What’s On
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Exhibitions
Free
Tim Noble & Sue Webster: Love and Hate at Firstsite
Thursday 09 November 2023 - Saturday 01 February 2025
In this presentation, seven light sculptures by Noble & Webster illuminate areas of the Firstsite building with pops of glimmering colour.
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Free
Nicola Burrell: Concrete Dreams
Saturday 20 April 2024 - Sunday 20 April 2025
Discover Colchester-based artist Nicola Burrell’s vibrant three-dimensional artworks and sculptures inspired by New Towns in Essex.
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Free
Jane Ostler: Finding the Hand of Kindness
Saturday 12 October 2024 - Sunday 23 February 2025
“Finding The Hand of Kindness” is inspired by Jane’s own life, reflecting on her roles as a caregiver, the impact of patriarchal expectations, and the everyday moments of kindness. Through her art, Jane invites us to see how creativity can be a source of comfort and connection.
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Free
Leonora Carrington: Avatars & Alliances
Saturday 26 October 2024 - Sunday 23 February 2025
Step into the magical and mystical world of Leonora Carrington, the British-Mexican painter and novelist, in her debut exhibition in the East of England.
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Free
Halla Groves-Raines: Life in Patterns
Saturday 16 November 2024 - Sunday 20 April 2025
Discover fresh perspectives from modern Essex and Suffolk through the faces and stories of its residents in an intimate portrait exhibition by Essex-based artist Halla Groves-Raines.
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Mini Movers & Makers Toddler Group
Thursday 21 November 2024
10:00 am
More times available
This brand new artist-led toddler group provides a safe and fun environment for children under 5 and parents/carers to be curious and explore interactive, sensory storytelling and experiment with a range of art activities and materials.
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Buffalo Kids (Parent & Baby)
Thursday 21 November 2024
11:30 am
In Buffalo Kids, Mary and Tom are parentless Irish siblings who arrive in New York City and quickly find themselves on a wild journey.
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A Different Man
Thursday 21 November 2024
1:30 pm
Edward undergoes a radical medical procedure to drastically transform his appearance but this turns into a nightmare in A Different Man.
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Joker: Folie À Deux (Captioned)
Thursday 21 November 2024
4:00 pm
Joker: Folie À Deux finds Arthur Fleck institutionalized at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker.
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Free
YAK | Young Art Kommunity
Thursday 21 November 2024
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
More times available
Young Art Kommunity (YAK) is Firstsite’s young-people peer led group which organises events and activities within the gallery and in the wider community.
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Girl From The North Country
Thursday 21 November 2024
7:00 pm
More times available
Girl From The North Country meets a group of wayward travellers whose lives intersect in a guesthouse filled with music, life and hope.
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Free
Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK Viewing Party
Thursday 21 November 2024
7:30 pm
More times available
Time to warm up your inner drag and start your engines! This year’s Ru Paul’s drag race viewing party is back with a bang at Firstsite!
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Dance and Movement for Well-being
Friday 22 November 2024
10:30 am
More times available
A gentle session for over 60s to ease joint mobility, improve agility, balance and self-awareness in movement. Every Friday 10:30am during term times.
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Timestalker
Friday 22 November 2024
11:00 am
More times available
The hapless heroine Agnes reincarnated every time she makes the same mistake: falling in love with the wrong man in Timestalker.
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Dahomey (Captioned)
Friday 22 November 2024
1:00 pm
More times available
Dahomey is a poetic and immersive work of art that delves into real perspectives on appropriation, self-determination and restitution.
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The Apprentice
Friday 22 November 2024
4:00 pm
More times available
The origins of Donald Trump are brought to life in a provocative, electrifying portrait of the man and his mentor in The Apprentice.
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Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration
Friday 22 November 2024
7:00 pm
Tuscany, Italy, bursts to life with enchanting melodies at the Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration featuring surprise guest appearances!
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Surrealism Poetry Workshop with Derek Adams
Friday 22 November 2024
7:30 pm
New to writing poetry or an experienced poet? Our Surrealism Poetry Workshop with Derek Adams will help you to revitalise your writing!
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Transformers One (Relaxed)
Saturday 23 November 2024
11:00 am
Transformers One is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but were once friends.
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Timestalker (Captioned)
Saturday 23 November 2024
3:30 pm
The hapless heroine Agnes reincarnated every time she makes the same mistake: falling in love with the wrong man in Timestalker.
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MET Opera Live: Tosca
Saturday 23 November 2024
5:45 pm
Puccini’s MET Opera Live: Tosca about a volatile diva, a sadistic police chief, and an idealistic artist has offended and thrilled audiences!
