This neo-classical opera-oratorio, based on Sophocles' most famous tragedy Oedipus the King, juxtaposes a powerful musical score against a dramatic background that is stark and ritualistic. The narrator provides a spoken commentary as inexorable Fate pursues the King of Thebes and his wife Jocasta towards the play's shocking conclusion. Beale can currently be seen at the National Theatre (next door to the Festival Hall) in Pinter's A Slight Ache; he has also recently been seen at the National in Major Barbara, Much Ado About Nothing and The Alchemist. West End and Broadway roles include appearing in Monty Python's Spamalot (where he succeeded Tim Curry as King Arthur in both cities) and the National Theatre revival of Tom Stoppard's Jumpers.

Oedipus will be sung by Stephen Gould and Jocasta by Ekaterina Gubanova. The violin soloist is Vadim Pepin. For tickets contact the box office at 0871 663 2515, or visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk.