🎠Ellen Kent Farewell Tour Birmingham ðŸŽ
Opera International Kyiv at Alexandra Theatre | March 2026
Opera legend Ellen Kent brings her historic farewell tour to Alexandra Theatre Birmingham this March, with three performances spanning the month. After 30 years bringing world-class opera to UK audiences, Birmingham joins 42 venues nationwide chosen for this final tour – the end of an extraordinary era in British touring opera.
Alexandra Theatre welcomes Opera International Kyiv with full symphony orchestra for three unforgettable evenings: Madama Butterfly, La Traviata, and Carmen. This is your last chance to experience Ellen Kent’s spectacular productions in Birmingham.
Ellen Kent at Alexandra Theatre Birmingham: Show Details
📅 Birmingham Performance Schedule
Sunday 1 March 2026 – Madama Butterfly
7:30pm | Duration: Approximately 3 hours (two intervals)
Friday 27 March 2026 – La Traviata
7:30pm | Duration: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes (one interval)
Saturday 28 March 2026 – Carmen
7:30pm | Duration: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes (one interval)
Venue: Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham B5 4DS
Book Now: Book Ellen Kent Birmingham Tickets | Box Office: 0844 871 3011
The Three Operas in Birmingham
Madama Butterfly (Sunday 1 March)
Puccini’s heartbreaking masterpiece opens Ellen Kent’s Birmingham farewell performances. Young geisha Cio-Cio-San falls in love with American naval officer Pinkerton, renouncing her family and religion to marry him. When he sails for America, Butterfly waits faithfully for three years, raising their son alone. Pinkerton’s return with his American wife leads to one of opera’s most devastating conclusions.
Musical highlights: “Un bel dì vedremo” (One Beautiful Day), the Humming Chorus, and the heartbreaking final scene.
La Traviata (Friday 27 March)
Verdi’s passionate masterpiece tells of Violetta, a Parisian courtesan who falls in love with Alfredo Germont. When Alfredo’s father convinces Violetta to leave his son to protect the family’s reputation, she makes the ultimate sacrifice. By the time Alfredo discovers the truth, Violetta is dying of consumption.
Musical highlights: “Libiamo ne’ lieti calici” (Drinking Song), “Sempre libera”, and the devastating “Addio del passato”.
Carmen (Saturday 28 March)
Bizet’s explosive tale of fatal attraction closes the Birmingham season. Carmen, the untameable gypsy, captivates soldier Don José, who abandons everything to follow her. When she falls for toreador Escamillo, Don José’s jealousy leads to tragedy.
Musical highlights: The seductive Habanera, Escamillo’s Toreador Song, and the devastating finale.
🎠Three Operas, Three Experiences
Sunday 1 March – Madama Butterfly: Profound emotional depth and heartbreaking beauty
Friday 27 March – La Traviata: Verdi’s glorious melodies and themes of sacrifice
Saturday 28 March – Carmen: High drama, passion, and unforgettable music
See all three and experience the full emotional spectrum of opera!
Alexandra Theatre Birmingham: Your Venue Guide
Alexandra Theatre, affectionately known as “The Alex,” has been a cornerstone of Birmingham’s cultural scene since 1901. Following extensive refurbishment in 2018, the theatre reverted to its original name and continues to be a treasured venue in the West Midlands.
With 1,359 seats across three levels (Stalls, Dress Circle, and Upper Circle), Alexandra Theatre combines historic elegance with modern comfort – perfect for Ellen Kent’s spectacular opera productions.
🎫 Best Seats for Ellen Kent Opera
Top recommendations:
- Dress Circle Rows C-F, Center (seats 10-30): Considered the best seats at Alexandra Theatre. Perfect elevation for opera with clear views of the stage and orchestra.
- Stalls Rows H-N, Center: Close to the action with excellent sightlines. Feel the power of the live orchestra from these seats.
- Upper Circle, Front Rows: Good views at excellent value, though note the steeper rake.
Getting to Alexandra Theatre Birmingham
By Train
Birmingham New Street Station: 10-minute walk to Alexandra Theatre. Exit station, follow signs toward Bullring, continue to Station Street.
Birmingham Moor Street Station: 8-minute walk. Convenient alternative.
Birmingham is excellently connected by rail from London (1.5 hours), Manchester (1.5 hours), Leeds (2 hours), and all major UK cities.
By Tram
Bull Street Stop: 8-minute walk to theatre
Corporation Street Stop: 10-minute walk
West Midlands Metro connects to Wolverhampton and surrounding areas.
By Bus
Alexandra Theatre is well-served by National Express West Midlands buses. Multiple routes stop on High Street and Digbeth, both within 5 minutes walk.
