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Exhibitions

Free

Sculpture at Firstsite

Saturday 20 November 2021 - Sunday 26 November 2023

See artworks by artists Ryan Gander, and Bharti Kher in our new sculpture park.

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Exhibitions

Free

@background_bob and his amazing friends…back again!

Saturday 01 April - Sunday 08 October 2023

Essex artist @background_bob returns to Firstsite for his third energetic and uplifting exhibition. ‘Back again!’ features over 270 collaborative artworks created by @background_bob with leading international street and graffiti artists including Mr Doodle, Shepard Fairey and Wrdsmith, other big…

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Exhibitions

Free

EVEWRIGHT: Libation

Saturday 08 July - Sunday 29 October 2023

‘Libation’ marks EVEWRIGHT’s first solo exhibition in a public gallery, showcasing a collection of new and seminal works spanning 20 years. The exhibition’s title, ‘Libation’, refers to the ceremonial pouring of a liquid to pay homage to ancestors or…

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Sketch, Etch and Scones with Karen Densham

Tuesday 26 September 2023

10:30 am

More times available

An accessible and fun approach to printmaking where we will be exploring low tech printing methods like dry point etching, Lino cutting, mono printing, impression printing and more.

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Cinema

Passages

Tuesday 26 September 2023

11:00 am

More times available

Celebrated independent filmmaker Ira Sachs makes a breathtaking return with Passages, a fresh, honest and brutally funny take on romantic chaos.

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Cinema

Scrapper (Captioned)

Tuesday 26 September 2023

3:00 pm

Georgie is a 12-year-old girl who lives on her own in London. She’s happy about it, in fact she’d rather have it that way.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Limitless Street Dance

Tuesday 26 September 2023

4:00 pm

Breakdance skills for 8 – 14 year olds. Join the Limitless dancers Andi Mill and Isaac James to try out the basics of street dancing in a cool, fun and energetic environment.

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Cinema

Scrapper

Wednesday 27 September 2023

12:00 pm

More times available

Georgie is a 12-year-old girl who lives on her own in London. She’s happy about it, in fact she’d rather have it that way.

Find out more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Free

CLiP Club Colchester

Wednesday 27 September 2023

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

More times available

CLIP is a weekly meet up for anyone 11 years old and up interested in music and sound. Play with synths, microphones and musical technology.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Weekly Watercolour for Beginners with Justine Moss

Thursday 28 September 2023

10:30 am

More times available

Join our weekly group for watercolourists of all levels where you will be introduced to the materials, techniques and colour
theory to develop your paintings.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Weekly Watercolour for Intermediates – with Justine Moss

Thursday 28 September 2023

1:30 pm

More times available

Develop your watercolour technique under the guidance of artist Justine Moss. Explore  materials, techniques and colour theory to develop your practice and create more advanced paintings.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Drumming Workshop

Thursday 28 September 2023

4:00 pm

More times available

Learn the basics of African Drumming with drumming tutor Hassan who is experienced in teaching people of all levels.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Free

YAK | Young Art Kommunity

Thursday 28 September 2023

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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Cinema

A Little Life

Thursday 28 September 2023

6:00 pm

More times available

A Little Life follows four college friends in New York City: aspiring actor Willem, successful architect Malcolm, struggling artist JB, and prodigious lawyer Jude.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Dance and Movement for Well-being

Friday 29 September 2023

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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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Mark-making workshop with Lucy Scott

Friday 29 September 2023

10:30 am

More times available

Try something spontaneous, immediate and mindful with this meditative workshop

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Cinema

Scrapper (Parent & Baby)

Friday 29 September 2023

Georgie is a 12-year-old girl who lives on her own in London. She’s happy about it, in fact she’d rather have it that way.

Find out more

Cinema

Madama Butterfly on the Lake

Friday 29 September 2023

2:00 pm

More times available

Prepare to be taken away by this Puccini’s opera performed outdoors on a spectacular water stage on Lake Constance, Austria.

