• Richard Wagner
  • March 2025
  • Dublin

The Flying Dutchman

The Dutchman’s mysterious ghost ship is doomed to roam the seas until he finds true love on land. The young Senta dreams of the mythical Dutchman and longs to break his curse. But a chance to do so only occurs every seven years.

Irish National Opera’s first Wagner opera, The Flying Dutchman  stars soprano  Giselle Allen (Elektra 2021) as Senta and bass-baritone  Alfred Walker as the cursed Dutchman fated to continually sail the seas. Bass  James Creswell  plays Senta’s father Daland, with tenor  Toby Spence as Eric, mezzo-soprano  Carolyn Dobbin  as her nurse Mary, and tenor  Gavan Ring  as the steersman.   

Wagner’s epic score brilliantly captures the vast scale of the story, from the stormy overture to the final scene of tragedy and redemption. The Flying Dutchman is directed by  Rachael Hewer  and Irish National Opera’s  artistic director, Fergus Sheil, conducts the Irish National Opera orchestra and chorus.

Running time is 2 hours 45 min including one interval.  

Sung in German with English surtitles.   

An Audio Described performance of The Flying Dutchman  will take place on Thursday 27 March at 7:30pm for blind and visually impaired patrons. To book an audio description, please get in touch with Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Groups office at groups@bgetheatre.ie or +353 (0) 1 677 7770 where further details of both services can be provided.

Join the conversation with #INODutchman.

A co-production with Garsington Opera.

The Flying Dutchman is generously supported by the John Pollard Foundation.

“She (Giselle Allen) is unforgettable in one of opera's most demanding roles (Elektra)” - The Arts Desk
“Walker is gifted with a huge range (...) can reach baritone heights or descend to intimidating lows. With a facial expressiveness that can light up a stage or transport an audience to hell, he is as fine an actor as singer.” - Orartswatch

Cast & Creative Team

Cast

Alfred Walker The Dutchman
Giselle Allen Senta
James Creswell Daland
Toby Spence Erik
Carolyn Dobbin Mary
Gavan Ring Daland's Steersman

Creative Team

Fergus Sheil Conductor
Rachael Hewer Director
Francis O'Connor Set & Costume Designer
Howard Hudson Lighting Designer
Richard McGrath Chorus Director
Peter Joyce Assistant Conductor
Chris Kelly Assistant Director
Brenda Hurley Répétiteur
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