Café Liszt presents: the Royal Opera & Ballet Live Cinema Season

Manon’s inner turmoil and her struggle for survival lie at the heart of Kenneth MacMillan’s poignant 1974 adaptation of Abbé Prévost’s novel. In this signature Royal Ballet work, MacMillan’s nuanced characterizations illuminate the moral decay of Manon’s Parisian world, while the sense of decadence and moral decline is further heightened by Jules Massenet’s music and Nicholas Georgiadis’s designs.

Running time: approx. 190 minutes (with two intervals).

The lush drama of *Carmen* is brought to life by a star-studded cast, featuring Ginger Costa-Jackson in the title role and Russell Thomas as the jealous, desperate Don José. Following his 2023 Royal Opera debut, Sesto Quatrini returns to conduct Bizet’s thrilling and sensual score.

In French with English subtitles. Running time: approx. 215 minutes (with one interval).

Peter Wright’s *The Nutcracker* has captivated audiences since its premiere in 1984. Brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s best-loved melodies and the exquisite sets and costumes of Julia Trevelyan Oman, *The Nutcracker* is sure to be a festive treat for all ages!

Running time: approx. 140 minutes (with one interval).

*Così fan tutte* has lost none of its edge since it first scandalized audiences in 1790. In her main-stage debut, Royal Opera co-director Netia Jones offers a sharp, contemporary reinterpretation of Mozart’s comedy of manners, where 18th-century romantic intrigue meets deeply satirical, high-tech deception. The roles of the lovers are brought to life by a remarkably young cast—led by Louise Alder, Simone McIntosh, Mingjie Lei, and Huw Montague Rendall—alongside Gerald Finley as the manipulative mastermind Don Alfonso and Emily Pogorelc as Despina. Conductor Thomas Hengelbrock highlights the beautiful melodies that underscore the provocative and decidedly modern themes at the heart of the opera.

Sung in Italian with English subtitles. Running time: 210 minutes (including one interval).

Christopher Wheeldon’s *Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland* burst onto the stage in 2011 with vibrant colors, theatrical magic, and inventive, sophisticated choreography. Joby Talbot’s score blends a contemporary sound with spirited melodies that evoke 19th-century ballet music. Bob Crowley’s highly imaginative, eye-catching designs employ everything from puppetry to projections to bring Wonderland to life. It showcases The Royal Ballet at its best: world-class dance, superb family entertainment, brilliant music, and ingenious set design.

Running time: 170 minutes (including two intervals).

Liam Scarlett’s production of *Swan Lake* for the Royal Ballet combines Tchaikovsky’s sublime score with John Macfarlane’s painterly designs to create an enduring ballet about love, betrayal, and forgiveness.

Running time: 205 minutes (including two intervals).

Oliver Mears’ acclaimed production of *Tosca* returns, transporting Puccini’s thriller opera to 19th-century Rome amidst its struggle for independence. Daniel Oren conducts; Aleksandra Kurzak sings the title role, joined by Saimir Pirgu as Cavaradossi and Christopher Maltman as Baron Scarpia.

In Italian with English subtitles. Running time: 195 minutes (including two intervals).

Shakespeare’s timeless tale of star-crossed lovers comes to life once more in Kenneth MacMillan’s enchanting ballet—the Royal Ballet’s original choreography celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2025. The magic of the choreography is as palpable in the balcony scene as it is in the lovers’ final, tragic moments. Sergei Prokofiev’s groundbreaking score evokes the iconic balcony scene and the scenes of deadly feuding with stunning power, driving the story with equal dramatic intensity toward its inevitable, tragic conclusion.

Running time: 195 minutes (including two intervals).