English National Opera Launches Relocation with Albert Herring
English National Opera (ENO) has commenced its strategic relocation to Greater Manchester with a production of Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring, marking a significant transition for the company. This is the first time ENO will perform outside London in over 40 years, raising questions about the future of opera in the UK, reports BritPanorama.
On 4 November 2022, Arts Council England (ACE) withdrew ENO from its national funding portfolio, eliminating a £12.6 million annual grant. The council offered a £17 million support package, contingent upon the company relocating from London. This initial decision drew considerable backlash, leading to a temporary bridging grant and an extension for the move, which will not be finalized until 2029. Last November, ENO confirmed Greater Manchester as its new operational base, coinciding with its traveling show at Salford’s Lowry.
The initial offering in this new phase—a soft launch featuring just four performances—poses challenges. The scale of full opera productions requires time and resources, while the company has initiated various community-focused projects including health and youth opera, potentially sidelining the classical art form.
Despite these dynamics, Albert Herring presents a compelling argument for the opera’s relevance. Director-designer Antony MacDonald’s interpretation of the chamber opera ushers the narrative into a contemporary setting, featuring a village that controversially coronates a local grocer’s boy as May King amid a humorous exploration of village life and politics.
The production cleverly engages with the themes of hypocrisy and social dynamics, painting vivid character portrayals with minimal staging. This strategic choice directs focus to the performances rather than elaborate set designs, illustrating the vibrancy of the characters and their interactions.
Soprano Emma Bell delivers a formidable performance as Lady Billows, commanding attention alongside her cast members. Under the direction of conductor Daniel Cohen, the ENO Orchestra provides a nuanced interpretation of Britten’s varied score, which captures both whimsical and sincere undertones. Notably, tenor Caspar Singh’s portrayal adds depth to the production, showcasing the lyrical qualities of Britten’s music.
This performance demonstrates ENO’s commitment to presenting opera in English and highlights its role as an agile, community-oriented company amidst its evolving national identity. The success of this initiative relies on audience engagement, prompting a call for the local community to embrace this new artistic chapter.
Albert Herring is at the London Coliseum and The Lowry, Salford to 22 October 2025, eno.org
