A tale of passion, kidnap, curses, seduction and murder!
The debauched Duke of Mantua makes a habit of seducing young maidens, and his eye is taken by the lovely Gilda, whom he has seen whilst out on one of his many incognito jaunts. He misleads her into believing that he's a poor student. She happens to be the daughter of the Duke's court jester, Rigoletto, who has kept her shielded from the sordid goings on at court. Things turn nasty when the Duke's hench men kidnap Gilda in order that he might have his wicked way....
Heritage Opera follow their smash hit 2011 season with Verdi's dark masterpiece. Mark Saberton (Royal Opera, Opera North) reprises his critically-acclaimed Rigoletto, Nicholas Sales (Royal Opera, ENO, WNO, Berlin Komische Oper) portrays the dastardly Duke, and Sarah Helsby Hughes (D'Oyly Carte, Opera North) sings the innocent Gilda.
Critical acclaim for Heritage Opera:
"Brilliant Heritage Opera" ***** 5 stars The London Evening Standard
" a great achievement, all told” **** 4 stars The Times
“There is a source of pride in the North West - Heritage Opera” Opera Magazine
"It doesn't get better than this - not even in London!" Lancashire Evening Post
