It’s been almost thirty years since Engelbert Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel last cast its spell over Helsinki. Now, the Finnish National Opera is bringing the Brothers Grimm’s dark fairytale back to the main stage in Richard Jones’s acclaimed production, this time in a fresh Finnish translation by Mikko Koivusalo.
First performed in 1893, Humperdinck’s score wraps Wagnerian richness around the famous children’s tale. Jones’s staging, a co‑production with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, leans is a dark and delightful visual family feast.
Opening on 24 October 2025, the production features Elli Vallinoja and Polina Liiv sharing the role of Hansel, with Suvi Väyrynen and Emma Mustaniemi as Gretel. Tommi Hakala and Tuija Knihtilä play the weary parents, and Dan Karlström takes on the Witch with relish, supported by the 20‑strong children’s chorus of the FNO, adding a note of innocence to the eerie forest world.
Running for an estimated 2 hours and 20 minutes, including a 30‑minute interval, Hansel and Gretel is presented in Finnish with surtitles in Finnish, Swedish and English.
24 October to 28 November 2025. Suitable for audiences ages seven and above. Ticket prices range from €30 to €139.
