The Royal Opera CARMEN Under the oppressive heat of the Spanish sun, the fiercely independent Carmen attracts the attention of Don Jos. She warns him not to fall in love with her, but his obsession knows no bounds. Damiano Michielettos searing production returns, casting scorching light on the lust, violence and destructive desire of Bizets ever-popular opera. An all-star cast brings this white-hot drama to life, with Ginger Costa-Jackson in the fiery title role, alongside Russell Thomas as the jealous and despairing Don Jos. Following his 2023 Royal Opera debut, Sesto Quatrini returns to conduct Bizets electrifying and sensual score.

The Royal Ballet THE NUTCRACKER At a cosy Christmas party, young Clara meets the mysterious magician Drosselmeyer, who gives her a nutcracker doll. When the guests have departed and the house is asleep, Clara sneaks downstairs in search of the doll. Instead, she finds Drosselmeyer, who whisks her away on a journey into a whole world of enchantment: fantastical landscapes of flurried snow and glittering confection where toys come alive and the magic never stops. Peter Wrights production of this festive family favourite sparkles to the wondrous swell of Tchaikovskys orchestral score, alongside the glow and grandeur of Julia Trevelyan Omans period designs

The Metropolitan Opera LA FANCIULLA DEL WEST Puccinis exhilarating drama of the Wild West returns in a new staging by Richard Jones, marking the companys first new production of La Fanciulla del West in more than 30 years. Soprano Sondra Radvanovsky makes her role debut as Minnie, the tough tavern owner with a heart of gold who finds love when she least expects it. Tenor SeokJong Baek is the dashing bandit who rambles into the remote California mining town to steal her heart, opposite baritone Christopher Maltman as the lawman determined to deliver justiceand win Minnie for himself. Maestro Keri-Lynn Wilson takes the podium to conduct one of operas most action-packed adventures, live from the Met stage to cinemas worldwide.

An earth in ruin. The twilight of the Gods. Deception leads to treachery, then devastation, when Siegfried is tricked into betraying Brnnhilde. Learning the truth of her beloveds innocence, Brnnhilde at last returns the ring to the Rhinemaidens, before ordering that Valhalla be swallowed in flames. For the long-awaited finale of Wagners epic saga, director Barrie Kosky situates the rich apocalyptic drama in a contemporary world of dream-like turmoil. Antonio Pappano, Conductor Laureate of The Royal Opera, returns to take on the impassioned, otherworldly music including Siegfrieds transporting Funeral March and Brnnhildes electrifying Immolation Scene. The brilliant cast is led by Elisabet Strid, Andreas Schager and Mika Kares, who together with the full forces of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and the Royal Opera Chorus bring operas greatest journey to its shattering end

Tumble down the rabbit hole in this ballet adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s famous family story. Journey through Wonderland with Alice and encounter a host of curious characters in Christopher Wheeldon’s unique theatrical interpretation.

Classical ballet's most powerful tale of love, treachery and forgiveness. Bringing together Tchaikovsky’s sensational score with the incredible imagination of choreographer Liam Scarlett and designer John Macfarlane, Swan Lake on the big screen will be an exceptional way to experience this ultimate ballet classic.

The greatest love story ever told – through ballet. An ancient family feud casts a long shadow over the town of Verona. In this hothouse of tension, brawls are quick to break out and both sides get caught in the crossfire.

Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star, triumphantly acclaimed new production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, from visionary director Ivo Van Hove (A View from the Bridge). One family, the heart of the American dream. When wartime delivers profits for Joe, it comes at a price when his partner is charged with criminal manufacturing deals, and his eldest son goes missing in action. Will peacetime bring peace of mind, or will he be confronted by the consequence of his actions? Filmed live from the West End, Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You), Tom Glynn-Carney (House of the Dragon), and Hayley Squires (I, Daniel Blake) also feature in this disturbingly prescient play.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton based on the novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos and directed by Marianne Elliott BAFTA Award-winner Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) joins Aidan Turner (Rivals) in a striking new staging of Christopher Hamptons celebrated adaptation of the classic novel, where among the glittering salons of the super-rich, one misstep can mean ruin. Marquise de Merteuil is a master in the art of survival. Alongside the magnetic Vicomte de Valmont, they turn seduction into strategy and weaponise desire. But when their alliance collapses into rivalry, the battle between them threatens to destroy everyone in their path. Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Marianne Elliott (Angels in America) directs this thrilling game of love, lies, and social warfare.

The Vyne Theatre is delighted to present a unique evening of live Ballet on the opening night of Berkhamsted's Summer Dance and Music Festival 2026. With a company of over 20 elite dancers currently training under the world famous Cuban Ballet technique, the Festival welcomes extraordinary talent in the first of many programmes featuring the powerful, grace and artistry of the world's up and coming dancers. The morning Masterclass, under the leadership of international star and Artistic Director of the Acosta Dance Foundation, Javier Torres, will offer young students an opportunity to learn from a Master in Cuban Ballet Technique. This masterclass is also open to the public as part of the Festival's educational focus. The Evening Programme entitled "Spanish Festo", features classical and contemporary choreography in a hypnotic blend of Latin rhythm and dynamic dance promising an explosive premiere night to the Vyne's Summer Dance and Music Festival. Spanish Dance & Concert by Lienz Chang Celebrating the energy, musicality, and character of Spanish culture - the choreography highlights the individuality and artistry of the dancers while capturing the passion, elegance, and spirit associated with Spanish dance. Don Quixote Pas de Deuxbased on Carlos Acostas reimagined choreography. Kitri and Basilios journey to finally celebrate their love - the Wedding Pas de Deux captures the brilliance, vitality, and joyful energy of the ballet. Festo by Rigo Saura Festo works as an expressive strategy where celebration holds contradictionagreement and disagreement, distance and closeness, exhaustion and energy. Rather than escaping difficulty, it becomes a way of finding the impulse to keep going. Festo brings together elements of Surrealism, Baroque excess, and cultural authenticity, shaped by people living in contexts of limited choice. In this process, it expands not only their physical surroundings, but also their inner landscape. Come and join us for this truly memorable evening marking the launch of the Vyne's first Summer Music and Dance Festival, bringing you ballet, contemporary dance, tango and so much more with performances, courses, masterclasses, music concerts, and even an exhibition of ballet costumes. Go to our website for further details vynetheatre.co.uk BOX OFFICE 0333 666 3366

Come and join us for Performing Arts Collective Limited's production of Matilda Jr! Based on Roald Dahl's beloved children's book about a girl with an extraordinary mind, determined to change her destiny. With book by Dennis Kelly and Lyrics by Tim Minchin, our wonderful junior cast will have you laughing and singing along with this musical theatre favourite. THIS AMATEUR PRODUCTION IS PRESENTED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL ALL AUTHORISED PERFORMANCE MATERIALS ARE ALSO SUPPLIED BY MTI -WWW.MTISHOWS.CO.UK [//WWW.MTISHOWS.CO.UK] Performing Arts Collective Limited | Registered in England and Wales | Company Number 14975533 | VAT Number 474 5404 82 | 22 Friesland Avenue, Whitehouse, Milton Keynes, MK8 1DX