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; film Lady Macbeth; 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.

The Royal Opera in association with Hackney Empire
Present
A co-commission and co-production by
Music Theatre Wales, Britten Pears Arts and The Royal Opera
Production staged in association with the London Sinfonietta

Music Tom Coult
Libretto Alice Birch
Director Jude Christian
Desginers Rosie Elnile and Cécile Trémolières
Conductor Andrew Gourlay
Orchestra London Sinfonietta

Sung in English with English surtitles