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Cinema

Past Lives

Friday 29 September 2023

5:00 pm

More times available

Past Lives showing now! Join two childhood friends for one fateful week in New York as they confront notions of destiny and love.

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Cinema

Theater Camp

Friday 29 September 2023

7:30 pm

More times available

Amos and Rebecca-Diane – lifelong best friends and drama instructors at a rundown camp in upstate New York, band together to keep their beloved summer camp afloat.

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Cinema

Blue Beetle (Relaxed)

Saturday 30 September 2023

Recent college grad Jaime Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it.

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Cinema

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake

Sunday 01 October 2023

2:15 pm

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake returns to cinemas and is ‘as bold and beautiful as ever’ (★★★★★ Telegraph).

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Community and Partners

Free

Art in the Community

Tuesday 03 October 2023

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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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Parent and Toddler

Thursday 05 October 2023

10:00 am

More times available

These artist-led sessions provide a safe and fun environment for children under 5 and parents/carers to use their imagination and curiosity to explore, test and experiment with a range of art activities and materials.

Find out more

Cinema

Theater Camp (Parent & Baby)

Thursday 05 October 2023

Amos and Rebecca-Diane – lifelong best friends and drama instructors at a rundown camp in upstate New York, band together to keep their beloved summer camp afloat.

Find out more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Nature drawing workshop with Lisa Temple-Cox

Friday 06 October 2023

10:30 am

More times available

Explore observational drawing and discover your favourite medium with this nature drawing workshop.

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Cinema

Love Life

Friday 06 October 2023

11:00 am

More times available

The richly painful and quietly comic human drama Love Life tells the story of a family shaken up by a sudden tragedy.

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Cinema

Fremont

Friday 06 October 2023

2:00 pm

More times available

Formerly a translator for the U.S. military in Afghanistan, Donya struggles to rebuild her life in Fremont and works for a Chinese fortune cookie factory.

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Cinema

The Lesson

Friday 06 October 2023

4:45 pm

More times available

The Lesson tells a story of an aspiring writer Liam who accepts a tutoring position at the family estate of his idol author J.M. Sinclair.

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Cinema

AngelHeaded Hipster + Recorded Q&A

Friday 06 October 2023

AngelHeaded Hipster celebrates the life and work of glam rock pioneer Marc Bolan, combined with a behind-the-scenes look at the tribute album.

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Community and Partners

Free

Folk & Bespoke Artisan Craft Market

Saturday 07 October 2023

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

More times available

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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Cinema

Fremont (Relaxed)

Saturday 07 October 2023

Formerly a translator for the U.S. military in Afghanistan, Donya struggles to rebuild her life in Fremont and works for a Chinese fortune cookie factory.

Find out more

Cinema

The Nettle Dress

Saturday 07 October 2023

2:00 pm

More times available

A husband’s grief becomes a thing of beauty as he painstakingly weaves a dress from nettles in this lyrical documentary The Nettle Dress. After the death of his beloved wife, textile artist Allan Brown embarks on a seven-year endeavour…

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Drag Life Drawing with Sirena Hart

Saturday 07 October 2023

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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Cinema

Once Upon a Time in Uganda

Sunday 08 October 2023

11:00 am

More times available

Once upon a time in Uganda two unlikely friends from opposite sides of the world unite over their shared love of Chuck Norris.

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Cinema

The Royal Opera House: L’Elisir d’Amour

Sunday 08 October 2023

Expect sun, fun and vocal acrobatics in Laurent Pelly’s much-loved staging of Donizetti’s intoxicating and witty comedy.

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Cinema

Fremont (Captioned)

Tuesday 10 October 2023

Formerly a translator for the U.S. military in Afghanistan, Donya struggles to rebuild her life in Fremont and works for a Chinese fortune cookie factory.

Find out more

Cinema

Bobi Wine: The People’s President

Wednesday 11 October 2023

2:00 pm

Follows Ugandan opposition leader, activist and musical star Bobi Wine. He used his music to fight the regime led by Yoweri Museveni.

