Billy Budd by Benjamin Britten

Friday 20 August 2010

The spectacular setting of Somerset House, the 18th century home of the Navy Board and The Admiralty, could not be more apt for Benjamin Britten's contemporary masterpiece. Set in the same period and historic context of Somerset House, Billy Budd tells the story of the Royal Navy focusing on the relationship between Captain Vere and the young seaman, Billy Budd, leading to tragedy at sea.

For this new production, Michael Grandage, artistic director at the Donmar, makes his much anticipated operatic directorial debut. The cast includes young South African baritone Jaques Imbrailo as Billy, Canadian bass Phillip Ens as Claggart, and British tenor John Mark Ainsley as Captain Vere.

“As good as opera can get” The Independent

“Enthralled beyond my wildest hopes” The Telegraph

“Such a moving experience” The Evening Standard