Overview

• English National Opera opened its first production shared between London and Salford with Antony McDonald’s semi‑staged Albert Herring.
• The run comprises two performances at the London Coliseum on 16 October before two at The Lowry in Salford on 21 and 22 October.
• Critics praised the 14‑player ENO Orchestra under Daniel Cohen and highlighted characterful performances led by Caspar Singh, Emma Bell and Dan D’Souza.
• McDonald sets the comic opera in a studio environment with a floor manager prompting applause and sound effects, a cost‑saving conceit that drew mixed views on its value.
• The twin‑city approach follows Arts Council England’s 2022 funding decision that pushed ENO to base itself in Greater Manchester, with full relocation planned by 2029 and success hinging on regional audience uptake.