Glyndebourne’s new production of Franz Lehár’s laugh-out-loud operetta The Merry Widow is part of the BBC’s Christmas TV lineup and will be televised on BBC Four at 8.00pm on Christmas Day.
The festive broadcast gives people around the UK another chance to catch the acclaimed new staging from award-winning West End theatre and opera director Cal McCrystal.
The production, which premiered at Glyndebourne Festival 2024, boasts all the opulence of classic Hollywood, with designs by Gary McCann and choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille, who was Olivier-nominated for her work on her musical Six. Leading international soprano Danielle de Niese stars in the title role and the opera is conducted by the in-demand British conductor John Wilson, founder of the John Wilson Orchestra.
Stephen Langridge, Artistic Director of Glyndebourne, said: ‘We’re delighted that audiences across the country will have this extra opportunity to experience Cal McCrystal’s new production of The Merry Widow, which was a highlight of this year’s Glyndebourne Festival. Cal and his creative team delivered a dazzling staging, bursting with the exhilarating comedy and heart-on-sleeve emotion that can’t fail to put a smile on your face and a sentimental tear in your eye; perfect Christmas viewing!’