Menu
Close

Keep up to date on upcoming performances and event, glimpses behind the scenes and special offers.
The Coronation of Poppea
Details About The Show Creatives & Cast Ticket Information
Buy tickets→ Subscribe Now→
Buy tickets Subscribe Now
Claudio Monteverdi in the version by Elena Kats-Chernin

The Coronation of Poppea

30 June – 4 July 2026 Palais Theatre

Seduce. Betray. Ascend.

→Buy tickets→ →Subscribe Now→
Details About The Show Creatives & Cast Ticket Information

Step into ancient Rome, where Emperor Nero and his obsession Poppea ruthlessly pursue their forbidden love. Power, politics and passion collide in Monteverdi’s intoxicating masterpiece, as desire and betrayal claim centre stage.

In Victorian Opera’s striking new production directed by Sam Strong (Echo and Narcissus / Cassandra), The Coronation of Poppea is reimagined in an equally volatile world. We’re transported from imperial Rome to a mafioso club in the 1980s; a world of violence and burning lust, where passions ignite and blood is quickly spilled.

Conductor Chad Kelly returns to Victorian Opera after last year’s hit production of Mozart’s Abduction, leading celebrated composer Elena Kats‑Chernin’s re‑orchestration. Infused with subtle shades of jazz, the score pulses with urgency and intimacy under Kelly’s incisive baton.

At the heart of this sensual drama, baritone Samuel Dundas and soprano Meechot Marrero star as Nero and Poppea, bringing raw magnetism and emotional fire to one of opera’s most provocative love stories.

Join Victorian Opera for an unmissable night at the Palais Theatre.

→Buy tickets→ →Subscribe Now→
Dates, Venue & Info

Palais Theatre
Tickets: $39 – $175

Tuesday 30 June, 7:30pm
Thursday 2 July, 7:30pm
Saturday 4 July, 7:30pm

Language
Sung in Italian with English surtitles

Duration
2 hours and 20 minutes, including interval

Content Warning
This production contains mature themes, depictions of suicide, and graphic violence, including the use of imitation weapons. It includes sexual content, simulated drug use, theatrical haze and fog, and occasional loud sounds.

By arrangement with Origin Theatrical. By permission of Boosey & Hawkes Music Publishers.
PRODUCTION PATRON

We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Hans & Petra Henkell – Henkell Family Fund.
01 02 03 04 05 06 /06
Programme
Download PDF (4 MB)↓
Education Resource
Download PDF (2 MB)↓

Creatives & Cast

CREDITS

Music
Claudio Monteverdi in the version by Elena Kats-Chernin
Performing edition realised by Chad Kelly

Text
Italian text by GF Busenello in an adaption of the text and vocal lines by Alan Hicks

CREATIVE TEAM

Conductor
Chad Kelly

Director
Sam Strong

Set & Costume Designer
Anna Cordingley

Lighting Designer
Matt Scott

Intimacy Coordinator
Amy Cater

CAST

Poppea
Meechot Marrero               

Nerone
Samuel Dundas

Ottavia
Margaret Trubiano

Seneca
David Greco

Ottone
Jeremy Kleeman

Drusilla
Rachael Joyce

Arnalta
Louis Hurley

Liberto
Douglas Kelly

Nutrice
Bailey Montgomerie

Amore
Mia Chenea Robinson

La Fortuna
Alessia Pintabona

La Virtu
Amelia Wawrzon

Orchestra
Victorian Opera Chamber Orchestra

Ticket Information

Details

Concessions include: Pension and Health Care Card holders, full-time Students, and MEAA members. Companion Card ticketing available.

Other Discounts available: Seniors Card holders, 30yrs & Under, Child (14yrs & Under), and Arts Access Victoria members.

