When Canio, leader of a theatre troupe, sees his life reflected in rehearsals for an upcoming opera, he becomes convinced that his wife is having an affair. Can Canio temper his spiralling emotions, or will his jealousy get the better of him?

Art imitates life in English Touring Opera’s new production of Pagliacci. Ripped from the headlines about a real-life crime case from composer Ruggero Leoncavallo’s own childhood, Pagliacci packs passion, melodrama and revenge into an intense 90 minutes of drama. Eleanor Burke (founder of the pioneering sustainable opera company, Green Opera) makes her directorial debut with ETO alongside ETO Music Director Gerry Cornelius.

5 Stars
An intense ninety minutes of drama – you do not want to miss this one
Northern Arts Review
4 Stars
Emotional intensity generated by Ronald Samm, playing Canio as a washed-up former star, and Paula Sides as a Nedda desperately trying to keep the show and her marriage from going off the rails.
The Times
5 Stars
Vocally and dramatically, the performances are outstanding
The Stage