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Cinema

The Lesson (Parent & Baby)

Thursday 12 October 2023

The Lesson tells a story of an aspiring writer Liam who accepts a tutoring position at the family estate of his idol author J.M. Sinclair.

Find out more

Cinema

A Haunting in Venice

Friday 13 October 2023

11:00 am

More times available

A Haunting in Venice follows yet another detective Poirot adventure, as he stumbles upon a murder while reluctantly attending a seance.

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Cinema

R.M.N.

Friday 13 October 2023

2:00 pm

More times available

R.M.N. portrays a gripping portrait of ethnic and economic resentments tearing at the fabric of a small mountain town.

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Exhibitions

Free

Claire Cansick: You and I Are Earth

Saturday 14 October 2023 - Sunday 14 April 2024

What effect do we have on the landscapes around us? You and I Are Earth charts the devastating effects of climate change and the human impact on the environment across the world. Featuring over 40 paintings by Norfolk-based artist…

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Watercolour Saturdays with Justine Moss

Saturday 14 October 2023

10:30 am

More times available

A monthly meet up for watercolour painters and enthusiasts – open for all levels. Explore the materials, techniques and colour theory to develop your work

Find out more

Cinema

A Haunting in Venice (Relaxed)

Saturday 14 October 2023

A Haunting in Venice follows yet another detective Poirot adventure, as he stumbles upon a murder while reluctantly attending a seance.

Find out more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Life Drawing with Justine Moss – all levels

Saturday 14 October 2023

1:30 pm

More times available

Learn how to draw from the live model or practice your life drawing skills at Firstsite.

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Cinema

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Saturday 14 October 2023

2:00 pm

More times available

Concerned by his friend Jekyll’s recent behaviour, Gabriel Utterson is driven to uncover the identity of the mysterious Mr. Hyde, to whom Jekyll is enthralled.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Everyone Can Draw Supper

Saturday 14 October 2023

6:00 pm

More times available

Join artist Samantha Barnes for Drawing Art Suppers – our new light-hearted, confidence-inducing workshop including delicious food and drawing.

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Cinema

An Evening with Jonas Kaufmann

Saturday 14 October 2023

In the magical setting of the Arena di Verona, Jonas Kaufmann will take you on an unforgettable musical journey for a special evening at Firstsite Cinema.

Find out more

Cinema

A Haunting in Venice (Parent & Baby)

Wednesday 18 October 2023

A Haunting in Venice follows yet another detective Poirot adventure, as he stumbles upon a murder while reluctantly attending a seance.

Find out more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Landscape Drawing – A Discovery Day with Simon Carter

Friday 20 October 2023

10:30 am

More times available

Join Simon for a day of intensive study into landscapes, working in the grounds of Firstsite (weather permitting) with a delicious lunch included. 

Find out more

Cinema

Stop Making Sense (Remastered)

Friday 20 October 2023

Experience once again the newly restored Stop Making Sense now in 4K, a 1984 film, considered as the greatest concert film of all time.

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Cinema

The Old Oak

Friday 20 October 2023

Follow the story around the last remaining pub, The Old Oak in the Northeast England, where people are leaving the land as the mines are closed.

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Cinema

The Prince of Egypt – The Musical

Friday 20 October 2023

7:00 pm

More times available

Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as two young men, raised together as brothers, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Boozy Brushes

Friday 20 October 2023

7:30 pm

More times available

Join Sirena Hart at Firstsite for Boozy Brushes – our New Multi-Art, Drag entertainment painting class extravaganza!

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Cinema

MET Opera Live: Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking

Saturday 21 October 2023

Jake Heggie’s powerful work has its highly anticipated Met premiere in a new production by Ivo van Hove. Based on Sister Helen Prejean’s memoir.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Knitting for Newbies with Clare Sams

Sunday 22 October 2023

10:30 am

More times available

Yarn artist Clare Sams introduces you to the wonders of wool using knitting and crochet.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Knitting for Improvers

Sunday 22 October 2023

1:30 pm

More times available

Improve your knitting skills under the guidance of artist Clare Sams. Expand your horizons, learn more advanced techniques and explore knitting with chunky yarns.

