The Banditti (play)

The Banditti is an early English opera, also described as a comic opera, with music by Thomas Arne and a libretto by an unknown author. It premiered on 2 December 1781 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London.

The opera is a short, two-act work that draws on popular themes of banditry and mistaken identity prevalent in late 18th-century theatrical productions. While not as enduringly popular as some of Arne's other works, The Banditti provides insight into the operatic tastes of the period and the composer's versatility. Details concerning the plot and character development are scarce due to limited surviving documentation and reviews of the original performances. The opera's score, however, remains accessible and has been subject to occasional modern revivals and academic study, primarily focusing on its musical structure and its place within Arne's broader operatic output.