Photographer David Levene gets an exclusive backstage look at English National Opera’s season-opener – Rossini’s version of Cinderella – complete with white mice, a sprinkle of magic … and men in drag
English National Opera opens its 2025-26 season with a new production of Rossini’s sparkling comedy La Cenerentola (Cinderella). With conductor, director, and both leads all making their ENO debuts, the feel is fresh and fun in a production set in a contemporary world but with moments of magic – plus white mice, a pumpkin, a ghost and even a glass slipper, even if Rossini’s version of the story involves matching bracelets.
At the time of its premiere in Rome in 1817, you were not allowed to show bare ankles on stage
