Dead Man Walking - English National Opera

New for 2025/26 and premiering at ENO in its 25th anniversary year. Witness ENO’s unmissable new production of Jake Heggie and Terrence McNally’s powerful operatic drama, which follows a death row inmate in his final days and the pursuit of truth that puts a nun’s faith to the test.

Overview

Joseph De Rocher faces death by lethal injection for the brutal and senseless murder of two teenagers. While Joseph refuses to accept his guilt, we follow the religious and personal struggles of Sister Helen Prejean. She offers him spiritual guidance and witnesses the unbearable pain felt by the victim’s families, who’ve been left devastated by Joseph’s horrific and unforgivable crimes.

Will Sister Helen succeed in getting the confession the families deserve? Or will Joseph maintain his innocence to the very end?

Staging & Score

Based on a true story from the memoir of Sister Helen and adapted into an Oscar-winning film starring Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn, the conflicting drama plays out behind the bars of a high-security United States prison.

Contrasted by a beautiful and poignant score composed by Jake Heggie – Musical America’s 2025 Composer of the Year – Dead Man Walking is the most widely performed opera of the 21st century.

Important Information

This production contains graphic depictions of rape and sexual assault, murder, execution by lethal injection, strong language and misogynistic behaviour. The production has some religious themes. There are scenes during which alcohol is consumed.

Age Restrictions

Ages 18+.

Performance Times

Now taking bookings for performances up until Tue 18th November 2025.

Show times for each day are below.

London Coliseum Details

Facilities at London Coliseum

London Coliseum Location

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.