Donizetti’s Tudor Queen operas. Davide Livermore directs a new production featuring stunning costumes and his signature high-tech sets.