Pierrepoint: In the Balance- World Premiere by Paul Honey
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On 13 December 2026, LSO St Luke's in London will present the world premiere of Paul Honey's 'Pierrepoint: In the Balance', a stark exploration of capital punishment. Jonathan Darbourne will lead the National Symphony Orchestra and Locrian Singers in a programme that also includes Gabriel Fauré's Requiem. The performance confronts the historical and ethical dimensions of the Ruth Ellis case through a powerful narrative scored for chorus and ensemble. Tickets begin at £20.00 for this compelling new theatrical work.
National Symphony Orchestra
Jonathan Darbourne, Conductor
Locrian Singers
Soloists:
Johnny Herford, baritone
Will Prior, countertenor
Myrna Tennant, mezzo soprano
Edward Woodhouse, tenor
Paul Honey - 'Pierrepoint: In the Balance' (world premiere)
libretto by Gregory Warren Wilson
interval
Gabriel Fauré - Requiem
Pre-Concert Talk
Sunday 13 December 2026 | 6.30-7.15 pm
Join us before the performance for a special pre-concert discussion exploring the story behind Pierrepoint: In the Balance and the historical and ethical questions surrounding the execution of Ruth Ellis.
Chaired by David Olusoga, the panel features Laura Enston, Ruth Ellis' granddaughter, speaker, advocate and campaigner; Kerry Moscogiuri, CEO of Amnesty International; composer Paul Honey; and librettist Gregory Warren Wilson.
The talk is followed by the concert performance at 7.30 pm.
Pierrepoint: In the Balance
Sunday 13 December 2026 | Performance at 7.30 pm
Pairing the premiere of composer Paul Honey's dramatic oratorio Pierrepoint: In the Balance with Gabriel Fauré's timeless Requiem, this is a compelling programme that explores themes of mortality, justice and absolution.
With a libretto by Gregory Warren Wilson, Honey's engrossing work takes place during the tense, claustrophobic night in 1955 before the execution of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in the United Kingdom. 2026 marks the centenary of Ellis' birth and last July, Charles III granted her a conditional pardon, formally acknowledging the profound injustice of her execution.
The work imagines the psychological weight bearing down on her executioner, Albert Pierrepoint, as he makes his preparations. Pierrepoint later declared that his lifetime's work had never prevented a murder.
Following this intense moral reckoning, Fauré's Requiem offers a profound emotional shift. Where Honey's oratorio confronts the stark reality of state-sanctioned killing, Fauré's luminous masterpiece provides a serene space. Moving away from judgment, its peaceful, comforting setting serves as a transcendent prayer for the departed soul.
Ticket Information
Three seating bands are available: Front Stalls (£35), Back Stalls (£30) and Gallery (£20). Seats are allocated by the box office, with every effort made to seat parties together.
Check-in Instructions
On arrival at the concert hall, please give your name at the box office to collect your tickets, which will include your seat numbers.
Description supplied by the event organiser.
Staying overnight?
Hotels within walking distance of LSO St Luke's.
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Frequently asked questions
Pierrepoint: In the Balance- World Premiere by Paul Honey takes place on Sunday, 13 December 2026 at 19:30.
Pierrepoint: In the Balance- World Premiere by Paul Honey is held at LSO St Luke's in London (161 Old Street, London , EC1V 9NG).
Tickets for Pierrepoint: In the Balance- World Premiere by Paul Honey range from £20 to £35. Live prices and availability are shown on Skiddle.
Yes — hotels within walking distance of LSO St Luke's can be compared using the accommodation search further down this page.
Tickets for Pierrepoint: In the Balance- World Premiere by Paul Honey can be booked via Skiddle using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.
Pierrepoint: In the Balance- World Premiere by Paul Honey
Editorial summaryAbout this event
On 13 December 2026, LSO St Luke's in London will present the world premiere of Paul Honey's 'Pierrepoint: In the Balance', a stark exploration of capital punishment. Jonathan Darbourne will lead the National Symphony Orchestra and Locrian Singers in a programme that also includes Gabriel Fauré's Requiem. The performance confronts the historical and ethical dimensions of the Ruth Ellis case through a powerful narrative scored for chorus and ensemble. Tickets begin at £20.00 for this compelling new theatrical work.
