Step into the raucous court of the Duke of Mantua where Rigoletto, the court jester, uses vicious wit to conceal his tormented heart. In a world teetering on the edge of debauchery and deceit, his only joy is his daughter, Gilda. When the charming but womanising Duke sets his sights on Gilda, his actions set in motion a tragic chain of events where a father’s love and treachery collide in a crescendo of passion and heartbreak.
Set against the backdrop of a decadent and ruthless court, this heart-wrenching tale explores the intricate web of love, betrayal, and the consequences of power. Verdi wrote that Rigoletto was his best opera, and with its rich tapestry of emotions and unforgettable melodies – including opera’s most famous quartet and the instantly recognisable 'La donna è mobile' – it’s easy to see why it transcends time and continues to resonate long after the curtain falls.
Contains scenes of sex and violence.
Conductor Pietro Rizzo.
Director Adele Thomas.
Sung in Italian, with English surtitles.
Running time: approximately two hours and 45 minutes including one interval.
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Bristol Hippodrome
The Bristol Hippodrome, the city’s very own West End theatre, opened its doors on 16 December 1912 when the curtain rose for the first time on what was generally agreed to be Oswald Stoll’s most magnificent provincial theatre.
It is a superb example of the grand architecture of the late Victorian era and is one of the masterpieces of design by Frank Matcham, the most eminent theatre architect of his time.
Towards the beginning of the century, the theatre staged a variety of acts as a Music Hall. Since then, and due to the fact that it has one of the largest theatre stages in Britain, The Bristol Hippodrome has established itself on the touring circuit for all major musical productions, thus becoming known as Bristol’s West End Theatre.
