The Royal Opera is presenting Giuseppe Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto’ – a work the composer called his ‘best opera’ – live in cinemas worldwide, including the Wellesley in Wellington, later this month.

‘Rigoletto’ was performed 250 times in the ten years following its premiere in 1851 and has become one of the most popular of all operas.

It features many musical highlights, including the well-known arias ‘Questa o quella’ and ‘La donna è mobile’ – both made popular by tenor Luciana Pavarotti, among others – and the much-loved Act III quartet ‘Bella figlia dell’amore’, recently heard in the 2012 British comedy-drama film ‘Quartet’.

The opera’s story follows Rigoletto, the hunch-backed court jester to the libertine Duke of Mantua, who is cursed by the father of one of the Duke’s latest conquests for his mocking laughter. When the Duke turns his attention to Rigoletto’s own daughter, Gilda, it seems the curse is taking effect, and the jester must plot to protect her from the Duke’s immoral intent.

The production, directed by David McVicar, highlights the cruelty at the heart of Verdi’s tragic opera. Featuring dark, Renaissance-inspired set and costume designs, the staging creates the shocking and insidious world within which this gripping tale unfolds.

Alexander Joel conducts a cast led by Greek baritone Dimitri Platanias in the title role and featuring American tenor Michael Fabiano as the Duke of Mantua, alongside English soprano Lucy Crowe as Gilda.

‘Rigoletto’ is at the Wellesley on Tuesday, January 16. For more information visit www.roh.org.uk/cinema