Adriana Mater

English National Opera stages Saariaho's Adriana Mater at the London Coliseum, recommended for ages 15+.

Adriana Mater is Kaija Saariaho's opera about a woman who becomes pregnant after a violent assault during civil war and chooses to raise her son despite the trauma, only for him to grow up seeking revenge once he learns the truth. Sung in English with surtitles, the production runs 2 hours 45 minutes including one interval, and brings together ENO Artistic Director Annilese Miskimmon and Music Director Designate André de Ridder, with Kristina Stanek in the title role. This is a serious, adult work depicting violence, sexual violence including rape, alcoholism, war and contemplation of murder, so the recommended age guidance is 15+ and children under 5 are not permitted in the auditorium. A British Sign Language interpreted performance takes place on Tuesday 8 December 2026 at 19:00. Tickets start from £25, and ENO offers discounted tickets for under-35s plus free tickets for under-21s.

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London ColiseumOpera and ballet on a grand West End stage, with a strict under-5s rule and an 86-step climb to the cheap seats.London · from £25 · booking required · café · indoor seatingSee full listing →