WHAT'S ON AT THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, LONDON
What's On at the Royal Opera House, London
The Royal Opera House, also known as The Royal Ballet and Opera, is home to The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet. It originally opened in 1732 but is the third building on this site. Within two years of opening, Handel’s operas were being performed. Many were specifically written for the venue and had their premiere there.
The Royal Opera House is the third largest auditorium in London with a seating capacity of 2’256. As well as operas and ballets, the venue hosts behind the scenes tours, open rehearsal events, family days, recitals, summer schools, afternoon teas, and tea dances. Originally opened as a playhouse, the venue performed pantomimes and plays and even became a dance hall during the Second World War.
The Royal Ballet and Opera is also home to The Paul Hamlyn Hall, the main public area often used for events, conferences, dances, exhibitions, concerts, and workshops. The Linbury Studio Theatre has a capacity of 400 and is a flexible theatre space. Events to look forward to include A Single Man, Tosca, The Magic Flute, Little Red Riding Hood, and The Nutcracker. Book your tickets online below for The Royal Opera House.
The Royal Opera House, also known as The Royal Ballet and Opera, is home to The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet. It originally opened in 1732 but is the third building on this site. Within two years of opening, Handel’s operas were being performed. Many were specifically written for the venue and had their premiere there.
The Royal Opera House is the third largest auditorium in London with a seating capacity of 2’256. As well as operas and ballets, the venue hosts behind the scenes tours, open rehearsal events, family days, recitals, summer schools, afternoon teas, and tea dances. Originally opened as a playhouse, the venue performed pantomimes and plays and even became a dance hall during the Second World War.
The Royal Ballet and Opera is also home to The Paul Hamlyn Hall, the main public area often used for events, conferences, dances, exhibitions, concerts, and workshops. The Linbury Studio Theatre has a capacity of 400 and is a flexible theatre space. Events to look forward to include A Single Man, Tosca, The Magic Flute, Little Red Riding Hood, and The Nutcracker. Book your tickets online below for The Royal Opera House.
Most Popular Shows and Events at Royal Opera House, London
Royal Ballet - The Nutcracker
Royal Opera House
Thu 3 Dec 2026 - Wed 13 Jan 2027
Mergaliyev Classical Ballet - Swan Lake
Royal Opera House
Sat 27 Mar - Mon 31 May 2027
Royal Opera House Family Sundays
Royal Opera House
Sun 15 Nov 2026 - Sun 4 Apr 2027
Royal Opera House Behind the Scenes Tour
Royal Opera House
Mon 26 Oct - Thu 31 Dec 2026
The Royal Ballet - Swan Lake
Royal Opera House
Sat 27 Mar - Mon 31 May 2027
Open Rehearsals for Friends of Covent Garden
Royal Opera House
Tue 27 Oct 2026 - Sat 10 Jul 2027
What's On at the Royal Opera House, London
Royal Ballet - Manon
Main Stage
Monday 26 October - Wednesday 25 November 2026
A life of luxury... or love? Manon's inner turmoil and struggle for survival lie at the devastating heart of Kenneth MacMillan's 1974 ballet, set to Jules Massenet's score and featuring Nicholas Georgiadis's designs In the seedy underbelly ...Royal Opera House Behind the Scenes Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 26 October - Thursday 31 December 2026
Take a look in the areas that are normally off-limits to the public, including rehearsal studios, costumes and production workshops. Join one of the expert guides and gain unique insight into the many secrets and spaces of the Royal Opera H...Recitals at Lunch
Crush Room
Monday 26 October 2026 - Monday 26 April 2027
Experience an exciting programme of music in the opulent setting of the historic Royal Opera House Crush Room. These regular lunchtime performances feature artists from The Royal Opera, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Jette Parker Artis...Royal Opera House Architecture Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 26 October - Thursday 17 December 2026
Learn about the architecture of the world-famous Victorian theatre and its transformation over the centuries. Explore the architectural evolution of the Royal Opera House, tracing its remarkable transformation through the ages. Discover the...Children's Alice in Wonderland Adventure Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 26 - Tuesday 27 October 2026
Get ready to tumble down the rabbit hole and explore the curious world of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. For children ages 5-11 years old. A playful, immersive journey featuring storytelling, movement, behind-the-scenes magic and a col...Thurrock Workshop Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 27 October - Tuesday 1 December 2026
Explore the state-of-the-art Bob and Tamar Manoukian Production Workshop and Costume Centre in Purfleet, Essex where expert scenic artists, carpenters and technicians transform design concepts into the spectacular sets and costumes seen on ...Open Rehearsals for Friends of Covent Garden
Main Stage
Tuesday 27 October 2026 - Saturday 10 July 2027
