![To Die for [A Comedy]](/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto,fit=contain,quality=80,width=500/https://assets-beta.theatreninja.com/shows/dsoXBS59/4ffa6e3b3d3417bd36c078efb68121d199d0a3ec1911eb0d79f62a1d5b77bafe)
About the Show
For one night only, ENO and London Coliseum welcomes a Nederlandse Reisopera and Phion Symphony Orchestra guest production for the UK premiere of this exceptional new comic opera following the world premiere in The Netherlands in April 2026.
Overview
This exuberant and subversive black farce, by British-Russian composer Elena Langer, mocks and questions our obsession with celebrity – and encourages us to embrace the highs and lows of our turbulent, gruesome, joyful and beautiful life.
Originally commissioned by the Stanislavski-Nemirovich-Danchenko Theatre in Moscow, this comic opera was cancelled after the invasion of Ukraine. The piece was deemed insufficiently patriotic.
The existential angst of Semyón Podsekayev drives him to suicide, but he hopes that playing the tuba will save him. A plan that fails miserably.
TV presenter Ivan Vane is one of several characters keen to use Semyón’s possible suicide for their own gain. In the second act, we see Vane’s reality show The Naked Truth, in which Semyón’s desire to commit suicide – and everyone’s desire to profit financially from it – becomes a public game.
Staging and score
A comic opera in two parts, by composer Elena Langer. Libretto by Arkady Zastyrets, translated into English by Maggie F. Gottlieb. Based on the play The Suicide (1928) by Nikolai Erdman.
Singers and creatives
Directing is Sam Brown, Artistic Director of the Nederlandse Reisopera, the Dutch national touring opera company and on the podium, English conductor Adrian Kelly, Artistic Director of the Buxton International Festival.
Co-produced by the Netherlands Reisopera and Phion Symphony Orchestra
This production was made possible by the generosity of The Nicholas John Trust and is dedicated to the memory of Nicholas John, Dramaturge of English National Opera, 1985-1996.
Key Details
Age restriction
Recommended age guidance 15+. Note that children under 5 are not allowed in the auditorium.Run time
2hrs 30minsImportant notice
Recommended age guidance 15+. This opera contains themes of suicide, strong language and loud gun shotsVenue address
Nearest tube station
Nearest train station
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the runtime of To Die for [A Comedy]?
The runtime for To Die for [A Comedy] at London Coliseum is 2hrs 30mins.
What theatre is To Die for [A Comedy] playing at?
To Die for [A Comedy] is playing at London Coliseum, the address is 33 St Martin's Lane, London,WC2N 4ES.
How to get to To Die for [A Comedy]?
The closest tube station to To Die for [A Comedy] is Leicester Square and the closest train station is Charing Cross.
When is To Die for [A Comedy] is playing until?
To Die for [A Comedy] is booking until Sunday, 29 November 2026 at the London Coliseum.
What is the age restriction for To Die for [A Comedy]?
For To Die for [A Comedy] the age recommendation is as follow: Recommended age guidance 15+. Note that children under 5 are not allowed in the auditorium..
How much does tickets for To Die for [A Comedy] cost?
Tickets for To Die for [A Comedy] start from £26.
Where can I buy tickets for To Die for [A Comedy]?
You can buy tickets for To Die for [A Comedy] on this page, by clicking on the "Find the best seat" button above.