The Royal Opera
Jakub Hrůša
Music Director
Oliver Mears
Director of Opera
Last Days
Based on the film Last Days written and directed by Gus van Sant and produced by HBO Films
Monday 22 December 2025 7.45pm
The 14th performance by The Royal Opera at the Royal Opera House.
Please note that casting is subject to change up until the start of the performance. Please continue to check the website for the most up-to-date information.
Approximate Timings
The performance lasts approximately 1 hours and 30 minutes with no intervals.
A co-commission with Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Credits
- Composer
Oliver Leith
- Librettist and Art Director
Matt Copson
- Co-directors
Anna Morrissey
Matt Copson
- Set designer
Grace Smart
- Costume Designer
Nat Turner
- Lighting designer
Prema Mehta
- Sound Design
Sound Intermedia
Performed by arrangement with Faber Music, London
Cast
- Blake
Jake Dunn
- Superfan
Patricia Auchterlonie
- Housemate
Edmund Danon
- Delivery Driver / Housemate
Mimi Doulton
- Groundskeeper
Sion Goronwy
- Private Investigator
Jimmy Holliday
- MORMONS / HOUSEMATES
Zahid Siddiqui
Anna Gregg
replaces Kate Howden
- Magician
Henry Jenkinson
- Trip (Blake's Manager)
Cole Morrison
Pre-recorded role
- Opera singer
Caroline Polachek
Pre-recorded role
Music credits
- Conductor
Naomi Woo
- Orchestra
12 Ensemble
- Orchestra
GBSR Duo
12 Ensemble
- Co-Artistic Directors
Eloisa-Fleur Thom
Max Ruisi
- Musicians
Eloisa-Fleur Thom
Alessandro Ruisi
Ellie Consta
Venetia Jollands
Luba Tunnicliffe
Matthew Kettle
Max Ruisi
Sergio Serra
Toby Hughes
GBSR Duo
- Percussionist
George Barton
- Pianist
Siwan Rhys
Production credits
- Audio Describers
Ayza Akhtar and Alice Gilmour
Linbury Theatre
- Associate Director
Netia Jones
- Senior Producer
Rachel Caccia
- Producer
Grace Cook
- Assistant Producer
Darragh Kelly
- Linbury Technical Manager
Thomas Thompson
- Linbury Assistant Technical Manager
Nick Manning
- Senior Stage Technician
Charlie Earl
- Stage Technician
Daryl Anderson
- Senior Lighting Technician
Sophie Bailey
- Lighting Technician
Matt Iles
- Senior Sound and Video Technician
Andre Birck
- Sound and Video Technician
Sharon Tsang
- Linbury Costume Manager
Alice Lessing
- Wigs and Make-up Senior Technician
Keisha Banya
- Armoury Manager
Max Brown
- Surtitle Manager
Andrew Kingsmill
Synopsis
Blake, a successful musician, has recently escaped rehab to return home. The safety of his house is soon disrupted by a slew of unwelcome guests – an insistent delivery worker, a pair of Mormons on a mission, a chorus of scrounging friends and the ominous figure of the property’s groundskeeper. Matters are made worse by the never-ending phone calls from his Manager and presence of a Private Investigator and Superfan stalking nearby. Blake responds by hiding and disassociating from his surroundings.As the chaos around him reaches an apex, a ghostly apparition of a magician appears before Blake, offering him a way out – in the form of a bullet. Blake is left alone – at last – with nothing to confront but himself. Realising he is existentially trapped, he chooses to end it all, and with his death the last days are over.
Guidance
Suitable for ages 16+
This production contains swearing, depictions of drug use and themes of suicide. Flashing lights, haze and smoke are used throughout. There will be a 45 second blackout towards the very end of the show.
Language
Sung in English with English surtitles, which are displayed on screens above the stage and around the auditorium.
Further information
Digital Cast Sheets
We are working hard on our commitment towards becoming more sustainable and are striving for our net zero goal of 2035. By using digital cast sheets and e-tickets, we have reduced our paper consumption by over five tonnes per year. You can view our digital cast sheets on a computer, tablet or smartphone by scanning the QR codes displayed around the building using your smartphone’s camera app. They are also displayed on screens outside the auditoria.
Guidelines
Photography and filming are prohibited during performances in any of our auditoriums. You are welcome to take pictures throughout the rest of the building and before performances and share them with us through social media. Commercial photography and filming must be agreed in advance with our press team.
Larger bags and backpacks need to be check into our complimentary cloakrooms. Unattended bags may be removed.
Please do not place any personal belongings on the ledges in front of you. Mobile phones should be turned off and stored away safely during performances.
Only bottled water and ice cream purchased from the premises can be taken into the auditorium.
If you arrive late to the auditorium or leave during a performance, you will not be allowed back to your seat until the interval or a suitable break.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on the premises.
The safety of our visitors, staff and artists is our priority. To help us provide a comfortable experience for everyone, please be mindful of others and their personal space.
Our staff are committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect and we ask that you show them and your fellow audience members respect too. We adopt a zero-tolerance approach in response to anyone who interacts with our staff or with fellow audience members in an intimidating, aggressive or threatening manner.
Support Us
We rely on your support to make world-class ballet and opera for everyone. With your donations we can ensure a bright future for the Royal Ballet and Opera, bringing communities together and inspiring future generations up and down the country.
For people, not profit.
rbo.org.uk/donate
Royal Opera House Covent Garden Foundation, a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales (Company number 480523) Charity Registered (Number 211775)