Anna Nicole returns to the Royal Opera House: pictures
Mark Anthony Turnage's controversial opera based on the life of Anna Nicole Smith makes a return to the Royal Opera House, and we've got all the pictures. Watch out for Classic FM's very own Wynne Evans, reprising his role as the Mayor of Mexia.
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1. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Soprano Eva Marie Westbroek takes on the role of the titular Anna Nicole Smith, a working class single mother from Texas who climbs the ladder of celebrity by marrying an octogenarian billionaire. Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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2. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
The opera is a self-consciously brash and satirical affair, with many lampoons of celebrity culture and Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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3. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
This being an opera, of course, things don't go to plan for Anna Nicole and her life soon turns into one of drugs, pain and legal wrangling. Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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4. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Alan Oke plays Anna Nicole's billionaire husband for the ROH production. Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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5. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Classic FM's very own Wynne Evans plays the Mayor of Mexia, a role he first tackled when the opera was performed in London in 2011. Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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6. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Anna goes on to become a Playboy model, earning her the affections of her future husband. Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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7. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
As Anna's celebrity status increases, so does her desperation. Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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8. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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9. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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10. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Mark Anthony Turnage's Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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11. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Smith's son plays a pivotal role in the drama, and is one of the main reasons for her downfall. Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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12. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
The real-life Anna Nicole Smith made a living as a dancer before meeting her financially superior husband. Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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13. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
An operatic version of US TV host Larry King also features in the drama. Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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14. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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15. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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16. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Typically spectacular sets are a big part of director Richard Jones' production. Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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17. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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18. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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19. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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20. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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21. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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22. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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23. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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24. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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25. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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26. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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27. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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28. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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29. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
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30. Anna Nicole at the Royal Opera House
Without giving too much away, the opera ends with all the principal characters reunited. Picture: The Royal Opera / Bill Cooper
