The Royal Opera
Jakub Hrůša
Music Director
Oliver Mears
Director of Opera
Samson et Dalila
OPERA IN THREE ACTS
Friday 22 May 2026 7.30pm
The 112th 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 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one interval.
Act I
45 minutes
Act II
45 minutes
Interval
25 minutes
Act III
35 minutes
Credits
- Music
Camille Saint-Saëns
- Libretto
Ferdinand Lemaire
- Conductor
Alexander Soddy
- Director
Richard Jones
- Revival Director
Benjamin Davis
- Set designer
Hyemi Shin
- Costume designer
Nicky Gillibrand
- Lighting designer
Andreas Fuchs
- Choreographer and Movement Director.
Lucy Burge
- Revival Choreographer
Róisín Whelan
Performance materials for Samson et Dalila edited by Andreas Jacon and Fabien Guilloux, published by Bärenreiter-Verlag, Kassel. Performed by arrangement with Faber Music Ltd, London.
Cast
- Samson
SeokJong Baek
- Dalila
Aigul Akhmetshina
- High Priest of Dagon
Łukasz Goliński
- Samson’s Rabbi
William Thomas
- Abimelech
Ossian Huskinson
- First Philistine
Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono
- Second Philistine
Siphe Kwani
- Philistine Messenger
Emyr Lloyd Jones
- Dancers
Solomon Adlam
Bradley Applewhaite
Angus Bartlett
Luis Dunn
Martin Harding
Anthony Kurt-Gabel
Alexander Love
Louis Partridge
Jack Thomson
Harry Wilson
- Actor
Lucy Burns
Ossian Huskinson, Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono, Siphe Kwani and Emyr Lloyd Jones are Jette Parker Artists
Music credits
- Orchestra
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
- Concert Master
Magnus Johnston
- Chorus
Royal Opera Chorus
- Chorus Director
William Spaulding
Extra chorus
- Sopranos
Jessica Broad
Bernadette Lord
Helen Miles
Alison Rayner
Elizabeth Roberts
Anna Samant
Rosalind Waters
Joanna Weeks
Vanessa Woodfine
- Mezzo-sopranos
Jeanette Ager
Maria Brown
Siobhain Gibson
Vanessa Heine
Frances Jellard
Maria Jones
Deborah Miles-Johnson
Jennifer Westwood
- Tenors
Phillip Bell
Simon Biazeck
Andrew Busher
Darrell Forkin
Richard Monk
James Scarlett
- Basses
James Birchall
Oscar Castellino
Oliver Gibbs
Gavin Horsley
Simon Preece
Jochem van Ast
Peter Willcock
Jonathan Wood
Production credits
- Music preparation
Matt Scott Rogers
Patrick Milne
Nick Fletcher
- Assistant Director
Simon Iorio
- Video Designer
Akhila Krishnan
- Fight Director
Bret Yount
- Language Coach
Florence Daguerre de Hureaux
The Royal Opera
- Patron
HM The King
- Music Director
Jakub Hrůša
- Director of Opera
Oliver Mears
- Director of Casting
Peter Mario Katona
- Associate Director
Netia Jones
- Administrative Director
Cormac Simms
Synopsis
ACT I
The Hebrews beg Jehovah to free them from their oppression by the Philistines. Samson chastises his people for their lack of faith, and rouses them to war. Abimélech, a Philistine commander and kinsman of Dalila, denounces the Jews and their God. Enraged by this insult, Samson kills him.
The High Priest of Dagon curses Samson and his strength. The Jews celebrate their victory. Samson sees Dalila, his lover. The Old Hebrew warns him against returning to Dalila.
ACT II
Urged to vengeance by the Philistines and the High Priest, Dalila resolves to betray Samson. A storm is brewing when Samson arrives, consumed with his passion for Dalila. She accuses him of inconstancy, and demands he prove his love for her by revealing the source of his strength. Samson hears a warning from God in the sound of the thunder – but ultimately gives into Dalila’s seduction. Philistine soldiers capture and blind Samson.
INTERVAL
ACT III
Alone and imprisoned, the blinded Samson is racked with guilt and remorse. He prays for his people whose voices he hears, raised in anguish against him. Samson is paraded before the Philistines. In the temple of Dagon, the Philistines worship their god. As their celebrations turn into a wild Bacchanale, Dalila and the High Priest taunt Samson, demanding he kneel before a statue of Dagon. Samson prays to God to restore his strength. His wish is granted: with a mighty effort, he destroys the temple, crushing everyone within.
Guidance
Parental guidance recommended
This performance features flashing lights in Act II and acts of violence. There are strobe lighting effects during Acts II and III.
Language
Sung in French with English surtitles, which are displayed on screens above the stage and around the auditorium.
Generous support from
Exceptional philanthropic support from Royal Ballet and Opera Principal Julia Rausing Trust
Generously supported by Rolex, Principal Partner, The Royal Opera
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.
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