Un Ballo in Maschera London Tickets

Based on the assasination of Sweden’s King Gustav III. This brand-new production is based on the true story, brought to the stage by German director Philipp Stölzl for his Royal Opera debut. Stölzl’s work has spanned from cinema to theatre to music videos for Pavarotti, Madonna and Mick Jagger.

What is Un Ballo in Maschera about?

King Gustavus visits a fortune teller, who reveals both good fortune but with a fair warning. The king has fallen for his best friend’s wife, Amelia, though their connection is unspoken it is revealed she loves him too. However, this love story already controversial holds great risk. The next man to shake the king’s hand, shall be his killer. 

Masked at a ball, the enraged Count, husband to Amelia and supposed friend to the King, seeks his vengeance. 

Is Un Ballo in Maschera a true story?

Un Ballo in Maschera is based on a true story, the dramatic assasination of King Gustav III. Stockholm, 16 March 1792, at the Royal Opera House, King Gustav III was assassinated by Captain Jacob Johan Anckarström who shot the king in the back during a masked ball. 

The king died from infected gunshot wounds two weeks later. The captain seeked revenge on the unpopular king, as he suffered huge financial losses due to the king’s abuse of power. He was quickly identified, arrested and sentenced to death. Symbolically, his right hand which fired the pistol was cut off and put on public display, along with other severed parts of his body. 

Cast and Creatives

• Director & Designer - Philipp Stölzl
• Composer - Giuseppe Verdi
• Libretto - Antonio Somma
• Costume Designer - Antony McDonald
• Conductor - Jakub Hrůša
• Lighting Designer - Fabiana Piccioli
• Movement Director - Sarah Fahie