Celebrated opera director Richard Jones returns to ENO to direct the first of two productions this season, following his ‘rapturously received’ (Daily Telegraph) success with Handel’s Rodelinda in February 2014. This new production of Puccini’s ‘American’ opera set in the Wild West during the Californian gold rush will be ENO’s first for 50 years with the great British soprano Susan Bullock making her stage debut in the title role. Leading the ENO orchestra and all-male chorus, experienced opera conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson makes her British debut.

Richard Jones collaborates with designer Miriam Buether to create a stark and claustrophobic setting, highlighting the desperation and sacrifice felt by the community of miners who live there. Costume designs reflective of the period are by Nicky Gillibrand. The translation is by Kelley Rourke, whose translation for ENO’s The Elixir of Love was praised as it ‘goes all out to capture the vernacular of the time and works rather brilliantly’ (Daily Telegraph). Lighting designer Mimi Jordan Sherin and choreographer Lucy Burge complete the creative team.

Canadian conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson makes her UK operatic debut. She previously conducted the opera in Montreal in 2008.

Leading the cast of outstanding singers is British soprano Susan Bullock who makes her stage debut as Minnie. She previously sang the role in concert at the 2010 Edinburgh Festival with the Daily Telegraph describing her performance as ‘tremendous’

British tenor Peter Auty makes his debut in the role of the bandit Dick Johnson. Peter’s professional musical career started at the tender age of 13, when as a choir boy at St Paul’s Cathedral he was chosen to sing ‘Walking in the Air’, the theme to the 1982 animated film of The Snowman.

American bass baritone Craig Colclough makes his European and role debut as the Sheriff Jack Rance. He started his career at LA Opera before joining Florida Grand Opera’s Young Artist Studio. In 2012 he became a Filene Young Artist at the Wolf Trap Opera company. He has also performed with Arizona Opera.

British tenor Graham Clark and Richard Roberts share the role of Nick.

Making their ENO and role debuts are young British tenor Sam Furness as the miner Joe, British bass Nicholas Crawley as the miner Larkens and Anglo French baritone Charles Rice as the miner Handsome.

The Girl of the Golden West opens at the London Coliseum on Thursday 2 October for 9 performances – 2, 10, 15, 22, 24, 27, 30 October at 7.30pm, 18 October and 1 November at 6.30pm

Pre-performance talk, 15 October 5.45-6.30pm £5/£2.50 concessions

Opening Thursday 2 October 2014, 7.30pm at London Coliseum (9 performances)

A co-production with Santa Fe Opera