Terms & Conditions

  • All children up to 14 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years.
  • We strongly advise that tickets should only be purchased via authorised ticket sellers. For The Coronation of Poppea this includes Ticketmaster, Victorian Opera, Tix.co, and TodayTix. Tickets purchased through unauthorised sellers cannot be guaranteed entrance.
  • Prices are correct at time of publishing and may vary.
  • Subscription discounts are calculated on full-priced tickets.
  • Our Privacy and Ticketing Policies can be found here.

Tickets

Pricing | $39-$175

Price type
Premium
A-Reserve
B-Reserve
C-Reserve
D-Reserve
Adult
$175
$145
$99
$69
$39
Concession
$165
$135
$89
$59
$39
Senior
$170
$140
$94
$64
$39
30yrs & Under
$30
$30
$30
Child (14yrs & Under)
$30
$30
$30
$30
$30
Group (6-9)
$165
$135
$89
$59
$39
Want to book tickets?
Buy tickets→ Subscribe Now→
→Buy tickets→

Ticketmaster Fees & Charges: A Ticketmaster handling fee from $7.80 per transaction applies. A delivery fee may apply depending on the mode of delivery selected.

Group (10+) and School

Group (10+) pricing | $39-$148.75

Price type
Premium
A-Reserve
B-Reserve
C-Reserve
D-Reserve
Groups (10+)
$148.75
$123.25
$84.15
$58.65
$39
Want to book tickets?
Buy tickets→ Subscribe Now→

How to book for Groups (10+)

  • Purchase for large groups by via email or phone our team on (03) 9001 6400 (Option 1).
  • Group (10+) booking can be paid by invoice or credit card.
  • Groups (6-9) can be made via Ticketmaster via the ticketing links above.

School Group pricing | $25

Price type
Premium
A-Reserve
B-Reserve
C-Reserve
D-Reserve
Student
$25
$25
$25
Teacher - 1 free per 10 students
$0
$0
$0
Teacher - Additional
$25
$25
$25
Want to book tickets?
Buy tickets→ Subscribe Now→

How to make a School booking

  • Purchase for a school group by email or phone our Education team on (03) 9012 6659.
  • School Groups receive 1 complimentary teacher tickets for every 10 Students booked. Additional teachers can book at Student rate.
  • All performances are accompanied by education resources.

Want to know more about our Education & Pathways programs? You can read more here.

Subscription packages

Subscribe to Season 2026 by purchasing a package of 2 or more performance to receive exclusive benefits, including a 20% discount, priority booking period, and dedicated customer service.

Want to know more? Read our handy Subscriptions FAQ.

Pricing | $35-$140

Price type
Premium
A-Reserve
B-Reserve
C-Reserve
D-Reserve
Adult
$140
$116
$79
$55
$35
Concession
$132
$108
$71
$47
$35
Senior
$136
$112
$75
$51
$35
30yrs & Under
$30
$30
$30
Child (14yrs & Under)
$24
$24
$24
$24
$24
Want to book tickets?
Buy tickets→ Subscribe Now→
→Subscribe Now→

There are no additional transaction or service charge fees on Subscriptions. Delivery fees apply for post only.

Subscription ticket delivery options:

  • Printed tickets via Australia Post – Standard mail $5.00 / Registered Post $8.00
  • Print-at-Home and eTickets via email are free of charge.

Need Assistance?

Ticket bookings: contact the nominated ticket seller or original point of purchase.

  • Palais Theatre (03) 8537 7677 (Option 1: be directed to a Ticketmaster)
  • If you are unable to contact the ticket seller, phone us on (03) 9001 6400 (Option 1) or email us

Subscriptions: contact us on 1300 822 849 (Monday to Friday, 10:00am – 4:30pm) or email our Subscriptions team.

Health

Palais Theatre

Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182

More From This Season

What's On→

Reg Livermore

Reg Livermore’s Ned Kelly: The Musical

24–25 July 2026
Union Theatre, The University of Melbourne

Benjamin Britten

The Turn of the Screw

29 September – 1 October 2026
Palais Theatre

Jane Hammond, Therèsa Borg

The Spare Room

7–10 October 2026
Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse