This joker's wild.

A ruthless court, a protective father and a curse that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.

In a world ruled by an entitled elite, Rigoletto leads a double life. Within the corrupt court he operates as a jester, existing on the margins and mocked for his difference. On the outside he is a fiercely protective father, shielding his daughter away. When his two worlds collide, bitterness and a desperate quest for revenge lead to catastrophic consequences.

Femi Elufowoju Jr’s bold production reimagines Verdi’s tragic masterpiece with sharp contemporary relevance. Packed with drama and high stakes, the story is matched by some of the most famous music in opera, including the iconic aria ‘La donna è mobile’, performed live by the Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North.
Performed in Italian with English subtitles, this gripping tale of power, betrayal and devotion is perfect for ticking opera off your bucket list!

First performed to critical acclaim in 2022, this award-winning Opera North production makes a welcome return to the Leeds Grand Theatre stage.