Photos: ANGEL'S BONE at English National Opera
The Pulitzer Prize-winning opera will premiere in Manchester before transferring to London later this year.
First-look production photos have been released for English National Opera’s upcoming UK premiere of ANGEL’S BONE, the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera by Du Yun with a libretto by Royce Vavrek. The production opens May 12, 2026, at Aviva Studios before transferring to London Coliseum in October.
The opera tells the story of a couple who discover two wounded angels in their garden and attempt to care for them, only for the situation to evolve into what ENO describes as a portrait of exploitation, human trafficking, and modern-day slavery. Du Yun’s score combines influences including medieval polyphony, punk, electronics, chamber music, and cabaret.
The production marks the UK opera debut of director Kip Williams, who collaborates once again with designer Marg Horwell following projects including DRACULA starring Cynthia Erivo and THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY. The creative team also includes lighting designer Jack Knowles, video designer Ash J Woodward, and co-sound designers Dominic Bilkey and Joseph Reiser.
International conductor Baldur Brönniman leads the production. The Manchester performances will feature the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, while the London run will be performed by the Orchestra of ENO.
The cast includes Allison Cook as Mrs. X.E., Rodney Earl Clarke as Mr. X.E., Mariam Wallentin as Girl Angel, Matthew McKinney as Boy Angel, and Keith Pun as Male Soprano. Manchester-based vocal ensemble Kantos Chamber Choir will appear in both runs.
ANGEL’S BONE runs May 12–16 at Aviva Studios in Manchester and October 16–31 at the London Coliseum. The production has a runtime of approximately 90 minutes with no intermission and is recommended for audiences 18 and older due to mature themes and content.
Photo Credit: Ellie Kurttz
Mariam Wallentin, Onstage Camera Operators
Mariam Wallentin, Matthew McKinney
Mariam Wallentin, Matthew McKinney
The Cast of Angel's Bone
The Cast of Angel's Bone
The Cast of Angel's Bone
The Cast of Angel's Bone
The Cast of Angel's Bone
The Cast of Angel's Bone
The Cast of Angel's Bone
The Cast of Angel's Bone
Rodney Earl Clarke, Matthew McKinney, Mariam Wallentin
Rodney Earl Clarke, Matthew McKinney, Mariam Wallentin
Rodney Earl Clarke, Matthew McKinney, Allison Cook
Rodney Earl Clarke, Allison Cook
Rodney Earl Clarke, Allison Cook
Rodney Earl Clarke, Matthew McKinney, Mariam Wallentin
A scene from Angel's Bone
Matthew McKinney, Mariam Wallentin
Mariam Wallentin
Keith Pun
Keith Pun, Camilla Seale, Allison Cook
Keith Pun, Allison Cook
Allison Cook
Allison Cook
Allison Cook
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