4.6star rating
from £100
About the show
Where everything has a price! Danielle de Niese leads ENO's bold new production of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht's provocative masterpiece featuring the iconic Alabama Song. Book Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny tickets for just 3 performances at London Coliseum.
What is Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny about?
Enter the City of Mahagonny, where the pleasure is all yours, if you're willing to pay for it. Lose yourself in a desert boomtown built on the foundations of greed and moral corruption. Three criminals on the run establish Mahagonny, a city of gold where absolutely anything goes, everything is permitted, and the rules are... there are no rules. The question is, who will get out alive?
A collaboration between composer Kurt Weill and playwright Bertolt Brecht, Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny is a groundbreaking 1930 opera that fuses classical music with jazz, ragtime and cabaret. Its most famous number, the Alabama Song, was later recorded by David Bowie and The Doors. Book Mahagonny tickets for this rarely performed masterpiece at the London Coliseum!
Why should I book Mahagonny tickets at ENO?
Internationally renowned soprano Danielle de Niese makes a welcome return to ENO as Jenny Smith. André de Ridder makes his debut conducting engagement as ENO's Music Director Designate. Directed by twice Olivier Award-nominated Jamie Manton, this bold new production brings Weill and Brecht's frighteningly relevant tale of satisfaction at any price to vivid life.
The cast also features Simon O'Neill (ENO debut) as Jimmy MacIntyre, Rosie Aldridge as Leokadja Begbick, Kenneth Kellogg as Trinity Moses and Mark Le Brocq as Fatty the Bookkeeper. With only 3 performances, this is a rare opportunity to experience one of opera's most provocative works!
Is Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny similar to other ENO productions?
Fans of bold, theatrical opera may also enjoy other ENO productions at the London Coliseum including Così fan tutte and HMS Pinafore.
Cast & Creatives
Full cast & creativesWho is in the Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny cast?
Danielle de Niese stars as Jenny Smith, with Simon O'Neill as Jimmy MacIntyre (ENO debut), Rosie Aldridge as Leokadja Begbick, Kenneth Kellogg as Trinity Moses, Mark Le Brocq as Fatty the Bookkeeper, Elgan Llŷr Thomas as Jack O'Brian, Alex Otterburn as Bank-Account Billy, David Shipley as Alaska Wolf Joe, and Zwakele Tshabalala as Toby Higgins. The cast is joined by the Chorus of ENO and the Orchestra of ENO.
Who created this production of Mahagonny?
Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny has music by Kurt Weill and libretto by Bertolt Brecht, with translation by Jeremy Sams. This new ENO production is conducted by André de Ridder (Music Director Designate) and directed by Jamie Manton. The creative team includes design by Milla Clarke, lighting design by D.M. Wood, and choreography by Lizzi Gee with Associate Choreographer Spencer Darlaston-Jones.
Recognition
Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny premiered in Leipzig in 1930 amid controversy before finding major success in Berlin. The opera has been interpreted as a critique of both American capitalism and the excesses of the Weimar Republic. The Alabama Song has become a cultural touchstone, recorded by artists including David Bowie and The Doors. Director Jamie Manton is twice Olivier Award-nominated.
Frequently asked questions
What age is Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny suitable for?
Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny has an age guidance of 15+. The opera contains mature themes including hedonism, consumerism and moral corruption. Note that children under 5 are not allowed in the auditorium.
How long is Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny?
Running time to be confirmed. Book tickets now – the production runs for 3 performances only on 16, 18 and 20 February 2026!
How do I get to London Coliseum?
London Coliseum is located on St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4ES. The nearest Underground stations are Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines), Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines) and Embankment (Northern, Bakerloo, District and Circle lines).
Theatre Policies
Photography and video recording are not permitted during performances. Mobile phones must be switched off before the opera begins.
Accessibility at London Coliseum
London Coliseum has an Access Scheme for audiences with a disability, a health condition, or different access needs. Contact the box office on 020 7845 9300 or access@londoncoliseum.org when booking tickets for specific requirements.
Facilities
The venue features multiple bars and the ENO Members' Bar. Interval drinks can be pre-ordered. The opera is sung in English with surtitles projected above the stage.
When is Mahagonny at ENO?
Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny runs for 3 performances only: 16, 18 and 20 February 2026 at 7:30pm at the London Coliseum.
Who plays Jenny Smith?
Internationally renowned soprano Danielle de Niese stars as Jenny Smith.
Is Mahagonny sung in English?
Yes, ENO performs all operas in English with surtitles projected above the stage.
What is the Alabama Song?
The Alabama Song is the opera's most famous number, later recorded by David Bowie and The Doors. It features the memorable refrain "Oh, show me the way to the next whisky bar."
Venue
London Coliseum
St Martin's Lane, Charing Cross WC2N 4ES
Tube
Charing Cross, Leicester Square
Train
Charing Cross
Bus
3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 53, 77a, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176
Parking
Cavendish Square, Newport Place, Marble Arch and Park Lane, Poland Street, Rochester Row, Spring Gardens, Whitcomb Street (50% discount for ENO Patrons). Chinatown, Trafalgar (Q Park scheme)
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Rise and Fall of The City of Mahagonny