Friends of Covent Garden members have the opportunity to purchase tickets to open rehearsals at the Royal Opera House. ...Barbie Royal Ballet Craft Activities
Royal Opera House, London
Wednesday 28 - Saturday 31 October 2026
Create your own magic with craft activities for all the family, inspired by The Royal Ballet's collaboration with Barbie?. ...Royal Opera - Carmen
Main Stage
Thursday 29 October - Saturday 21 November 2026
Damiano Michieletto's searing production returns, casting a new light on the lust, violence and passion of Bizet's ever-popular opera. Following its premiere in the 2023/24 Season, Damiano Michieletto's 'simmering, naturalistic' (Guardian) ...Barbie Royal Ballet - Storytelling
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 29 - Friday 30 October 2026
Journey into the magic with a storytelling experience for all the family, inspired by The Royal Ballet's collaboration with Barbie?. ...Insights: The Royal Ballet in Rehearsal
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 29 October 2026 - Friday 26 February 2027
Watch Royal Ballet dancers and coaches in rehearsal as they prepare some of the works they will soon perform on stage. ...Tea and Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Friday 30 October - Sunday 20 December 2026
Journey behind the scenes and delve into the history of Swan Lake on this ballet-themed tour, complete with a delicious afternoon tea. ...Barbie™ in The Nutcracker screening
Royal Opera House, London
Friday 30 - Saturday 31 October 2026
An exclusive screening of the new Barbie? in The Nutcracker film for all the family to enjoy, ahead of its release on 1 November. ...Exhibition Tours
Royal Opera House, London
Friday 30 October - Friday 27 November 2026
Enjoy a 30-minute guided tour of Royal Ballet and Opera exhibitions, exploring iconic costumes, set designs, rare archives and fascinating stories from expert guides. ...Stages and Cells of Covent Garden
Royal Opera House, London
Friday 30 October - Thursday 10 December 2026
Join Bow Street Museum of Crime and Justice and the Royal Opera House on this outdoor walking tour to discover the relationship between theatre and crime in Covent Garden. ...Dish from Waitrose
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 1 November 2026
Dish?from Waitrose Live at the Royal Opera House is back! On 1 November, join award-winning podcast duo Angela Hartnett and Nick Grimshaw in the?Dish?kitchen for another evening of brilliant food conversation and big-name guests.?Tickets on...Tea Dance
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 2 November 2026 - Monday 12 April 2027
Come dancing and cha-cha-cha along to the Royal Opera House Dance Band, in beautiful surroundings that combine grandeur and elegance. ...Madam
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 3 - Wednesday 4 November 2026
The Royal Ballet honours its founder Dame Ninette de Valois, who was known within the Company as ?Madam?, including performances of excerpts from signature De Valois ballets as well as conversation, discussion and film delving into the endu...Dark Nights
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 9 November 2026 - Wednesday 12 May 2027
A series of one-off performances on the Linbury Stage by the most innovative and extraordinary vocal artists and experimental composers. ...Visionaries: Robbins and MacMillan
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 9 - Saturday 28 November 2026
Two profound meditations on humanity, community and connection. This mixed programme features Jerome Robbins?s Dances at a Gathering and Kenneth MacMillan?s Song of the Earth. ...Visionaries: Robbins and MacMillan Tickets
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 9 - Saturday 28 November 2026
Visionaries: Robbins and MacMillan at Royal Opera House...Insights: Un ballo in maschera
Royal Opera House, London
Wednesday 11 November 2026
Join cast and creatives in conversation?as they prepare to bring a playfully surreal new production of Verdi's opera to the Main Stage.? ...Royal Opera House Family Sundays
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 15 November 2026 - Sunday 4 April 2027
Discover opera, ballet and the Royal Opera House with fun-packed creative activities for all the family. Family Sundays are a great way to explore the Royal Opera House, its artists and the world of opera and ballet in a fun relaxed environ...Live at Lunch
Paul Hamlyn Hall
Friday 20 November 2026 - Friday 30 April 2027
Experience an exciting programme of free lunchtime performances inspired by the heritage of the Royal Ballet and Opera. Artists from The Royal Opera, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, The Royal Ballet and a range of guest artists perform ...Sip and Sketch - Royal Ballet & Opera Costume Design Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Saturday 21 November 2026
Peek inside the Royal Ballet and Opera's costume workroom and witness where designs come to life. Then, relax with a Bellini in the bar while trying your hand at sketching your own designs. The Royal Opera House stage has showcased some of ...Pride of the ROH Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 22 November 2026
Explore the rich contributions made by the LGBTQ+ icons who have helped shape The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera. From the enduring legacy of choreographer Frederick Ashton and composer George Frideric Handel, who challenged traditional...The Making of The Nutcracker tour
