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:
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+.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
-
Bus routes: St. Martin's Lane 24, 29, 176 / 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 87, 91, 139
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
Nearest rail: Charing Cross
Tube lines: Piccadilly, Northern
Nearest tube: Leicester Square
Directions
from Leicester Square :
(3mins) Take Cranbourn Street until St Martin’s Lane, where you head right until you reach the theatre.
Car park: Q-Park: Chinatown (5mins) / Other: St Martin's Lane Hotel (1min)
In congestion zone?: Yes
Air conditioned
Bar
Disabled toilets
Infrared hearing loop
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible
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.