History
The first theatre on the site was opened in 1732 and housed a series of theatres for the first hundred years. Ballet and opera performances started a few years later. Handel’s operas played a big part in the early years until his death in 1759. The first major reconstruction occurred in 1808 following a fire. A second fire in 1856 destroyed the building, and the current opera house was inaugurated in 1858. The theatre was named The Royal Opera House in 1892. Several buildings have been on the site, and the current building was opened in the late 1990s after significant renovations.
In the 1990s, the opera house underwent a significant renovation completed in 1999. This modernisation added state-of-the-art stage and audience facilities, including stunning auditorium interiors and the refurbished Paul Hamlyn Hall. The renovation established the Royal Opera House as a modern cultural institution blending tradition and technology.
Architecture
The building has two very different styles. The side visible from Covent Garden is modern, while the Bow Street side has neoclassical elements with ornate columns. A distinct feature is the Paul Hamlyn Hall, which has a glass and iron structure and is now used as an atrium.
Performances
Today, the Royal Opera House is a global hub for opera and ballet. It hosts performances by the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet, offering a repertoire that ranges from timeless classics to innovative new productions. The venue is also known for its accessibility initiatives, such as streaming performances and discount programs that broaden its reach to diverse audiences.
Royal Opera
The Royal Opera, founded in 1946, is one of the world’s leading opera companies, performing classics by Verdi, Puccini, and Wagner alongside modern and experimental operas. Notable productions include La Traviata, Tosca, and Die Walküre.
Royal Ballet
The Royal Ballet, also permanently based at the Royal Opera House since 1946, is one of the world’s most prestigious ballet companies. It is celebrated for its classical works, such as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, and innovative contemporary productions. Famous performances include Romeo and Juliet, Giselle, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. These companies have been at the core of Royal Opera House programming for nearly 80 years.
Tips for visiting
In addition to the ballet and opera performances, the building is worth visiting due to its facilities. The building hosts several restaurants and bars. Some of these require a ticket for a performance, while others don’t. The Piazza Terrace and Piazza Terrace Bar on the top floor overlooking Covent Garden do not need a ticket. You can even catch a glimpse of the London Eye from the terrace. It’s an excellent place for food or a hot or cold drink, especially on a nice day. The restaurants are covered, so visiting any time of the year is fine.
Some other restaurants are for pre-theatre dining and thus reserved for ticket holders. One example is the magnificent Paul Hamlyn Hall Dining experience that takes the Opera House experience to a new level.
Getting tickets
Tickets for performances are available on the Royal Ballet & Opera website. One thing to mention about getting tickets is the Friday Rush program that releases a limited number of last-minute tickets every Friday at 1 PM for performances scheduled the following week, including potentially sold-out shows. These tickets cover various seating areas, such as Stalls Circle, Amphitheatre, and Balcony, with a maximum of two tickets per performance. However, Friday Rush tickets are not available for all events, such as galas or school performances.