Rigoletto Verdi
–Overview
Depravity and deceit: a life disintegrating...
Step into the raucous court of the Duke of Mantua where Rigoletto, the court jester, uses vicious wit to conceal his tormented heart. In a world teetering on the edge of debauchery and deceit, his only joy is his daughter, Gilda. When the charming but womanising Duke sets his sights on Gilda, his actions set in motion a tragic chain of events where a father’s love and treachery collide in a crescendo of passion and heartbreak.
Set against the backdrop of a decadent and ruthless court, this heart-wrenching tale explores the intricate web of love, betrayal, and the consequences of power. Verdi wrote that Rigoletto was his best opera, and with its rich tapestry of emotions and unforgettable melodies – including opera’s most famous quartet and the instantly recognisable La donna è mobile – it’s easy to see why it transcends time and continues to resonate long after the curtain falls.
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Explore behind the scenes
Leading production support from Colwinston Charitable Trust. 2024/2025 Season supported by Dunard Fund.
Good to know
Approximately two hours and 30 minutes including one interval
Sung in Italian, with English and Welsh surtitles
Age guidance 16+
Contains sex and violence and other scenes that some people might find upsetting.
Contains flashing lights and strobe effects.
Under 16s
£10 when accompanied by a full price adult tickets (subject to availability)
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Synopsis
Act One
At a party, the Duke lusts after a mysterious young woman whom he has seen in church. Count Ceprano brings his new wife to the party, where she is promptly seduced by the Duke. The Fool Rigoletto makes fun of Ceprano, and in a rage, Ceprano enlists his fellow courtiers in a vendetta against the Fool. The festivities are interrupted by Count Monterone, demanding the return of his daughter who was seduced by the Duke. Rigoletto, the Duke’s right-hand man mocks him, and is cursed by Monterone.
While feeling deep concern about this curse, a strange assassin, Sparafucile, offers Rigoletto his services. Rigoletto returns home to his beloved daughter, Gilda, and instructs her attendant, Giovanna, to watch over her. Hearing a noise outside, he leaves, while the Duke enters disguised as a poor student. Gilda, recognising him as the man she saw at church, falls for his trickery. The courtiers are preparing Gilda’s abduction, as they believe she is Rigoletto’s mistress and Rigoletto is tricked into helping them.
INTERVAL
Act Two
The Duke is delighted to find the abducted Gilda waiting in his bedroom. Rigoletto desperately searches for her, and reveals that Gilda is actually his daughter. Once released, Gilda tells him what happened, and Rigoletto swears to get his revenge.
INTERVAL
Act Three
Rigoletto takes Gilda to a mysterious brothel to show her the Duke’s real character. Here, she witnesses the Duke flirting with Maddalena, and is heartbroken.
Sparafucile and Rigoletto agree on a price for the murder of the Duke, with Rigoletto promising to return at midnight to throw the body into the river. However, Maddalena convinces Sparafucile to spare the Duke; he agrees that if someone else should appear he would murder them instead. Gilda overhears the conversation, having disobeyed her father’s orders to leave, and decides to sacrifice herself for the Duke, because she still loves him. Rigoletto collects the sack with the body and finds – too late – that it contains his dying daughter.
