Performer: Fabiana Piccioli

Sir Mark Elder celebrates 50 years at Covent Garden by returning to his first opera there in 1976 – Verdi's Rigoletto – in a revival of Oliver Mears' excellent 2021 production.

The Royal Ballet presents a triple bill of diverse works including one world premiere and one UK premiere. As per usual, the supreme roster of dancers tackles each with aplomb.

Oliver Mears' new staging impresses and Jakub Hrůša's first season as Music Director excites interest. But the evening belongs to Anna Netrebko.

Superb Handelian singing and intense character acting light up Handel’s Semele, staged as a stark, uncompromising indictment of the rich and powerful. 

Paul Roberts' Quadrophenia – A Mod Ballet offers very memorable performances from its leading protagonists in a compelling piece of dance theatre.

Henry Neill gives a devastating performance as Sam in Trouble in Tahiti in The Royal Opera’s Bernstein double bill in the Linbury Theatre.