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Talks & Events

Louisa Buck in conversation with Elsa James and Harold Offeh, plus Libation tour + performance

Friday 27 October 2023

Artists Elsa James and Harold Offeh join art critic, Louisa Buck for a fascinating discussion about the role of art can play in challenging stereotypes, highlighting and addressing social injustice, and creating a platform for forgotten narratives and hidden…

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Online

Louisa Buck in conversation with Elsa James and Harold Offeh – Livestream

Friday 27 October 2023

Join us for an exclusive livestream of our talk with artists Elsa James, Harold Offeh and art critic Louisa Buck. Don’t miss this fascinating discussion about the role of art can play in challenging stereotypes, highlighting and addressing social…

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

S&B Sunday Sessions

Sunday 29 October 2023

10:30 am

More times available

Join the S&B ladies for a fun and relaxed Sunday as we host 2 different seasonal themed creative sessions for people aged 14+ of all abilities.

Find out more

Cinema

Exhibition on Screen: Klimt and the Kiss

Thursday 02 November 2023

7:30 pm

More times available

The Kiss by Gustav Klimt is one of the most recognised and reproduced paintings in the world. It is perhaps the most popular poster on student dorm walls.

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Community and Partners

Free

S&B Colchester

Thursday 09 November 2023

7:00 pm

More times available

S&B Colchester is back for 2023 and ready to introduce you to a whole load of crafts!   Join your hosts, local artists Amy & Meg to try out a different textile based technique each month in these fun,…

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Cinema

The Royal Opera House: Don Quixote

Sunday 12 November 2023

Don Quixote, based on Miguel de Cervantes’ epic novel of the same name, regales the adventures of the eccentric nobleman Don Quixote and his faithful squire Sancho Panza.

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Community and Partners

Free

Colchester Record Fair

Saturday 18 November 2023

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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Cinema

MET Opera Live: Anthony Davis’s X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X

Saturday 18 November 2023

Anthony Davis’s groundbreaking opera, which premiered in 1986, arrives at the Met at long last.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Candle Making Festive Workshop

Friday 08 December 2023

4:00 pm

More times available

A fun, relaxing two-hour workshop to guide you through the process of making your own hand-poured scented candle to take home.

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Cinema

MET Opera Live: Daniel Catan’s Florencia en el Amazonas

Saturday 09 December 2023

Sung in Spanish and inspired by the magical realism of Gabriel García Márquez, Mexican composer Daniel Catán’s 1996 opera focuses on an opera diva, Florencia Grimaldi.

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Courses, Clubs & Classes

Everyone Can Draw Lunch

Sunday 17 December 2023

11:30 am

Join artist Samantha Barnes for Drawing Art Lunches – our new light-hearted, confidence-inducing workshop including delicious food and drawing.

Find out more

Cinema

The Royal Opera House: The Nutcracker

Sunday 17 December 2023

Discover the enchantment of ballet with this sparkling festive treat for the whole family.

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Online

Recorded Talk: Rachel Joyce in Conversation with Professor Susan Oliver

Sunday 31 December 2023

Recorded live at Firstsite in November 2022, award-winning author Rachel Joyce discusses how landscapes play an inspirational and important role in her writing, with Professor Susan Oliver.

Find out more

Online

Recorded Talk: Louisa Buck in conversation with Andrew Wilson & James Birch

Sunday 31 December 2023

Recorded live at Firstsite, art critic Louisa Buck discusses the life of artist Denis Wirth-Miller with James Birch and Andrew Wilson.

Find out more

Courses, Clubs & Classes

Video Recording: Simon Carter Online Workshop

Sunday 31 December - Friday 29 September 2023

Draw and paint along with artist Simon Carter as he demonstrates his own methods of working, using the view from your window as inspiration.

