The Handmaid's Tale, English National Opera

Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel The Handmaid's Tale continues to alarm and fascinate, and to emerge in other forms. Now comes an opera, by Danish composer Poul Ruders, with all the elements of the original story.

At English National Opera, the company's new artistic director Annilese Miskimmon herself directs the opera's debut production, at the Coliseum. The Handmaid's Tale is the last in a series of seven productions, starting on 14 October with Philip Glass's Satyagraha.

Miskimmon is joined by theatre royalty, including lighting designer Paule Constable and costume designer Annemarie Woods, and by the cream of British singing.

Mezzo-soprano Kate Lindsey leads the cast as Offred, the young women destined for breeding and servitude in Gilead, where women are oppressed.

Soprano Emma Ball sings the role of Aunt Lydia in The Handmaid's Tale. Photo: Paul Foster-Williams

Joining her are soprano Emma Bell as Aunt Lydia, Rhian Lois, Elin Pritchard and, as Offred's mother, the ENO stalwart Susan Bickley. Listen out, too, for rising artist tenor John Findon as Luke.

The impressive cast and dramatic nature of the original book promise a powerful evening of music and theatre. Ruders calls on musical styles medieval chant to gospel music and minimalism to create the layers of society in Gilead.

Joana Carneiro conducts the Orchestra and Chorus of English National Opera.

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The Handmaid's Tale is sung in English with English surtitles. Suitable for those aged over 15