David McVicar's version of Gounod’s Faust comes to Torch Theatre

Hick-kicking cabaret, breath-taking ballet, sublime singing and Parisian passion will be to the fore when The Royal Opera’s Faust is screened at the Torch Theatre on Sunday, May 5.

Faust is the French composer Charles-François Gounod’s greatest masterpiece and a favourite with opera audiences worldwide. There are many versions of the story of Faust, who trades his soul with the Devil for youth and power, but Gounod’s opera remains one of the most constantly enthralling.

Director McVicar’s theatrical production will captivate audiences with its beautiful sets and costumes, and a stunning cast including American tenor Michael Fabiano as Faust, Uruguayan bass-baritone Erwin Schrott as the devil Méphistophélès and soprano Irina Lungu as Faust’s beloved Marguerite.

The opera tells the tale of the disillusioned philosopher Faust who loses faith in God and summons Satan to help him. The devil Méphistophélès appears and offers to make a bargain with Faust: he will give him youth and the young Marguerite’s love if Faust hands over his soul. Faust agrees, seduces Marguerite – but then abandons her, with disastrous consequences. Gounod’s superb score includes some devilish songs for Méphistophélès, Marguerite’s ecstatic ‘Jewel Song’ and a thrilling ballet in Act V.

Virtuoso leading roles, a large chorus, sensational sets, ballet and an ecstatic finale make this the epitome of theatrical spectacle – the lavish scale of French grand opera is wonderfully in evidence in this production. Above all, the music includes several of popular opera’s most recognisable numbers, performed by a cast of great international singers and the Royal Opera Chorus.

The Royal Opera House cinema broadcasts offer audiences the best seats in the house, and include exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and detailed close-ups of performers.

The screening of Faust takes place on at 2pm. The opera will be sung in French with English surtitles.