Carrie Cracknell

Mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina Signs to Decca Classics. Despite facing rejection at early auditions, where she was told she lacked the right voice and appearance, at the age of 27 Aigul has already etched her name in history as the youngest artist ever to take on the title role of Bizet's Carmen at the Royal Opera House in London.

Watch an all new trailer for English director Carrie Cracknell's Met debut with a new modern-day staging of Carmen, one of opera’s most enduringly powerful works.

The National Theatre has announced new productions for all three South Bank stages this summer: Alan Bleasdale’s Boys from the Blackstuff and Mnemonic in the Olivier theatre and The Grapes of Wrath in the Lyttelton theatre, alongside the previously announced The Hot Wing King in the Dorfman theatre. 

The Metropolitan Opera’s 2023–24 Live in HD season continues with a live transmission of Bizet’s ever-popular Carmen on Saturday, January 27, at 19:55 at Rialto Theatre.

Watch Angel Blue speak with mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina about her portrayal of the title role of Bizet’s Carmen below!

The Met: Live in HD presents a daring new production of Bizet’s Carmen on January 27. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Sometimes you hear a singer who embodies a role so completely that it’s hard to imagine her in anything else. That’s how I felt about the wonderful mezzo Aigul Akhmetshina, who’s singing the title role in the Met’s new production of Bizet’s CARMEN, which I saw at its second performance. Her portrayal was as full-bodied as her voice and she sizzled, filling up the stage as much as one can imagine. It’s little surprise that she’s considered the Carmen of the moment, having appeared in seven other productions (with two to come).

Get a first look at photos of Carmen at The Metropolitan Opera!

The Met: Live in HD will bring Carmen to the Greenbrier Valley Theatre in January. The performance is set for Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 12:55 PM - 3:55 PM.

The Met celebrates the new year with a new production of Bizet's Carmen by acclaimed English director Carrie Cracknell, opening on Sunday, December 31, at 6:30PM. In her highly anticipated Met debut, Cracknell reinvigorates the classic story of deadly passion with a staging that moves the action to modern day and explores themes that could not be more relevant today: gendered violence, abusive labor structures, and the desire to break through societal boundaries.

Director Carrie Cracknell discusses the creative approach to the title character in her new production of Bizet’s Carmen. The production opens on Sunday, December 31, at 6:30PM. Watch the interview here!

The Met's new production of Bizet's Carmen, directed by Carrie Cracknell, opens on December 31.

The Met: Live in HD brings Carmen to Greenbrier Valley Theatre in January 2024. The performance is on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 12:55 PM - 3:55 PM.

Marina Carr’s award-winning play returns to London directed by Carrie Cracknell and starring Conversations with Friends starlet Alison Oliver (who trod the same boards earlier this year in Women, Beware the Devil). A compelling analysis of toxic dysfunction and female pain, Portia Coughlan is a jarring family drama shackled by tragedy. It propels Oliver into theatre stardom. 

The West End is bursting with amazing shows this October. The stars are out: Nicole Scherzinger, Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James, Kenneth Branagh, Giles Terera and Joseph Fiennes are just some of the actors treading the boards of the capital this month.

Get ready for an incredible lineup! The Met: Live in HD has revealed its 2023-24 season, featuring nine must-see performances. Find out when and where you can catch these amazing shows in this article.

The Almeida Theatre has announced the full cast for Carrie Cracknell’s production of Marina Carr’s Portia Coughlan. 

Experience the riveting performances of Kellie Overbey, Carmen Zilles, and T. Ryder Smith in 'NO GOOD THINGS DWELL IN THE FLESH,' a compelling play by Christina Masciotti. Don't miss this powerful production that will leave you captivated.

The Almeida Theatre has announced two new productions for 2023/24. Learn more about the upcoming shows here!

Delve into the enthralling world of Christina Masciotti's NO GOOD THINGS DWELL IN THE FLESH, a captivating theatrical premiere at the Gural Theatre. Experience the intrigue, mystery, and drama as you immerse yourself in this haunting production. Don't miss out on this must-see event from September 6 to 23.