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The Apprentice (Captioned)
Sunday 24 November 2024
11:00 am
The origins of Donald Trump are brought to life in a provocative, electrifying portrait of the man and his mentor in The Apprentice.
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The Queen Of My Dreams (Parent & Baby)
Tuesday 26 November 2024
11:30 am
With a shared obsession of Bollywood fantasy, Mariam and her daughter Azra come of age in two different eras in The Queen of My Dreams.
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Free
Art in the Community
Tuesday 26 November 2024
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
More times available
Art in the Community sessions are for people who use creativity to improve their well-being, and for recovery from mental and physical issues
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Free
Colchester Library Rhymetimes at Firstsite
Wednesday 27 November 2024
More times available
While Colchester Library is closed for refurbishment, weekly Baby & Toddler Rhymetimes are continuing at Firstsite.
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Free
MiniCLIP Colchester
Wednesday 27 November 2024
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
More times available
MiniCLIP – a free weekly music club for young people age 11 to 14 at Firstsite Colchester, on term time Wednesdays from 4 – 5pm.
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Dahomey (Parent & Baby)
Thursday 28 November 2024
11:30 am
Dahomey is a poetic and immersive work of art that delves into real perspectives on appropriation, self-determination and restitution.
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Sugarcane
Thursday 28 November 2024
1:30 pm
An investigation into abuse and missing children at an Indian residential school sparks a reckoning on the nearby Sugarcane Reserve.
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EA Festival: Tattoos – Matt Lodder
Thursday 28 November 2024
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
EA Festival, Essex Book Festival and Firstsite are excited to present a talk with Matt Lodder, author of a new book entitled, Tattoos.
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The Room Next Door
Friday 29 November 2024
10:30 am
More times available
Ingrid and Martha were close friends in their youth, but after years of being out of touch they meet again in The Room Next Door.
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The Wild Robot
Friday 29 November 2024
1:30 pm
More times available
When The Wild Robot, Rozzum 7134, a futuristic robot washes ashore on a deserted island, tale of survival and discovery begins.
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Emilia Pérez
Friday 29 November 2024
4:00 pm
More times available
Through liberating song, dance and bold visuals, this odyssey follows Emilia Pérez and remarkable women in Mexico, in pursuit of happiness.
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Kiss Me, Kate: The Musical
Friday 29 November 2024
7:00 pm
More times available
Porter’s legendary Kiss Me, Kate: The Musical comedy has backstage shenanigans, Shakespearean sonnets, singing gangsters and a hot romance!
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The Wild Robot (Relaxed)
Saturday 30 November 2024
11:00 am
When The Wild Robot, Rozzum 7134, a futuristic robot washes ashore on a deserted island, tale of survival and discovery begins.
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The Black Pirate (1926) – with live piano accompaniment
Saturday 30 November 2024
2:30 pm
Experience The Black Pirate, one of the monumental accomplishments of the silent era, with a live piano accompaniment by Lillian Henley!
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The Room Next Door (Captioned)
Saturday 30 November 2024
5:15 pm
More times available
Ingrid and Martha were close friends in their youth, but after years of being out of touch they meet again in The Room Next Door.
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The Wild Robot (Captioned)
Sunday 01 December 2024
11:00 am
When The Wild Robot, Rozzum 7134, a futuristic robot washes ashore on a deserted island, tale of survival and discovery begins.
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The Wild Robot (Parent & Baby)
Tuesday 03 December 2024
11:30 am
When The Wild Robot, Rozzum 7134, a futuristic robot washes ashore on a deserted island, tale of survival and discovery begins.
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Lee
Thursday 05 December 2024
4:15 pm
More times available
Photographer Lee Miller is determined to document the truth of the Nazi regime in spite of the odds stacked against female correspondents.
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Wreath Making
Thursday 05 December 2024
7:00 pm
Join Firstsite this joyous season for a wreath making session where you will learn how to make an eco-friendly wreath for your front door.
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National Theatre Live: Prima Facie
Thursday 05 December 2024
7:00 pm
Tony award-winning Prima Facie, shows Tessa a brilliant barrister who is forced to confront the lines of patriarchal power.
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Wicker Star Workshop
Friday 06 December 2024
10:00 am
T’is the season to wicker! Feeling festive? How about lighting up your homes with a unique decoration in our Wicker Star workshop.
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Small Things Like These
Friday 06 December 2024
11:00 am
More times available
Cillian Murphy delivers a stunning performance as devoted father Bill Furlong in Small Things Like These, based on a best-selling novel.