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 23 November - Thursday 31 December 2026
Step into the enchanting world of The Nutcracker like never before. This exclusive behind-the-scenes experience takes you deep into the creative heart of the Royal Opera House, revealing the hidden artistry and meticulous craftsmanship that...Opera on the Terrace
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 29 November 2026
Enjoy a summer dining experience on the terrace, cooked by Angela Hartnett and accompanied by live opera performances. ...'You're Worth It' Afternoon tea and tour: Beauty Ballet and Behind the Scenes
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 30 November - Sunday 20 December 2026
Step behind the curtain for a luxurious celebration of beauty and ballet, created with L'Or?al Paris and inspired by the artistry, rituals and craftsmanship of The Royal Ballet. ...Un ballo in maschera
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 30 November - Friday 18 December 2026
A murderous affair. Director Philipp St?lzl makes his Royal Opera debut with a playfully surreal new production, featuring costumes by Antony McDonald. Charles Castronovo, Malin Bystr?m, Aleksei Isaev, Anita Rachvelishvili and Kseniia Nikol...Un ballo in maschera (A Masked Ball)
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 30 November - Friday 18 December 2026
A murderous affair. Verdi?s Un ballo in maschera (A Masked Ball) invites you to a twisting world of political and personal tension, all culminating in one treacherous night on the dance floor. Director Philipp St?lzl makes his Royal Opera d...Un Ballo in Maschera London Tickets
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 30 November - Friday 18 December 2026
Un Ballo in Maschera 19:00...Insights: Sir Peter Wright and The Nutcracker
Royal Opera House, London
Wednesday 2 December 2026
As The Royal Ballet prepares for The Nutcracker?to return to the Main Stage, join cast and creatives in a celebration of the career of Sir Peter Wright, the?man behind The Royal Ballet?s magical production. This Season marks Peter Wright?s ...Royal Ballet - The Nutcracker
Main Stage
Thursday 3 December 2026 - Wednesday 13 January 2027
Light up your Christmas with Peter Wright's enchanting production of The Nutcracker. Peter Wright's production of The Nutcracker has been enchanting children and adults alike since its first performance by The Royal Ballet in 1984. Julia...The Nutcracker London Tickets
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 3 December 2026 - Wednesday 13 January 2027
The Nutcracker at Royal Opera House...The Nutcracker Tickets
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 3 December 2026 - Wednesday 13 January 2027
The Nutcracker at Royal Opera House...Stay Tuned
Royal Opera House, London
Friday 11 - Saturday 19 December 2026
Kammerballetten, the refreshing Danish dance company at the forefront of contemporary dance, present Stay Tuned, a collection of chamber ballets by Sol Le?n and Paul Lightfoot. In the intimate space of the Linbury Theatre, immerse in pure m...Children's The Nutcracker Adventure Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 13 - Thursday 31 December 2026
Children and adults alike can enjoy learning about and experiencing the behind-the-scenes magic that brings The Nutcracker to life on our stage. ...The Magic Flute
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 13 December 2026 - Wednesday 17 February 2027
An enchanting musical quest for love and freedom. Dalia Stasevska and Julia Jones conduct two exciting casts in David McVicar?s five-star production of Mozart?s beloved family-favourite opera.? ...Divine Divas Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 20 - Monday 28 December 2026
Step behind the scenes of the Royal Opera House and immerse yourself in the dazzling world of opera?s most extraordinary women ? a celebration of talent, ambition, glamour and sheer star power. ...Insights: JPA@25 - Masterclass with Dalia Stasevska
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 7 January 2027
Join Ukranian-Finnish conductor Dalia Stasevska alongside members of the Jette Parker Artists Programme in this masterclass in celebration of JPA@25. ...Insights: Götterdämmerung
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 12 January 2027
Join Barrie Kosky and Antonio Pappano in conversation on G?tterd?mmerung,?the final instalment of Wagner's Ring cycle. ...Götterdämmerung
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 21 January - Sunday 7 February 2027
Director Barrie Kosky situates this rich apocalyptic drama in a contemporary world of dream-like turmoil. Antonio Pappano leads a cast headlined by Elisabet Strid, Andreas Schager and Mika Kares, who, with the full forces of the Orchestra o...Good Sometimes Queen
Royal Opera House, London
Saturday 23 - Friday 29 January 2027
Ola Ince directs a new staging of two dramatic song cycles drawn from Elizabethan sources by Brett Dean. Lotte Betts-Dean and Jennifer France star in this new work of theatre exploring the fates?of Mary, Queen of Scots and Shakespeare?s Oph...Landmarks: Unmissable Ashton
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 25 January - Friday 19 March 2027
