Experience the world-class Royal Ballet and Opera from the Royal Opera House as if you were there, right in your local cinema with "Royal Ballet & Opera in Cinemas." This series screens carefully selected popular works from a vast repertoire, allowing audiences to enjoy innovative and dramatic productions on the big screen with powerful sound.

The "Royal Ballet & Opera in Cinemas 2025/26" season will run from December 19, 2025 (Fri) to July 9, 2026 (Thu), with all nine productions shown for one week only nationwide. The series will conclude with the Royal Opera's 'The Magic Flute.'

A Masterpiece Opera Weaving Together the Fantasy World of European Classics and Mozart's Music

'The Magic Flute' Directed by Maestro David McVicar!

Extended Screenings for the First Time in Cinema for an Opera, Fueled by the Excitement of Mozart's 270th Birthday and the Popularity of Hugh Montague Rendall as Papageno!

'The Magic Flute' continues to be loved by opera houses worldwide. Among the many productions, the one widely known is David McVicar's staging of 'The Magic Flute,' which premiered at the Royal Opera in 2003. This German Singspiel, an opera that progresses through song and spoken dialogue, is based on fairy tales and folk stories. It coexists with 18th-century Enlightenment ideals and fantasy, and Mozart's exquisitely beautiful and joyful music resonates deeply with contemporary audiences.

McVicar's direction maintains the elegant beauty of the 18th century in its sets and costumes while skillfully incorporating a modern sensibility, creating a stage full of flair. The animal and trial scenes are brought to life with dynamic movement, utilizing the actors' physical performances to create a vibrant world. While the character portrayals are generally faithful to the libretto, Monostatos is depicted not as a dark-skinned Moor, but as an evil entity close to the forces of darkness, attempting to sexually exploit Pamina.

In this production, Lucy Crowe's pure singing voice as Pamina and Amitai Pati's expansive, beautiful tenor as Tamino achieve a superb harmony. Kathrin Leidig, performing as the Queen of the Night, also delivers an overwhelming vocal performance. Furthermore, British baritone Hugh Montague Rendall, as Papageno, livens up the stage with his comical acting and charming singing. He has become popular among audiences as a rising star in the opera world. The conductor is Marie Jacquot from France. Although this marks her debut with the Royal Opera, her "refined and inventive" musical direction has been highly praised, and anticipation is high for her future endeavors.

2026 marks the 270th anniversary of Mozart's birth. We invite you to experience 'The Magic Flute,' a masterpiece brimming with entertainment, and an opera that allows you to savor its charms in the best possible way, on the big screen.

At TOHO Cinemas Nihonbashi, screenings have been packed since the opening day on July 3 (Fri), with weekends selling out. Originally scheduled for a one-week run, TOHO Cinemas Nihonbashi has decided to extend the screening by another week, showing it until July 16 (Thu). While ballet productions in "Royal Ballet & Opera in Cinemas" have often had extended runs, this is an unprecedented achievement for an opera.

<Royal Opera's 'The Magic Flute' Production Information>

【STORY】

Prince Tamino is attacked by a giant serpent and saved by three ladies of the Queen of the Night. The Queen entrusts him with the mission of rescuing her daughter, Pamina. Tamino embarks on a journey with the bird-catcher Papageno, heading to Sarastro's temple, relying on a magic flute and silver bells given to him by three boys. However, Sarastro, initially perceived as an enemy, is actually a figure who values wisdom and virtue. To be united with Pamina, Tamino accepts the trial of 'silence,' and together with her, they overcome the trials of 'fire' and 'water' to be welcomed into Sarastro's community. Papageno also finds his suitable partner, Papagena. The vengeful Queen of the Night plots to overthrow Sarastro but fails, and in the end, light and wisdom prevail.

'The Magic Flute' (Die Zauberflöte) - 2 Acts

Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Libretto: Emanuel Schikaneder

Conductor: Marie Jacquot

Director: David McVicar

Revival Director: Ruth Knight

Set and Costume Design: John Macfarlane

Lighting Design: Paul Constable

Choreography: Liam Scarlett

Revival Choreography: Angelo Smimmo

Chorus of the Royal Opera (Chorus Master: William Spaulding)

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House (Concertmaster: Sergey Levitin)

<Cast>

Pamina: Lucy Crowe

Tamino: Amitai Pati

Papageno: Hugh Montague Rendall

Queen of the Night: Kathrin Leidig

Sarastro: Soloman Howard

Monostatos: Gerhard Siegel

Papagena: Marianna Hovanessian

Screening from July 3 (Fri) to July 9 (Thu) at TOHO Cinemas Nihonbashi and other cinemas for one week only.

*Screening extended until July 16 (Thu) only at TOHO Cinemas Nihonbashi.

Official Website: http://tohotowa.co.jp/roh/

Official X: https://x.com/rbocinema

Distributor: Toho Towa

#RBO魔笛

"Royal Ballet & Opera in Cinemas 2025/26" Season Trailer

'The Magic Flute' Trailer

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