The Valkyrie, English National Opera
The Coliseum, London

The first time Richard Jones directed Wagner’s Ring cycle the money ran out halfway through; a critically savaged second attempt a few years later almost ended his operatic career. Now, after a gap of several decades, with Jones’ place in opera-directing Valhalla firmly secured, he returns for one more crack at Wagner’s epic.

The stakes are higher than ever. News that Jones’ Ring will transfer to New York’s Met from 2025 means English National Opera’s The Valkyrie is the canary down the mine for both companies - and Ring cycles don’t come cheap. So will we be seeing more? On the basis of this intriguing Valkyrie – Wagner for the age of the box-set – absolutely.