Scottish Opera's The Rake's Progress, Theatre Royal Glasgow

Set in the grimy underbelly of 18th-century London, The Rake’s Progress is a highly theatrical tale of one man’s struggle to save his soul. World-renowned Scottish director David McVicar and Olivier award-winning designer John Macfarlane bring this darkly gothic story to the stage in an exquisitely detailed production that really packs a punch.... Read more >>

Running time: 2h 45m

Scottish Opera's The Rake's Progress Overview

Stravinsky’s
The Rake’s Progress

The devil finds work for idle hands…

Dissatisfied with his simple country life, Tom Rakewell strikes a deal with the devil and abandons his sweetheart to embark on a life of reckless pleasure. But after a visit to Mother Goose’s brothel, marriage to a bearded lady and a game of cards with horrifyingly high stakes, Tom realises the true nature of the bargain he has struck. Can he turn back the clock or is his fate already sealed?

Part black comedy, part epitaph to the loss of innocence, The Rake’s Progress is a morality tale with bite, in which the spectre of Death is never far away. Stravinsky’s music owes much of its inspiration to Mozart, but in his own distinct take on the neo-classical style. Beautifully lyrical and tender arias contrast with lively, choreographed chorus scenes, all underpinning a vibrant but ultimately heart-breaking story of the frailty of human nature.

New Production
Sung in English with English supertitles l A Co-production with Turin Opera

Supported by The Scottish Opera Syndicate

Conductor Siân Edwards
Director David McVicar
Designer John Macfarlane
Lighting David Finn
Choreographer Andrew George

Age Guide
The production contains sexual content. We would advise that the opera may not be suitable for those under the age of 15, at parents’ discretion.

Scottish Opera's The Rake's Progress Access

Booking Information

Access Booking line: 0844 871 7677

Access Performances

Audio Description
None scheduled
Sign Language Interpreted
None scheduled
Captioned
None scheduled
SUR Titles
None scheduled

Venue Access Information

There are two wheelchair spaces and four transfer seats available in the stalls of the Theatre Royal.
We have an infra-red audio enhancement system in the auditorium. Patrons can choose between a headset or a necklace depending on their hearing needs. These are available from Front of House staff in the foyer. There are two devices available:

Induction Loop Necklace Suitable for persons wearing a hearing aid, the induction loop necklace is worn around the neck. Whilst wearing the necklace switch your hearing aid to the 'T' setting and the sound is amplified. The necklace has an adjustable volume control.

Headset This device amplifies sound through earpieces similar to regular headphones. Suitable for persons without a hearing aid
Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre.
There are two accessible toilets on the ground floor of the Theatre Royal.

Theatre Royal Glasgow Information

Theatre Royal Glasgow

Theatre Royal
282 Hope Street
Glasgow
G2 3QA
View Map

Directions

By Car

Glasgow City Council operates a supervised 24hr, pay-on foot (credit cards accepted) multi-storey car park one block from the theatre in Cambridge St. Parking after 6pm costs £1.50 and this charge entitles you to park until 9am the following day. Leave the car park on foot by the Cowcaddens Rd exit, follow Cowcaddens Rd for one block and the Theatre Royal is on your right. If you have an orange or blue badge you can park free of charge for as long as you wish in surrounding Pay & Display spaces. There are other car parks at Dundasvale and Concert Sq. Eastbound on the M8 Exit at J19 and follow signs for the City Centre. At the 1st set of traffic lights turn left into Pitt St. At the 2nd set of traffic lights turn right into West George St. Turn 1st left into Douglas St then continue (Blythswood Sq on your right) until you reach Sauchiehall St, having crossed both West Regent St and Bath St. Turn right into Sauchiehall St, then left into Rose St at the beginning of the pedestrianised area. Turn 1st right into Renfrew St then 1st left into Cambridge St. The car park is on your right. Westbound on the M8 Exit at J17. Turn left at the 1st set of traffic lights into West Graham St. Turn right at the major traffic lights into Cowcaddens Rd then first right into Cambridge St. The car park is on your left.

By Train

Queen St Leave Queen St station by the Dundas St exit (to your right from high level trains). Walk straight ahead across the taxi rank and into Dundas Lane. Turn right into Buchanan St and follow the pedestrianised area into Sauchiehall St then turn right into Hope St. The Theatre Royal is around 100yds on your right after you cross Renfrew St.

Central Leave Central station by the main entrance. Turn left into Gordon St then first right into Hope St. The Theatre Royal is at the top of Hope St 100yds on your right after you cross Renfrew St. For full timetable information call National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 or visit www.networkrail.co.uk.

By Underground

Leave Cowcaddens station & turn right. Walk alongside Cowcaddens Rd for around 200yds & turn right into Hope St. The Theatre Royal is in front of you.

By Bus

A wide variety of local bus routes stop close to the Theatre Royal. Longer distance services arrive at Buchanan Bus Station. Leave the bus station by the clock and head up Killermont St. Turn right up Hope St and the Theatre Royal is on your right. For timetable information call Traveline on 0870 608 2608. For other bus info call 0141 423 6600 8.30am- 6pm Mon - Fri and 8.30am- 12.30pm Sat.

By Coach

Coaches may drop off but not park in front of the theatre. Coach parks are located at High Street (call in advance 0141 552 7276) and Buchanan Bus Station (call in advance 0141 333 3762). Charges apply.

Contact Information

Book online: Use the links below

Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7647

Customer Service: 0844 871 7627

Groups Bookings: 0844 871 7602

Access Bookings: 0844 871 7677

Stage Door / Admin:* 0141 332 3321
*please note it is not possible to assist
with bookings on this number

Box Office Opening Hours

Theatre Royal Box Office opens one hour before each performance, sales for that performance only.

For advance sales in person please book at the King’s Theatre, 297 Bath Street, Glasgow Mon – Sat 10am – 6pm.

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Scottish Opera's The Rake's Progress Seating Plan

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Scottish Opera's The Rake's Progress ATG Theatre Card

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Scottish Opera's The Rake's Progress Group Bookings

Booking Information

Groups Booking line: 0844 871 7602

Groups 10+ Benefits

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