The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny: A Contemporary Opera Experience

The English National Opera (ENO) presents a new production of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht's opera, *The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny*, at the London Coliseum, running until February 20, 2026. Directed by Jamie Manton, this production explores themes of corruption and societal collapse through the story of three criminals who establish a city designed to exploit its inhabitants. The opera's satirical narrative remains strikingly relevant, reflecting contemporary issues of wealth and morality.

Review: Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny at the London Coliseum

Manton's staging features a minimalist design by Milla Clarke, utilizing a large container as the central set piece that transforms into various locations within Mahagonny. The production incorporates Brechtian techniques, such as a narrator dressed as a giant megaphone and a tap-dancing hurricane, to engage the audience while maintaining a critical perspective on the narrative. The cast includes notable performances from Danielle de Niese as Jenny Smith, Simon O’Neill as Jimmy MacIntyre, and Rosie Aldridge as Widow Begbick, each contributing to the opera's exploration of exploitation and greed.

Review: Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny at the London Coliseum

The score, characterized by a fusion of ragtime, jazz, and operatic elements, is conducted by André de Ridder, ENO's incoming music director. The orchestra and chorus deliver a powerful performance, with the chorus particularly praised for their energy and precision. The music serves as both a source of enjoyment and a stark commentary on the opera's themes, with Weill's compositions juxtaposing lively melodies against dark subject matter.

The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny – London Coliseum

While the production has received acclaim for its engaging performances and relevant themes, some critics note issues with pacing and coherence. The opening scenes were described as chaotic, and the vastness of the Coliseum stage occasionally hindered vocal projection. Additionally, the production's approach has been critiqued for lacking boldness, with some reviewers suggesting it caters to a traditional audience rather than pushing creative boundaries.

The Guardian

The ENO emphasizes its commitment to accessibility, offering tickets starting at £15 and free admission for under-21s. This initiative aligns with the opera's themes, highlighting the societal implications of wealth and poverty. Critics have acknowledged the production's ambition to address contemporary issues while remaining true to Brecht and Weill's original vision.

Planet Hugill: Epic Theatre? ENO's incoming music director, André de Ridder at the helm for Brecht & Weill's tricky piece of operatic music theatre, Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

• “In a city where the only unforgivable crime is having no money, the irony is not lost.” — Effie Gray, Reviewer

Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny — English National Opera, London Coliseum

• “This may have been due to the way the dialogue and sung dialogue was being delivered in order to be comprehensible.” — Anonymous Reviewer

Planet Hugill: Epic Theatre? ENO's incoming music director, André de Ridder at the helm for Brecht & Weill's tricky piece of operatic music theatre, Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny

• “The true stars of the evening are the orchestra and chorus.” — Anonymous Reviewer

The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny – London Coliseum

• “Brecht, one feels, would have approved.” — Anonymous Reviewer

Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny — English National Opera, London Coliseum

With two performances remaining on February 18 and 20, 2026, the ENO aims to refine the production based on audience feedback, particularly addressing technical issues that affected visibility during the final act. The opera's exploration of capitalism and morality continues to resonate, making it a timely piece for modern audiences.

Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny — English National Opera, London Coliseum