WNO Autumn 2026
11 – 13 November 2026
Event details
On sale dates
Executive and Executive Plus Members Wed 6 May at 12pm
Friends Fri 8 May at 10am
General Public Wed 13 May at 10am
We are delighted to welcome back the Welsh National Opera this Autumn with an incredible line-up of productions for all ages.
Welsh National Opera’s Family Concert is a vibrant and welcoming introduction to live orchestral music. Hosted by Elin Llwyd, the concert blends well-known favourites brought to life by WNO Orchestra, alongside a group of outstanding soloists performing recognisable pieces for all the family.
Bluebeard’s Castle and Oedipus Rex are two extraordinary works of the 20th century, brought together in this double-bill in a shared world of ritual, mystery and psychological intensity.
La boheme reimagines this beloved story with striking clarity and emotional power. Set in a stark, monochrome world inspired by 1930s Paris where shadows linger and the presence of death is never far away.
There is something for everyone this season. For more information about each performance, please follow the links below.
Venue
Theatre — Mayflower Theatre
Price
Our approach to ticket pricing
Age advice
Under 2s are not allowed
Running time
Varies per production.
Family Concert: Approx. 1 hour with no interval
Bluebeard’s Castle and Oedipus Rex: Approx. 2 hours and 5 min including an interval
La bohème: Approx. 2 hours and 20min including an interval
WNO: Family Concert
11 November 2026 | Mayflower Theatre | Approx. 1 hour with no interval
Hosted by Elin Llwyd, the concert blends well-known favourites brought to life by WNO Orchestra, alongside a group of outstanding soloists performing recognisable pieces for all the family. Offenbach’s energetic Can-Can brings a sense of joy and familiarity, encouraging young audiences to connect straight away while Beethoven’s music from Prometheus stands out with its bold, cinematic quality almost like a superhero soundtrack, making it both accessible and thrilling, even for those new to classical music.
Adding to the playful atmosphere is Ballo de Orsi (‘Dance of the Bears’), a piece that feels wonderfully visual and full of character. Its lively, almost storytelling quality, invites children to imagine scenes and movement, making the listening experience both fun and immersive.
With its mythological theme, engaging repertoire and relaxed setting, this concert offers something enjoyable and memorable for everyone.
WNO: Bluebeard's Castle and Oedipus Rex
12 November 2026 | Mayflower Theatre | Approx. 2 hours and 5 min including an interval
In this powerful double bill, two extraordinary works of the 20th century are brought together in a shared world of ritual, mystery and psychological intensity.
In Bluebeard’s Castle, Judith leaves everything behind to be with the enigmatic Duke Bluebeard. She soon discovers his home is filled with locked doors and as she demands each one be opened, she uncovers not only the secrets of his past, but something far more unsettling. As darkness gathers, love and fear become impossible to separate.
In the second half, the same stark setting becomes the ancient city of Thebes for Oedipus Rex. A plague grips the land, and its king is determined to uncover the truth behind it. As his search intensifies, he is forced to confront a destiny he cannot escape. What begins as a quest for answers, becomes a devastating revelation.
Gothic, atmospheric and visually striking, this unified staging draws powerful connections between two timeless myths.
This performance will be performed in Hungarian and Latin, with English surtitles.
WNO: La bohème
13 November 2026 | Mayflower Theatre | Approx. 2 hours and 20 min including an interval
In the Latin Quarter of Paris, four young artists live for the moment, sharing what little they have; chasing big dreams and laughing through the cold. When Rodolfo meets Mimì, a quiet seamstress with a fading light, their connection is instant and unforgettable. But in a world shaped by poverty and passion, love burns brightly but all too briefly.
Puccini’s deeply moving masterpiece captures the passion of youth through some of the most beautiful and recognisable music ever written. La bohème evokes the spirit and intensity of bohemian life: the joy of falling in love, the pain of letting go, and the fragility of it all.
This acclaimed production reimagines this beloved story with striking clarity and emotional power. Set in a stark, monochrome world inspired by 1930s Paris where shadows linger and the presence of death is never far away.
The result is a La bohème that feels both timeless and contemporary. It paints a vivid portrait of young lives lived on the edge, where every moment matters and every goodbye cuts deep.
This performance will be in Italian, with English surtitles.
Further information
Discounts
Discounts do not apply to zone E unless otherwise stated. All discounts are subject to availability and can be removed at any time.
Executive Membership £6 off top two prices on one ticket
Executive Plus Membership £6 off top two prices on two tickets
Groups 5+ £5 off. Enquire now
Groups 10+ £6 off. One free with every 20 paid, not available in zone A. Enquire now
Young Person under 16 £10 off all ticket zones
School & Young People’s Groups 10+ All tickets £15, plus one free supervisor with every 10 tickets. Not available in zone A but available on all other zones. Minimum of 10 children per booking required. All additional supervisors are standard price. Enquire now
Access Member £5 off top two prices
