The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden is the principal opera and ballet venue of the English-speaking world. The current building, the third on this Bow Street site, was designed by Edward Middleton Barry and opened in 1858; it underwent a major renovation and extension between 1997 and 1999 that added the stunning Paul Hamlyn Hall and revitalised the public spaces. The 2,256-seat horseshoe auditorium retains the intimate Victorian scale while providing up-to-date stage machinery. The Royal Opera and Royal Ballet companies each produce their own seasons here, sharing the main stage and the studio Linbury Theatre. The Royal Ballet has been associated with Frederick Ashton, Kenneth MacMillan, and Wayne McGregor, establishing a distinct English classical style. The Royal Opera has hosted every major international singer of the past sixty years, with historic productions by directors from Luchino Visconti to Richard Jones and Barrie Kosky. The Friday Rush system offers affordable last-minute tickets, keeping the house accessible alongside the renowned Royal Box.
The Royal Opera House stands on the site of a former fruit and vegetable market. The current building is already the third on this spot—the first two burned down.
At a glance
- Type
- Opera house
- Location
- London, United Kingdom
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