Composer Harrison Birtwistle and librettist David Harsent's much acclaimed The Minotaur - commissioned by The Royal Opera and given its world premiere in 2008 - returns for its first revival. Trapped in the labyrinth of Knossos, the Minotaur struggles with his violent nature, longing to discover his own voice and identity. Meanwhile his half-sister Ariadne yearns to leave the island and her dark heritage. When the Athenian hero Theseus arrives in Crete with a group of innocents sent for a blood sacrifice. and determined to challenge the Minotaur, Ariadne sees her means of escape.

Many of the original, highly praised cast return for this revival, including John Tomlinson as the tormented Minotaur and Christine Rice and Johan Reuter as Ariadne and Theseus. Conducted by Antonio Pappano, The Minotaur, with its fiercely energetic music, highly original orchestration, and starkly beautiful designs by Alison Chitty, promises to be a thrilling musical and dramatic experience.