Saturday 21 November 2026, 7pm
- Saffron Hall
- Good availability
- Tiered seating
English Touring Opera: Dido & Aeneas | Ariadne
Presented by Saffron Hall
A double bill of timeless stories of love and loss.
Ariadne | Dido & Aeneas
You left for dead. I love you
A double-bill of timeless stories of love and loss.
ARIADNE
Ariadne wakes on the shore and finds Theseus gone. She helped him escape Crete, leaving her home, her family, and the life she knew behind. Now she has been abandoned.
King Minos’ daughter writes to the lover who has deserted her in a poignant one-act drama which explores the rage and pain of a break-up. An intimate retelling of the myth of Ariadne, Elena Langer sets Glyn Maxwell’s poem Ariadne to Theseus into a 20-minute powerhouse performance for soprano for the first half of ETO’s Autumn Double Bill.
DIDO & AENEAS
Queen Dido finally admits her love for the Trojan war hero, Aeneas, and agrees to marry him, despite her fears that this passion weakens her as a leader. But just as the lovers celebrate, supernatural and natural forces combine to drive them apart and Dido’s worst fears are realised, with devastating consequences.
One of the first and still best-loved of all English operas, Purcell distills this classic story into a masterful hour of beauty, drama and desolation.
Sung in English with English subtitles
A pre-concert talk will take place before this event. Attendance is free, but you must book a ticket in advance. The booking link can be found at the bottom of this page.
Supporters
This concert is made possible by a Circle of Supporters
Performance information
Running time
Content warnings
Age Guidance 12+
This event is not recommended for children under 12 years old
Content Warning
This performance may contain haze, pyrotechnics and smoke effects.
Booking information
Seating style
This event has tiered stalls and balcony seating
Discounts
Become a member
Your generosity helps us to inspire people through our international-standard performances and innovative participatory activities. Here’s how you can support us.
Programme and performers
Programme
- Purcell Dido & Aeneas 70'
- Elena Langer Ariadne 20'
Pre-concert Talk: Dido & Aeneas | Ariadne
Pre-concert Talk: Dido & Aeneas | Ariadne
Join members of ETO's creative team for a pre-show talk where they will share insights into this new production of Elena Langer’s twenty-minute Ariadne, followed by Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas.
Hear from ETO’s Autumn 2026 company about bringing the upcoming tour to life – find out more about English Touring Opera, this season’s creative process and what you can expect from the evening’s performance. Bring along your questions – there will also be a short Q&A to conclude the talk!
The pre-concert talk will not take place in the auditorium. Please enter through the main foyer as usual and follow the signage. The Saffron Hall team will also be on hand to guide you.
Please note, this ticket is for the pre-concert talk only. This ticket does not gain you access to the opera Dido & Aeneas | Ariadne. A separate ticket needs to be purchased for the opera.
Information for your visit
Saturday 21 November 2026, 7pm
Schedule
All timings are approximate and will be updated closer to the show date. Please check the website on the day of the performance for up-to-date information.
Latecomers can usually be admitted at a suitable gap within the performance.
Pre-show shuttle bus
6pm - 7pm
Operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance.
When to arrive
6pm - 6.45pm
We have over 400 free parking spots for anyone driving.
Foyer opens
6pm
Enjoy a drink at the bar before the auditorium opens.
Auditorium opens
6.30pm
Get your tickets ready for checking, find your seats, sit back and relax.
Show starts
7pm
Interval
Interval (20 mins)
Show ends
To be confirmed
Post-show shuttle bus
Operating from Saffron Hall to Audley End Station
Content warnings
Age Guidance 12+
This event is not recommended for children under 12 years old
Content Warning
This performance may contain haze, pyrotechnics and smoke effects.
Location
Saffron Hall
Transport
Shuttle bus
Additional information
Cloakroom
Can't find your e-tickets?
Log in here to download your e-ticket from our website
Plan Your Visit
Accessibility
Gift vouchers & memberships