By Car
Alexandra Theatre has no on-site parking. Nearest car parks:
- Bullring Car Park: 5 minutes walk (Edgbaston Street, B5 4RA)
- Arcadian Car Park: 4 minutes walk (Hurst Street)
- NCP Birmingham Chinatown: 3 minutes walk
Evening parking typically £5-10. Birmingham city center can be congested – consider arriving by train.
Accessibility
Alexandra Theatre has wheelchair access via lift. Wheelchair spaces in Stalls and Dress Circle with companion seating. Infrared hearing system throughout. Accessible toilets on all levels.
Access bookings: 0844 871 3011 (call to discuss specific requirements)
Pre-Theatre Dining in Birmingham
Alexandra Theatre is in Birmingham’s Southside entertainment district, surrounded by excellent restaurants.
Near Alexandra Theatre (5 min walk or less)
- Bodega Cantina: Vibrant Latin American food and cocktails
- Turtle Bay: Caribbean cuisine, great pre-theatre menu
- Las Iguanas: Latin American chain with reliable food
- Chung Ying: Birmingham’s famous Cantonese dim sum (Chinatown)
- Café Opus: Modern British in nearby Ikon Gallery
Chinatown
Just 3 minutes walk, Birmingham’s Chinatown offers dozens of Asian restaurants from dim sum to hotpot.
Arcadian Centre
2 minutes walk – entertainment complex with multiple restaurants, bars, and cafés.
Booking Your Tickets
How to Book Ellen Kent Birmingham
Online: ATG Tickets – Ellen Kent Birmingham
Box Office: 0844 871 3011
Address: Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham B5 4DS
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday, opens 90 minutes before each performance
Ticket Prices: Typically £23-£65 depending on seating area
Booking Tips:
- Book early: Ellen Kent’s farewell tour expected to sell out quickly
- See multiple operas: Three different productions give you rare variety
- ATG+ Membership: Priority booking and exclusive discounts
- Group bookings: Contact box office for parties of 10+
Why This Birmingham Farewell Matters
Birmingham has a proud operatic tradition, and Ellen Kent has been bringing world-class opera to the city for decades. The Alexandra Theatre has hosted countless memorable Ellen Kent productions, making it a fitting venue for her farewell performances.
This March represents the final opportunity to experience Ellen Kent’s spectacular productions in Birmingham – a city that has enthusiastically supported touring opera throughout her 30-year career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this really Ellen Kent’s last Birmingham performance?
Yes. After 30 years touring opera across the UK, the 2026 tour is Ellen Kent’s farewell. These March performances at Alexandra Theatre represent her final Birmingham shows.
Which operas are performing and when?
Sunday 1 March: Madama Butterfly | Friday 27 March: La Traviata | Saturday 28 March: Carmen. All performances at 7:30pm.
Are the operas sung in English?
Operas are sung in original languages (La Traviata and Madama Butterfly in Italian, Carmen in French) with English surtitles projected above the stage.
Is this suitable for first-time opera-goers?
Absolutely! Ellen Kent’s productions are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for newcomers. The dramatic stories, spectacular staging, and beautiful music require no prior opera experience.
How long are the performances?
Madama Butterfly: approximately 3 hours (two intervals). La Traviata and Carmen: approximately 2 hours 45 minutes (one interval each).
What should I wear?
No strict dress code. Many dress smartly, but smart casual is perfectly acceptable. Comfort is key for a 3-hour evening.
Are performances suitable for children?
Recommended ages: La Traviata and Carmen ages 8+, Madama Butterfly ages 12+ due to tragic themes. Check venue guidance when booking.
Will there be a live orchestra?
Yes! Ellen Kent productions feature full live symphony orchestra – one of the hallmarks of her productions.
Is Alexandra Theatre accessible?
Yes. Wheelchair access via lift, wheelchair spaces in Stalls and Dress Circle, infrared hearing system, accessible toilets. Contact box office on 0844 871 3011 for access bookings.
Can I buy programmes and refreshments?
Yes. Theatre programmes available to purchase. Bars on multiple levels serve drinks and snacks. Drinks can be taken to seats (no glass).
Where should I park?
Nearest: Bullring Car Park, Arcadian Car Park, or NCP Chinatown. All within 5 minutes walk. Evening parking £5-10.
Don’t Miss Opera History in Birmingham
After 30 years bringing world-class opera to UK audiences, Ellen Kent’s farewell tour visits Alexandra Theatre Birmingham for three final performances. This is your last chance to experience these legendary productions in the city.
Madama Butterfly: Sun 1 Mar | La Traviata: Fri 27 Mar | Carmen: Sat 28 Mar
Last updated: January 2026. Performance dates confirmed. Please check with Alexandra Theatre for most current information.