A live performance of Handel's masterpiece from the 1730's Alcina, a psychologically acute portrayal of a woman desperate to hang on to her lover and willing to use all the sorcery and magic she can conjure up - an age-old tale of lust, power, jealousy and revenge. Tonight's relay from London's Coliseum is English National Opera's new production directed by David McVicar and conducted by Handel specialist Charles Mackerras. Introduced by Fiona Talkington
English National Opera Chorus and Orchestra, conductor Charles Mackerras

Act 1
7.30 Interval Michael Symes considers how the moods and emotions of visitors to the 18th-century landscape gardens were manipulated by the design of the buildings and the layout of the planting. (R)
7.50 Act 2
8.50 Interval Conductor Sir Charles Mackerras and members of the cast discuss tonight's production with Fiona Talkington.
9.10 Act 3