In a muddied nightdress, in a country kitchen, Violet finally smiles. For years, her tired daily routine has been dictated by the inescapable chime of the Clock Tower, until one night she feels time quicken. Suddenly an hour is lost – every day. As the hours disappear, long-held certainties evaporate and ordered society falls into disarray. With the townspeople in crisis, can Violet finally escape?

Combining the acclaimed talents of writer Alice Birch (TV adaptations include Normal People, Succession; film Lady Macbeth, Mothering Sunday; stage Anatomy of a Suicide) and rising star composer Tom Coult (commissioned by First Night of the Proms; currently resident composer at the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra), this is opera for now and about now.

★★★★★
“Violet is the best new British opera in years”
The Telegraph

★★★★★
“Accomplished and fascinating new work”
The Stage

★★★★
“A harrowing night out, but gripping”
The Times

★★★★
“There is real assurance about every gesture and texture, it’s tremendously accomplished”
The Guardian

A co-production for the Aldeburgh Festival by Britten Pears Arts and Music Theatre Wales.
Production staged in association with the London Sinfonietta.
Commissioned by Britten Pears Arts and Music Theatre Wales supported by Theater Ulm.
The London performance is co-produced and presented by The Royal Opera in association with Hackney Empire.