Description

Essentials about the Royal Opera House in brief

Opera and ballet fans should definitely make sure to get tickets for a performance at the Royal Opera House during their next visit to London. It is the most important British opera house, whose (good) reputation goes far beyond the borders of Great Britain. It houses the Royal Opera, the Royal Ballet and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.

The history of the Royal Opera House

The history of the Royal Opera House is one of destruction and reconstruction. The first building on the present site was opened in 1732. At the time, it was still called the Theatre Royal and was primarily used as a playhouse, although operas had also been performed since 1735. In 1808 the theater burned down, but was immediately rebuilt and reopened just one year later. In 1846 the conductor Michael Costa came to the Theatre Royal and with him almost his entire opera company. This was the starting point for the transformation of the theater into a Royal Italian Opera. In 1856, the opera house was again completely destroyed by fire and did not reopen until 1858. In 1892 it was officially renamed the Royal Opera House.

Visiting the Royal Opera House

Those who can’t get tickets for a performance can still explore the Royal Opera House on various tours that take visitors into the main hall and behind the scenes. The bars and restaurants at the Royal Opera House are also very popular. From the Amphitheatre Terrace, by the way, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Covent Garden while having a drink or a meal.

Website

roh.org.uk

Opening hours

Admission fees

Different from performance to performance. For information see the website.

Address

Getting there

By public transport:

Piccadilly line: Stop Covent Garden

Bus lines 15, 26, 76, 341, N11, N15, N21, N89, N199 and N550: Stop Aldwych (Stop D)

Bus line 243: Stop Aldwych Drury Lane (Stop E)

Bus lines 1, 59, 68, 91, 168, 188, 243, 521, N1, N68, N91 and N171: Stop Aldwych Royal Courts of Justice (Stop K)

Bus lines 6, 9, 15, 87, 91, 748, N9, N11, N15, N21, N26, N87 and N89: Stop Aldwych / Somerset House (Stop R)

By car:

The nearest parking garages are Shelton Street Car Park and Q-Park Chinatown.