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Breaking the Waves - English National Opera

On a remote Scottish island, within a strict religious community, Bess meets oil rig worker Jan, and they fall in love. They are happily married, until a terrible accident leaves Jan paralysed and no longer able to have a sexual relationship with his wife.

He asks Bess to have sex with other men and describe her experiences to him; convincing her that this will help him to heal. Bess, a deeply devout woman, believing it’s God’s will, reluctantly embarks upon a series of increasingly dangerous encounters with strangers.

Will her sacrifice save the man she loves? Or will she be left the tragic victim of a system indifferent to her suffering? Find out what depths humanity is willing to go to in this ultimate test of faith.

BSL:

  • Tuesday, 23rd February, 7pm

Important Information

This opera contains depictions of sex and violence including domestic & sexual violence, violence in a religious context, mutilation and attempted suicide.

Age Restrictions

Ages 18+.

Performance Times

Now taking bookings for performances from Sat 13th February 2027 until Thu 25th February 2027.

Show times for each day are below.

Mon

-

Tue

-

Wed

-

Thu

7.00pm

Fri

-

Sat

6.00pm

Sun

-

London Coliseum Details

Buses Icon Bus routes: St. Martin's Lane 24, 29, 176 / 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139

Night Buses Icon Night buses: St. Martin's Lane 24, 176, N5, N20, N29, N41, N279 / 6, 23, 139, N9, N15, N11, N13, N21, N26, N44, N47, N87, N89, N91, N155, N343, N551

Rail Icon Nearest rail: Charing Cross

London Underground Icon Tube lines: Piccadilly, Northern

London Underground Icon Nearest tube: Leicester Square

Directions Icon Directions from Leicester Square :

(3mins) Take Cranbourn Street until St Martin’s Lane, where you head right until you reach the theatre.

Parking Icon Car park: Q-Park: Chinatown (5mins) / Other: St Martin's Lane Hotel (1min)

Congestion Zone Icon In congestion zone?: Yes

Facilities at London Coliseum

Air conditioned

Bar

Disabled toilets

Infrared hearing loop

Toilets

Wheelchair accessible

London Coliseum Location

St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES
Get directions

Please note: The location shown on the map is an approximate location of the theatre. In the majority of cases the theatre will be marked on the map so please make sure you locate the exact location yourself. If the theatre is not shown on the map please make sure you locate the correct road name and take account of the directions.

Breaking the Waves - English National Opera

London Coliseum, London

Running until: Thu 25th February 2027

Running time: 2hr 35min. Incl. 1 Interval.