RBO: The Marriage of Figaro

Mozart’s comic opera is packed with plot twists, forbidden desires and unforgettable melodies, combining laugh-out-loud comedy with moments of breathtaking beauty. Luca Micheletti, Huw Montague Rendall, Maria Bengtsson and Ying Fang – in her much-anticipated debut with The Royal Opera – star as Figaro, the Count, the Countess and Susanna in David McVicar’s (The Magic Flute, Salome) beloved staging of The Marriage of Figaro, which shines with humour and humanity. Regular Covent Garden conductor Julia Jones leads the international cast, bringing to life the work that confirmed Mozart’s status as the premier opera composer of his day.

Count Almaviva lives with his Countess on their estate near Seville. The Count has his eye on his wife’s maid Susanna, who is about to marry the Count’s servant, Figaro. Much to Figaro’s dismay, the Count plans to seduce Susanna on the night of the wedding. Meanwhile, Cherubino, the Count’s young page, has a crush on the Countess, but has just been dismissed after being discovered with Barbarina, the gardener Antonio’s daughter.

Figaro decides he must foil the Count’s attempt to seduce his wife-to-be and enlists the help of the Countess, Susanna and Cherubino – the latter disguising himself as a woman. A series of mistaken identities, misunderstandings and thwarted plans ensue, with all members of the household participating as each tries to get what – and who – they want.