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Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
Friday 06 December 2024
1:30 pm
More times available
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story tells the rise of an unknown actor to a iconic movie star who set one of the greatest benchmarks.
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Anora
Friday 06 December 2024
4:45 pm
More times available
Anora is a young sex worker who’s fairytale love story is disrupted as time reveals hidden secrets from her new husband.
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Heretic
Friday 06 December 2024
7:45 pm
More times available
Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are ensnared in a deadly Heretic game.
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Community and Partners
Free
Folk & Bespoke Artisan Craft Market
Saturday 07 December 2024
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Have a handmade shopping day. The people in your life deserves something special and for a totally unique gift, you cannot beat handmade.
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Watership Down (Relaxed)
Saturday 07 December 2024
11:00 am
A group of rabbits flee their doomed warren and face many dangers to find and protect their new home in Watership Down.
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CBeebies Panto: Beauty and the Beast
Saturday 07 December 2024
2:00 pm
The annual CBeebies Panto is back this year to celebrate the joyous season with the CBeebies Panto: Beauty and the Beast!
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Andre Rieu’s 2024 Christmas Concert: Gold and Silver
Saturday 07 December 2024
6:45 pm
More times available
Celebrate the holiday season with André Rieu’s 2024 Christmas Concert: Gold and Silver, exclusively in cinemas!
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Nature drawing workshop with Lisa Temple-Cox
Sunday 08 December 2024
10:30 am
More times available
Explore observational drawing and discover your favourite medium with this nature drawing workshop.
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CBeebies Panto: Beauty and the Beast (Relaxed)
Sunday 08 December 2024
11:00 am
The annual CBeebies Panto is back this year to celebrate the joyous season with the CBeebies Panto: Beauty and the Beast!
Find out moreFestive Workshops
Festive Canal Folk Art
Sunday 08 December 2024
2:00 pm
Delve into the techniques of Canal Folk Art this season with a Festive Canal Folk Art session and take home your flowery bauble masterpieces!
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(Captioned) Anora
Tuesday 10 December 2024
2:00 pm
Anora is a young sex worker who’s fairytale love story is disrupted as time reveals hidden secrets from her new husband.
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Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (Parent & Baby)
Thursday 12 December 2024
11:30 am
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story tells the rise of an unknown actor to a iconic movie star who set one of the greatest benchmarks.
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Small Things Like These (Captioned)
Thursday 12 December 2024
5:40 pm
Cillian Murphy delivers a stunning performance as devoted father Bill Furlong in Small Things Like These, based on a best-selling novel.
Find out moreCourses, Clubs & Classes
Boozy Brushes
Friday 13 December 2024
7:30 pm
More times available
Join Sirena Hart for Boozy Brushes at Firstsite – our New Multi-Art, Drag entertainment painting class extravaganza!
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Free
Colchester Record Fair
Saturday 14 December 2024
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Colchester’s Record Fair returns to Firstsite, a treat for both enthusiasts and casual collectors alike. Come browse through stall holders’ collections of vinyl and CDs from a vast range of genres. Grab yourself a bargain – or perhaps something a little rarer.
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A Christmas Carol (2020)
Saturday 14 December 2024
2:00 pm
A Victorian family prepares a performance of the timeless story A Christmas Carol, in a magical world of dancers and stylised sets.
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The Royal Ballet: Cinderella
Sunday 15 December 2024
2:00 pm
Be transported into an ethereal world at the The Royal Ballet: Cinderella where a sprinkling of fairy dust makes dreams come true.
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TASAF Lecture Series: The Christmas Story from London’s National Gallery
Tuesday 17 December 2024
2:00 pm
More times available
Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful session by Caroline Mcdonald-Haig in The Arts Society at Firstsite (TASAF) Lecture series!
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The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker
Friday 20 December 2024
7:00 pm
More times available
Discover the enchantment of ballet with The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker, a sparkling festive treat for the whole family.
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Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (Captioned)
Saturday 21 December 2024
2:15 pm
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story tells the rise of an unknown actor to a iconic movie star who set one of the greatest benchmarks.
Find out moreCourses, Clubs & Classes
Drag Life Drawing with Sirena Hart
Saturday 04 January 2025
6:00 pm
More times available
A one-of-a-kind life drawing class, where your tutor and model will offer multiple poses in fantastical settings.
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Life Drawing with Justine Moss – all levels
Saturday 18 January 2025
1:30 pm
More times available
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, gain confidence in drawing the figure, with these tutored life drawing sessions.
