Met Opera live: La Fanciulla del West (12A)

Puccini in a California mining camp

Saloon owner Minnie, outlaw Dick Johnson and Sheriff Jack Rance meet in a Gold Rush drama where love and justice are at odds. Richard Jones directs this new Metropolitan Opera production, relayed live from New York to Chipping Norton.

Keri-Lynn Wilson conducts, with SeokJong Baek as Johnson and Christopher Maltman as Rance. Sung in Italian, the opera uses broad orchestral colour and relatively few standalone arias, giving the story a different shape from an evening of familiar showpieces.

The screening starts at 6pm, with a local running-time allowance of three hours and 15 minutes. It carries a 12A rating and includes gunshot effects; contact the box office if you need confirmation of cinema subtitle provision.

Front of House and the bar normally open an hour before the show, which is separate from auditorium door time. Step-free access to the stalls, ticket collection, bar and accessible toilet is through the Bar door, while the balcony and gallery have stairs and no lift.

Four wheelchair spaces with companion seating are held for each performance, and a hearing loop is available. Arrange wheelchair booking or individual access needs through the box office on 01608 642350.

Free long-stay parking is available at New Street, OX7 5NF, and Albion Street, OX7 5BJ. Avoid parking outside the theatre on narrow Spring Street, and note that town-square parking restrictions continue until 6pm.

Owner review: the theatre names Sondra Radvanovsky as Minnie, while the current Met production lists Vida Miknevičiūtė for all dates. The Met estimates three hours against the local three hours and 15 minutes; confirm casting and running time before publication, with no exact finish assumed.

Ticketed. Advance booking recommended.

Saturday 23 January 2027 · Chipping Norton Theatre, 2 Spring Street, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire OX7 5NL · Live screening 6pm