The Magic Flute

Mozart’s beloved family-favourite opera follows Prince Tamino on a quest to rescue Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night, from the enchanter Sarastro. Accompanied by Papageno, a bird-catcher whose hopes of finding a partner mirror Tamino’s search for love, Tamino sets out believing Sarastro to be an enemy. But the truth is more complicated than it first appears: Sarastro is a wise and kind leader, and the quest becomes a test of character as well as courage. Tamino and Papageno face three ordeals, guided by the magic of the flute and the enchanted bells. Along the way, the Queen of the Night’s fierce demands, Papageno’s comic misadventures and the opera’s music create a richly contrasting journey through danger, mystery and discovery. In the end, Tamino is united with Pamina and Papageno with his Papagena. This staging is David McVicar’s production, presented by The Royal Opera, with the story sung in German and English surtitles.