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    Britten's Peter Grimes: a beginner's guide

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    Get to know Britten's tragic opera, about a Suffolk fisherman and his uneasy relationship with his neighbours, with our synopsis and stunning pictures from English National Opera's current production.

    1. Peter Grimes ENO 2014 Stuart Skelton Benjamin Britten

      1. Accidental circumstances

      The opera opens with Peter Grimes being questioned at an inquest over the death of an apprentice. The outspoken townsfolk of The Borough believe Grimes is guilty. The coroner, Mr Swallow, declares the boy's death to be accidental but advises Grimes not to get another apprentice. Photo © ENO/Robert Workman

    2. Peter Grimes ENO 2014 Stuart Skelton Elza van den Heever

      2. Support from Ellen Orford

      Ellen Orford, the schoolmistress, attempts to comfort Grimes as he rages against the community's attitude towards him. The Borough apothecary Ned Keene, finds Grimes a new apprentice from the workhouse. Nobody will volunteer to fetch the boy, until Ellen – whom Grimes wishes to marry – offers. Photo © ENO/Robert Workman

    3. Peter Grimes ENO 2014 Rebecca de Pont Davies

      3. In Auntie's tavern

      Ellen brings John, the new apprentice, to Grimes at the tavern - The Boar - kept by ‘Auntie’ (pictured) and her ‘nieces’, who ‘assign their prettiness’ to the locals. That evening, Grimes immediately sets off to his hut, despite the fact that the Borough is being hit by a terrible storm. Photo © ENO/Robert Workman

    4. Peter Grimes ENO 2014

      4. Ellen confronts Grimes about John

      On Sunday morning, while most of the town is at church, Ellen talks with John, Grimes' new apprentice. She is horrified when she finds a bruise on his neck. When Ellen confronts Grimes about it, he brusquely claims that it was an accident. Growing agitated at Ellen's concern and interference, he strikes her and runs off with the boy. Photo © ENO/Robert Workman

    5. Peter Grimes ENO 2014 chorus

      5. A mob is formed

      Grimes striking Ellen does not go unseen. The people of The Borough form a mob and march up to investigate Grimes's hut. Photo © ENO/Robert Workman

    6. Peter Grimes ENO 2014 Rebecca de Pont Daves Mary Bevan Elza ven den Heever, Rhian Lois

      6. 'On the manly calendar we only mark heroic days'

      As the mob marches off, Ellen, Auntie, and her 'nieces' sing sadly of the relationship of women with men. 'And shall we be ashamed because we comfort men from ugliness?' the nieces sing. Photo © ENO/Robert Workman

    7. Peter Grimes ENO 2014

      7. Another tragedy

      When Grimes hears the mob of villagers approaching, he gets ready to set out to sea. He tells John to be careful climbing down the cliff to his boat, but the boy falls to his death. When the mob reaches the hut, Grimes is gone and they find nothing out of order, so they disperse. Photo © ENO/Robert Workman

    8. Peter Grimes ENO 2014 Iain Paterson

      8. Incriminating evidence

      The noble Captain Balstrode discovers a jersey washed ashore. Ellen recognises it as one she had knitted for John. Photo © ENO/Robert Workman

    9. Peter Grimes ENO 2014 chorus

      9. In search of a 'murderer'

      The elderly laudanum addict Mrs. Sedley tries to convince the authorities that Grimes is a murderer. The mob goes off in search of him again.

    10. Peter Grimes ENO 2014 stuart skelton

      10. Over the edge

      John's death has pushed Grimes over the edge. Ellen and Balstrode find him, and the old captain encourages Grimes to take his boat out to sea and sink it. Grimes leaves. The next morning, the Borough begins its day anew, as if nothing has happened. There is a report from the coast guard of a ship sinking off the coast.

    11. Peter Grimes ENO 2014 Stuart Skelton

      11. See Peter Grimes at a cinema near you

      Launching in February 2014, ENO Screen will see ENO’s productions broadcast live into cinemas across the UK and Ireland and selected cinemas worldwide. Experience the searing psychological drama, intrigue and suspense, screened live from the London Coliseum on 24 February.

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