
Falstaff
Giuseppe Verdi’s operatic comedy Falstaff receives a brand-new staging by Sir David McVicar, conducted by Stuart Stratford.
Incorrigible rake, freeloader, past-it playboy – Sir John Falstaff needs a ruse so that he can continue his life of excess. He decides to try his luck with two of Windsor’s upstanding married women, writing them identical love letters in the hope of seducing them – and of bagging some cash from their rich husbands. But sly Alice Ford and shrewd Meg Page quickly spot his scheme and resolve to teach the drunken rogue a lesson he won’t quickly forget.
Adapted from Shakespeareʼs The Merry Wives of Windsor, Verdi’s final opera Falstaff is a fast-paced, life-affirming comedy; a boisterous send-up of larger-than-life excess, but also an affectionate celebration of the irrepressibility of the human spirit.
Scottish Opera returns to the International Festival with a new production by Glasgow-born director Sir David McVicar, specially adapted from the outdoor presentation. His new staging gets to the bones of Falstaff, balancing the laugh-out-loud moments with a poignant tale of a childlike man who has outlived his own time – full of experience and regret, but ultimately a glorious celebration of life itself.
Written when the composer was nearing 80, Falstaff is Verdi’s big belly laugh of a sign-off to the operatic world, with a quicksilver score that bubbles with wit and revelry – a riotous comedy that’s as wise as it is witty.
Sung in English with English supertitles
a joyous, hilarious and luxurious Falstaff
Supported by Sir Ewan and Lady Brown
Scottish Opera
A new co-production with Santa Fe Opera
Stuart Stratford Conductor
Sir David McVicar Director & Designer
Lizzie Powell Lighting Designer
Andrew George Choreographer
Hannah Postlethwaite Assistant Set Designer
Lorna Price Associate Costume Designer
Amanda Holden Translation
Cast includes
Roland Wood Sir John Falstaff
Elgan Llŷr Thomas Fenton
Phillip Rhodes Ford/ Mr Brook
Aled Hall Dr Caius
Jamie MacDougall Bardolph
Alastair Miles Pistol
Elizabeth Llewellyn Alice Ford
Gemma Summerfield Nanetta
Sioned Gwen Davies Meg Page
Louise Winter Mistress Quickly
Lauren Ellis–Steele, Jamie Francis, Caleb Hughes, Josh Kiernan, Allan Othieno and Sally Swanson Actors
Verdi Falstaff
Sung in English with English supertitles
Booking guidance
All ticket prices are inclusive of fees. In line with our commitment to environmental sustainability, we would encourage you to opt for electronic tickets, however, if you choose to receive your tickets in the post you will be charged £2 for postage. If you are using e-tickets, please download them in advance of your visit so that they are available offline and ensure that your phone is sufficiently charged.
We encourage customers to book online or by phone, but if you require in person assistance with your booking you can arrange an appointment by contacting us on boxoffice@eif.co.uk or +44 (0) 131 473 2000. The Edinburgh International Festival Box Office is based at The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE.
Concessions
Under-18s are entitled to a 50% discount. There is a 30% discount for disabled people, recipients of pension credit, universal credit, employment and support allowance or jobseeker's allowance, art workers, full-time students and 18-25 year-olds . Subject to availability and may exclude top-price tickets. Proof of eligibility may be requested at venues.
Ticket prices may vary from previously published prices.
Your safety
The Festival will follow Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council health and safety recommendations at all times to ensure the safety of our audiences, artists and team. Please continue to check our Visit Us page for the latest COVID-19 safety measures at the International Festival.
Ticket exchanges & refunds
If you or anyone in your household has had any recent COVID-19 symptoms, please stay at home for everyone’s safety. If you are unable to attend any event at the 2022 Edinburgh International Festival for any reason related to COVID-19, we will refund the full cost of the ticket to the lead booker. Refunds must be requested at least 24 hours in advance of the performance. Postage fees are non-refundable.
For extra peace of mind, we are continuing to offer Ticket Protection via Secure My Booking, which allows you to recoup 100% of the money paid for your tickets if you are unable to attend an event that hasn’t been cancelled or rescheduled. This optional extra costs £1.50 per ticket and is available at the time of booking. For more information, please visit securemybooking.com
Ticket exchanges may be available for a different performance of the same event, subject to availability. Ticket exchanges cost £1.50 per ticket, as well as any difference in ticket price that may occur as a result of the ticket exchange.