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The Royal Opera: The Tales of Hoffmann
Sunday 19 January 2025
2:00 pm
Four women: four curious love stories. Juan Diego Flórez leads a fantastic cast in the Royal Ballet and Opera: The Tales of Hoffman.
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TASAF Lecture Series: Arts Hidden Secrets
Tuesday 21 January 2025
2:30 pm
Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful session by Tony Rawlins in The Arts Society at Firstsite (TASAF) Lecture series!
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Introduction to Collage
Friday 24 January 2025
10:00 am
More times available
Sociable, creative and fun Introduction to Collage Workshop where you’ll learn new techniques, unwind and have a delicious lunch together.
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MET Opera Live: Aida
Saturday 25 January 2025
5:15 pm
American soprano Angel Blue headlines in MET Opera Live: Aida as the Ethiopian princess torn between love and country.
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Les Misérables: The Staged Concert (40th Anniversary celebration)
Sunday 02 February 2025
1:00 pm
More times available
Les Misérables is one of the world’s most popular musicals. Experience this unique encore of the show to celebrate its 40th Anniversary.
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The Art Café
Tuesday 04 February 2025
10:30 am
More times available
The Art Café is our new unguided painting session! Come alone, with friends or that special someone for a fun and relaxing art activity.
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Macbeth: David Tennant & Cush Jumbo
Thursday 06 February 2025
7:00 pm
More times available
Witness this gripping tale in a brand-new production of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth staring David Tennant & Cush Jumbo.
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TASAF Lecture Series: A History of World Art in 5 Symbols
Tuesday 18 February 2025
2:30 pm
Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful session by Matthew Wilson in The Arts Society at Firstsite (TASAF) Lecture series!
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National Theatre Live: The Importance of Being Earnest
Thursday 20 February 2025
7:00 pm
Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy – The Importance of Being Earnest.
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The Royal Ballet: Swan Lake
Thursday 27 February 2025
7:15 pm
More times available
The Royal Ballet: Swan Lake combines Tchaikovsky’s score with incredibly creative choreography and designs.
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Jesus Christ Superstar Live
Tuesday 04 March 2025
2:00 pm
More times available
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock classic Jesus Christ Superstar Live returns to its roots with this sensational performance in the UK.
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MET Opera Live: Fidelio
Saturday 15 March 2025
4:45 pm
Following a string of awe-inspiring performances, Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen returns as Leonore in MET Opera Live: Fidelio.
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The Royal Ballet: Romeo & Juliet
Thursday 20 March 2025
7:15 pm
More times available
In The Royal Ballet: Romeo & Juliet, love flourishes in Verona despite the shadow of an ancient family feud.
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Exhibition on Screen: Dawn of Impressionism: Paris 1874
Tuesday 25 March 2025
2:00 pm
More times available
Impressionists are the most famous in art history but they were once penniless outsiders, until the Dawn of Impressionism: Paris 1874.
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Billy Elliot The Musical Live (20th Anniversary)
Sunday 30 March 2025
2:00 pm
More times available
Billy Elliot The Musical shows Billy’s journey from the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance.
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The Royal Opera: Turandot
Sunday 06 April 2025
2:00 pm
The Royal Ballet and Opera: Turandot is puccini’s captivating opera of a cold-hearted princess and her mysterious suitor.
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MET Opera Live: Le Nozze di Figaro
Saturday 26 April 2025
5:45 pm
Mozart’s timeless and profoundly humane comedy returns to Firstsite in MET Opera Live: Le Nozze di Figaro.
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MET Opera Live: Salome
Saturday 17 May 2025
5:45 pm
Met Music Director Nézet-Séguin takes the podium to conduct Strauss’s one-act incendiary and powerful tragedy in MET Opera Live: Salome.
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The Royal Opera: Die Walküre
Sunday 18 May 2025
2:00 pm
Gods and mortals battle in the second chapter of Wagner’s Ring cycle in the Royal Ballet and Opera: Die Walküre.
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Exhibition on Screen: Michelangelo: Love and Death
Wednesday 21 May 2025
2:00 pm
More times available
Michelangelo’s spectacular works seem so familiar, but do we really know this renaissance genius? This is Michelangelo: Love and Death.
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The Royal Ballet: Ballet to Broadway: Wheeldon Works
Sunday 25 May 2025
2:00 pm
The Royal Ballet: Ballet to Broadway: Wheeldon Works showcases the remarkable choreographic range of Christopher Wheeldon.
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MET Opera Live: Il Barbiere di Siviglia
Saturday 31 May 2025
5:45 pm
MET Opera Live 2024–25 season comes to a close with MET Opera Live: Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Rossini’s effervescent comedy.
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