What's On

Saturday 8 November 2025, 7pm

The Rape of Lucretia

The Rape of Lucretia

Presented by Saffron Hall

Lucretia is subject to a vicious test of loyalty at the hands of the decadent prince Tarquinius, unleashing a cruel and reckless series of events that have shattering consequences.

English Touring Opera present The Rape of Lucretia, Benjamin Britten’s response to a world left in ruins by war. A brutally relevant and chilling exploration of the abuse of power, The Rape of Lucretia shows the darkest reaches of human nature and the perseverence of hope in a piece underscored by beautiful music and lyricism from one of the UK’s greatest composers.

Joined by a stellar cast and 12-piece live orchestra, ETO’s Artistic Director Robin Norton-Hale and Music Director Gerry Cornelius reunite after their ★★★★★ production of Blond Eckbert (2024) to bring to life the story, and tragedy, of Lucretia.

Performed in English with English surtitles

Supporters

This event is made possible by a Circle of Supporters

Performance information

Running time

2 hours 10 minutes

Content warnings

Age Guidance 14+

This performance contains depictions of physical violence, suicide and references to sexual violence.

Booking information

Seating style

This event has tiered stalls and balcony seating

Discounts

Under 25s can purchase half price tickets for this show.

Transport

Shuttle bus

Pre-show shuttle bus will be operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance

More info

Programme and performers

Programme

  • Britten The Rape of Lucretia

Performers

  • English Touring Opera
  • Robin Norton-Hale director
  • Gerry Cornelius music director
  • Clare Presland Lucretia
  • Jenny Stafford Female Chorus
  • Rosie Lomas Lucia
  • Jane Monari Bianca
  • William Morgan Male Chorus
  • Kieran Rayner Tarquinus
  • Edmund Danon Junius
  • Trevor Eliot Bowes Collatinus

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Courtney Pine and Jane Richardson

Information for your visit

Saturday 8 November 2025, 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

5.30pm - 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

5.45pm - 6.45pm
We have over 400 free parking spots for anyone driving.

Foyer opens

5.45pm
Enjoy a drink at the bar before the auditorium opens.

Pre-concert talk

6pm - 6.30pm
Ticket holders are invited to attend a free pre-concert talk in E7.

Show starts

7pm

Show ends

9.10pm (approx)

Post-show shuttle bus

9.10pm – 10.10pm
Operating from Saffron Hall to Audley End Station

Content warnings

Age Guidance 14+

This performance contains depictions of physical violence, suicide and references to sexual violence.

Location

Saffron Hall

Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4UH

Transport

Shuttle bus

Operating from Audley End Station to Saffron Hall. This service is free to use, with no need to book in advance.
More info

Additional information

Drinks

For this event, you're welcome to bring drinks purchased from our bar into the event with you.

Cloakroom

We are unable to allow any bags into the performance space which are larger than a hand bag or small backpack. Unfortunately our cloakroom will not be in operation.

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Exterior of Saffron Hall showing the Saffron Walden County High School and Saffron Hall signs next to each other

Plan Your Visit

Everything you need to know about visiting Saffron Hall including getting here, parking, the shuttle bus and more
Light floods through the windows of the auditorium on to the blue theatre seats

Accessibility

Find out about our accessible seating and how to book either online, via email or over the phone
Saffron Hall car park full of cars

Parking

We have over 400 free parking spaces on site for our visitors

Make a donation

You may not know that Saffron Hall Trust is a registered charity. In order to sustain our work we really need your support.

A woman dressed in a harlequin style costume in red, white and black gestures towards the camera animatedly

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