Dead Man Walking

Dead Man Walking description

Inspired by true events and based on the nun Sister Helen Prejean’s best-selling memoir, Dead Man Walking is powerful stuff. If you haven't seen an opera before, this 21st-century masterpiece makes a superb starting point. The plot accompanies a nun on a disturbing journey as the spiritual advisor to murderer Joseph De Rocher, who killed two teenagers for no apparent reason, leaving their families devastated. Now a convicted murderer on death row, the clock is ticking for De Rocher. But he continues to claim innocence as Sister Helen battles with faith, forgiveness, and the horrific grief of the families. Will he make a final confession?

This opera poses hard questions about justice and humanity, all set against a 'hauntingly beautiful' score by Jake Heggie, Musical America’s 2025 Composer of the Year. Think profound and provocative, and you've nailed this show, definitely not to be missed.

Christine Rice plays Sister Helen Prejean, with Michael Mayes as Joseph De Rocher. Sarah Connolly is Mrs Patrick De Rocher, Madeline Boreham is Sister Rose, Andrew Manea is Warden George Benton and Ronald Samm plays Father Grenville. We have Gweneth Ann Rand as Kitty Hart, Jacques Imbrailo as Owen Hart, Catherine Carby as Jade Boucher, and Hubert Francis as Howard Boucher. Zwakele Tshabalala plays the Motorcycle Cop, Michael Lafferty the Older Brother, and Marcus Swietlicki the Younger Brother. Olivia Rose Tringham plays Sister Catherine, Amy Holyland is Sister Lillianne, and Alaric Green and Malachy Frame play the roles of Prison Guards. The creative team comprises Terrence McNally, the librettist, conductor Kerem Hasan, director Annilese Miskimmon, set designer Alex Eales, and costume designer Evie Gurney. D.M. Wood is the lighting designer, and Imogen Knight is the movement and intimacy director. Potent, tragic and unforgettable.

Playing at London Coliseum (venue info)