Chelsea Opera Group present Hamlet by Ambroise Thomas
A concert performance in French with English surtitles
Cadogan Hall, London Sunday 1 November 2026, 5.30pm
4.15pm – Pre-concert talk with Simon Bainbridge
Duration – approx. 3 hours (incl. interval)
For more information click here
From the opening ominous drum roll, Ambroise Thomas’s opera Hamlet offers a dark and splendid sweep through the famous Shakespeare tragedy.
It was an immediate critical and popular success following its Paris premiere in 1868, and while its fortunes waned in the 20th century, the superb coloratura showcase for Ophélie kept soprano stars such as Nellie Melba, Mary Garden and Joan Sutherland coming back to the role.
This is a rare opportunity to hear a 19th-century dramatic gem, conducting an exceptional cast and the Chelsea Opera Group chorus and orchestra is Jonathon Cole-Swinard (Head of Music and Chorus Director at Garsington Opera) in his debut with COG.
Cast:
Jacques Imbrailo – Hamlet, Prince of Denmark
Grace Durham – Gertrude, Queen of Denmark
Richard Wiegold – King Claudius, Hamlet’s uncle
Haegee Lee – Ophélie, daughter of Polonius
Jay Broadhurst – Laërte, son of Polonius
Ruairi Bowen – Marcellus, friend of Hamlet
Malachy Frame – Ghost of Hamlet’s father
Kevin Hollands – Polonius, court chancellor
Malachy Frame – First gravedigger
Ruairi Bowen – Second gravedigger