Find out more

Online

Recorded Talk: Dame Zandra Rhodes & Jon Lys Turner in conversation

Sunday 31 December 2023

Recorded live at Firstsite Rhodes and Turner will be discussing and celebrating the never-to-be-repeated lives of Dicky Chopping and Denis Wirth-Miller, their literary and artistic output and their complex relationship with Francis Bacon.

Find out more

Cinema

MET Opera Live: Verdi’s Nabucco

Saturday 06 January 2024

Ancient Babylon comes to life in a classic Met staging of biblical proportions. Baritone George Gagnidze makes his Met role debut as the imperious king Nabucco.

Find out more

Cinema

The Royal Opera House: Rusalka

Wednesday 24 January 2024

This poetic, contemporary new staging of Dvořák’s lyric fairy tale reveals our uneasy relationship with the natural world and humanity’s attempts to own and tame it.

Find out more

Cinema

MET Opera Live: Bizet’s Carmen

Saturday 27 January 2024

Acclaimed English director Carrie Cracknell makes her Met debut, reinvigorating the classic story of deadly passion with a staging that moves the action to the present.

Find out more

Cinema

The Royal Opera House: Manon

Sunday 11 February 2024

Torn between her desire of a life of splendour and riches and her devotion to her true love Des Grieux, the feckless and capricious Manon pays the ultimate price.

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Cinema

MET Opera Live: Verdi’s La Forza del Destino

Saturday 09 March 2024

Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Verdi’s La Forza del Destino, with stellar soprano Lise Davidsen, following a string of recent Met triumphs, in her role debut.

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Cinema

MET Opera Live: Romeo et Juliette

Saturday 23 March 2024

Two singers at the height of their powers—soprano Nadine Sierra and tenor Benjamin Bernheim—come together as the star-crossed lovers in Gounod’s Shakespeare adaptation.

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Cinema

The Royal Opera House: Madama Butterfly

Sunday 31 March 2024

Puccini’s devastating tragedy about a young geisha who falls in love with an American naval officer.

Find out more

Cinema

The Royal Opera House: MacMillan Celebrated – Danses Concertantes/ Different Drummer/ Requiem

Sunday 14 April 2024

The Royal Ballet celebrates the breadth of Principal Choreographer Kenneth MacMillan’s one-act ballets.

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Cinema

MET Opera Live: La Rondine

Saturday 20 April 2024

Puccini’s bittersweet love story makes a rare Met appearance, with soprano Angel Blue starring as the sophisticated French courtesan Magda, opposite tenor Jonathan Tetelm.

Find out more

Cinema

The Royal Opera House: Swan Lake

Sunday 28 April 2024

Classical ballet’s most powerful tale of love, treachery and forgiveness returns to the Royal Opera House stage.

Find out more

Cinema

The Royal Opera House: Carmen

Sunday 05 May 2024

Aigul Akmetshina performs the title role in Damiano Michieletto’s sizzling new production of Bizet’s ever-popular opera.

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Cinema

MET Opera Live: Puccini’s Madama Butterfly

Saturday 11 May 2024

In her Met debut, Asmik Grigorian tackles the demanding role of Cio-Cio-San, the trusting geisha at the heart of Puccini’s tragedy.

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Cinema

The Royal Opera House: The Winter’s Tale

Sunday 26 May 2024

Shakespeare’s profound story of love and loss, artfully adapted into a contemporary three- act narrative ballet by Artistic Associate Christopher Wheeldon.

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Cinema

The Royal Opera House: Message in a Bottle

Sunday 02 June 2024

The iconic songs of Sting. The electrifying choreography of Kate Prince. This is a tale of hope.

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Cinema

The Royal Opera House: Andrea Chenier

Sunday 16 June 2024

Jonas Kaufmann headlines David McVicar’s spectacular staging of Giordano’s epic historical drama, conducted by long-time collaborator Antonio Pappano.

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Welcome area at Firstsite. 'Big Hello' (2018) Peter Liversidge. Photo by Jayne Lloyd.

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