Henry Purcell and John Dryden’s great English opera was first staged a stone’s throw from the Temple (at the Dorset Garden Theatre) in 1691. Purcell lavished upon Dryden’s libretto some of his most captivating music, including the famous Frost Scene and the ravishing aria Fairest Isle.

The story centres on Arthur's endeavours to rescue his fiancée, the blind Cornish Princess Emmeline, who has been abducted by his arch-enemy, the Saxon King Oswald of Kent. We welcome one of the UK’s most exciting Baroque ensembles to Temple Church, for two concert performances of this Restoration spectacular.

Cast & creatives
Christian Curnyn director
Lindsay Duncan narrator
Rowan Pierce soprano
Mhairi Lawson soprano
Sam Boden tenor
Nick Pritchard tenor
Edward Grint bass-baritone