This summary was automatically generated from event data sourced from official ticketing providers.
National Symphony Orchestra
Jonathan Darbourne, Conductor
Locrian Singers
Soloists:
Johnny Herford, baritone
Will Prior, countertenor
Myrna Tennant, mezzo soprano
Edward Woodhouse, tenor
Paul Honey - 'Pierrepoint: In the Balance' (world premiere)
libretto by Gregory Warren Wilson
interval
Gabriel Fauré - Requiem
Pre-Concert Talk
Sunday 13 December 2026 | 6.30-7.15 pm
Join us before the performance for a special pre-concert discussion exploring the story behind Pierrepoint: In the Balance and the historical and ethical questions surrounding the execution of Ruth Ellis.
Chaired by David Olusoga, the panel features Laura Enston, Ruth Ellis' granddaughter, speaker, advocate and campaigner; Kerry Moscogiuri, CEO of Amnesty International; composer Paul Honey; and librettist Gregory Warren Wilson.
The talk is followed by the concert performance at 7.30 pm.
Pierrepoint: In the Balance
Sunday 13 December 2026 | Performance at 7.30 pm
Pairing the premiere of composer Paul Honey's dramatic oratorio Pierrepoint: In the Balance with Gabriel Fauré's timeless Requiem, this is a compelling programme that explores themes of mortality, justice and absolution.
With a libretto by Gregory Warren Wilson, Honey's engrossing work takes place during the tense, claustrophobic night in 1955 before the execution of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in the United Kingdom. 2026 marks the centenary of Ellis' birth and last July, Charles III granted her a conditional pardon, formally acknowledging the profound injustice of her execution.
The work imagines the psychological weight bearing down on her executioner, Albert Pierrepoint, as he makes his preparations. Pierrepoint later declared that his lifetime's work had never prevented a murder.
Following this intense moral reckoning, Fauré's Requiem offers a profound emotional shift. Where Honey's oratorio confronts the stark reality of state-sanctioned killing, Fauré's luminous masterpiece provides a serene space. Moving away from judgment, its peaceful, comforting setting serves as a transcendent prayer for the departed soul.
Ticket Information
Three seating bands are available: Front Stalls (£35), Back Stalls (£30) and Gallery (£20). Seats are allocated by the box office, with every effort made to seat parties together.
Check-in Instructions
On arrival at the concert hall, please give your name at the box office to collect your tickets, which will include your seat numbers.
Description supplied by the event organiser.
StayStaying overnight?
Hotels within walking distance of LSO St Luke's. Searching near 161 Old Street, London , EC1V 9NG; check-in Sunday, 13 December 2026.
Ad · Stay22 affiliate link
WhereLSO St Luke's
Before you goFrequently asked questions
When is Pierrepoint: In the Balance- World Premiere by Paul Honey?
Pierrepoint: In the Balance- World Premiere by Paul Honey takes place on Sunday, 13 December 2026 at 19:30.
Where is Pierrepoint: In the Balance- World Premiere by Paul Honey taking place?
Pierrepoint: In the Balance- World Premiere by Paul Honey is held at LSO St Luke's in London (161 Old Street, London , EC1V 9NG).
How much are tickets for Pierrepoint: In the Balance- World Premiere by Paul Honey?
Tickets for Pierrepoint: In the Balance- World Premiere by Paul Honey range from £20 to £35. Live prices and availability are shown on Skiddle.
Is there anywhere to stay near Pierrepoint: In the Balance- World Premiere by Paul Honey?
Yes — hotels within walking distance of LSO St Luke's can be compared using the accommodation search further down this page.
How do I get tickets for Pierrepoint: In the Balance- World Premiere by Paul Honey?
Tickets for Pierrepoint: In the Balance- World Premiere by Paul Honey can be booked via Skiddle using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.
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