A comic chamber opera in three acts, Albert Herring is the “coming-of-age” story of a hapless antihero in a town of English villagers preparing for their May Day festivities.
A social misfit with a domineering mother, Herring is embarrassingly crowned the May King after all the village’s young women are deemed unsuitable as May Queen. When two rebellious young lovers spike his punch, he revolts, disappearing after the celebration and spending all his winnings on a night on the town.
Written in 1947, Britten’s comic work is filled with satire and whimsy in this lighthearted tale of finding your own way and coming of age.
Directed by award-winning director Bruce Beresford, conducted by Head of Opera Nicholas Cleobury with lighting designs by Nigel Levings.