Feisty, fabulous and filthy rich, Hanna Glawari is the merriest widow in New York, with a fortune in the bank, a lucrative lemon grove in Sicily, and a stampede of suitors vying for her attention. But money is power, and Mafioso Don Zeta recruits the many talents of wiseguy Danilo, the happiest bachelor in New York, to ensure Hanna’s millions don’t end up married to the wrong man, with license to use any means necessary. Little does Zeta know, however, that Hanna and Danilo have quite the history...

Director John Savournin (Opera Highlights Spring 2022) updates Lehár’s captivating will-they, won’t-they romance, with lavish designs by takis that evoke all the glamour of 1950s Manhattan. A new English translation by Savournin and David Eaton makes the opera’s wit sparkle. Scottish Opera Music Director Stuart Stratford conducts The Merry Widow for the first time, with The Orchestra of Scottish Opera bringing this waltz-filled charmer to life in Scotland and throughout its late summer 2025 performances at Opera Holland Park. The cast is led by Paula Sides (Candide 2022) and Alex Otterburn (Greek 2018) as Hanna and Danilo, with Henry Waddington (Greek 2018, also soon to be seen in The Makropulos Affair 2025) as the powerful Don Zeta.

New co-production by Scottish Opera, D’Oyly Carte Opera and Opera Holland Park
Kindly supported by Scottish Opera’s 'Play a Supporting Role’ Appeal

Support our talented creatives in crafting the perfect world for John Savournin's sparkling new production of Lehár’s timeless romance The Merry Widow.

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Part of Scottish Opera's 2024/25 Season 
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Mention opera and most people think of singing and music – but this is only part of the overall experience. What about scenery, costumes, lighting, direction and choreography? 

For those living with sight loss, our audio description service provides a live commentary describing the action on stage without compromising the music. As part of the experience, a recorded introduction to the opera is available in advance and there is a live audio introduction before the start of the performance. 

Patrons with a visual impairment can also book onto a free touch tour – an opportunity to go backstage and become more familiar with the set, scenery, props and costumes. 

Please book in advance for audio-described performances and touch tours by calling the venue box offices:

Theatre Royal Glasgow:
4 May 2025, 3pm - touch tour at 1.45pm

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Eden Court, Inverness:
24 May 2025, 7.15pm - touch tour at 6pm

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Festival Theatre Edinburgh:
1 June 2025, 3pm - touch tour at 1.45pm

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His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen:
14 June 2025, 7.15pm - touch tour at 6pm

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Explore other audio-described performances and services>>