1 ELEKTRA

Susan Bullock is stunning as the deranged heroine of Strauss's tragedy in a revival of Charles Edwards's intelligent production.
Royal Opera House, Bow Street, WC2 (www.royaloperahouse.org 020-7304 4000), Mon

2 RIDERS TO THE SEA

Richard Hickox takes the baton as Fiona Shaw directs Vaughan Williams's one-act opera about a woman who has lost her menfolk to the sea and is terrified of losing her remaining two sons.
London Coliseum, St Martin's Lane, WC2 (www.eno.org 0870 1450200), Thur & Fri, until Nov 30

3 CARMEN

David McVicar's thrillingly cliché-free Glyndebourne production from 2002 is back on the road.
Milton Keynes Theatre, Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes (www.theambassadors.com/miltonkeynes 0870 0606652), Sat

4 LES CONTES D'HOFFMANN

The wonderful Rolando Villazón sings the title role in Offenbach's only opera.
Royal Opera House, Bow Street, WC2 (www.royaloperahouse.org 020-7304 4000), Tues & Fri, until Dec 10

5 MONKEY

Damon Albarn and Chen Shi-Zheng's show touches down in a purpose-built circus space - the best outlet for its impish charm and brilliant acrobatic displays.
The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 (www.monkeyjourneytothewest.com 0844 8560202), until Dec 5

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