ENO to stage world's first live drive-in opera with outdoor La bohème at Alexandra Palace

The world’s first live drive-in opera will take place at Alexandra Palace, as the English National Opera is set to stage La bohème outdoors.

The modern 90 minute version of Puccini’s opera will be performed to drive-in audiences in September, while the ENO’s home, the London Coliseum, is closed.

This production will take place on a raised stage with screens either side so audiences can watch from their cars.

Those without cars will be able to book seats in an Uber, specially provided by the venue and subject to strict cleaning protocols, or cycle and watch from socially distanced bicycle spaces near the stage.

Natalya Romaniw and Sinéad Campbell-Wallace will share the role of Mimì, a poor seamstress who falls in love with Rodolfo (played by both David Butt-Philip and David Junghoon Kim), when she knocks on the door of the Paris apartment he shares with his impoverished artist friends.

The ENO’s La bohème will run at Alexandra Palace from September 19-27. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, eno.org