Three milestone works created over three decades ? experience the choreographic imagination of Frederick Ashton.?This mixed programme comprises Les Rendezvous, Symphonic Variations and Daphnis and Chlo?.?? ...Insights: Così fan tutte
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 26 January 2027
Join cast and creatives of Netia Jones?s new Cos? fan tutte production to learn more about the inspirations and themes behind this modern take on Mozart?s opera. ...Once more to this star
Royal Opera House, London
Saturday 6 - Saturday 13 February 2027
Expect the unexpected as choreographer Pam Tanowitz and Royal Ballet Principal William Bracewell come together for an exciting collaboration in the Linbury Theatre. This new dance creation is set to a piano arrangement of Stravinsky?s The R...Così fan tutte
Royal Opera House, London
Wednesday 10 - Sunday 28 February 2027
Netia Jones reimagines Mozart?s comedy of manners through a sharp contemporary lens, where 18th-century romantic trickery meets deeply satirical high-tech deceit. Louise Alder, Simone McIntosh, Mingjie Lei and Huw Montague Rendall are the f...Insights: Masterclass with Natalya Romaniw and The National Opera Studio
Royal Opera House, London
Wednesday 10 February 2027
Join Natalya Romaniw and The National Opera Studio for this exclusive masterclass. ...Insights: Il trittico
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 16 February 2027
Join the cast and creatives of Il trittico as they prepare to bring Puccini?s triptych to?the Main Stage this February. ...MADDADDAM
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 22 February - Saturday 13 March 2027
Those who remain must find a new way of life. The dystopian future of Margaret Atwood's trilogy of novels comes alive in this multi-sensory three-act epic by Wayne McGregor. Featuring an original score by Max Richter, MADDADDAM sold out its...Les Boréades
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 4 - Sunday 14 March 2027
A defiant queen and meddlesome gods. R.B. Schlather directs a new production of Rameau?s most brilliant opera ? the first work by the French composer to be performed at Covent Garden by The Royal Opera. Camille Delaforgue conducts a stellar...Il trittico
Royal Opera House, London
Friday 5 - Thursday 18 March 2027
Director Richard Jones updates Puccini?s triptych to the years following World War II, focusing on themes of class, morality and mortality. Speranza Scappucci conducts three casts featuring Natalya Romaniw, ?tienne Dupuis, SeokJong Baek, Er...Insights: Women Wellbeing and Performance
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 8 March 2027
Join The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera as they explore how both artistic Companies support the health of the women on our stages. ...Insights: The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House in Rehearsal
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 11 March 2027
Watch the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House in rehearsal as they prepare for productions coming to the Main Stage. ...Insights: JPA@25 - Masterclass with Corinne Winters
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 11 March 2027
Join Corinne Winters and members of the Jette Parker Artists Programme for this exclusive masterclass in celebration of JPA@25. ...Ballet Black
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 22 - Wednesday 31 March 2027
Cassa Pancho's Ballet Black returns to the Linbury Theatre, presenting a mixed programme to be announced. ...Ballet Black: Unbound
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 22 - Wednesday 31 March 2027
Experience three distinctive ballets demonstrating the range, individuality and unmistakable spirit of Cassa Pancho's Ballet Black. ...Insights: Ballet Black - 25 years
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 22 - Saturday 27 March 2027
As Ballet Black celebrates 25 years, join cast and creatives for this special Insight exploring Cassa Pancho's dynamic company. ...Káťa Kabanová
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 22 March - Saturday 10 April 2027
A storm of longing. Richard Jones?s intimate, stripped-back staging beautifully realises Jan??ek?s opera of yearning and destruction, which stars Corinne Winters. Jakub Hr??a draws out the expressive lines of the Czech composer?s score, whi...How to get to the Royal Opera House, London
Royal Opera House Frequently Asked Questions
Bow Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DD
The Royal Opera House does not have its own car park. On street parking is limited with disabled bays available on Bow Street and Floral Street.
You can receive 30% off by pre booking at the Intelli Park Car Park on Drury Lane.
Tube - Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road
Bus - Aldwych, Drury Lane, Leicester Square Station
The seating capacity of The Royal Opera House is 2'256.
You can visit their seating plan.
For further information on tickets at the Royal Opera House, you can visit their returns and refunds page, or their attending a performance page.
The Royal Opera House box office is open:
12 noon - 6pm, or until the start of an evening performance.
Alternatively, you can see what's on and book online here.
It is open Monday - Saturday.
On performance Sundays, it will open 90 minutes before the performance begins.
For individual shows and concerts, if the timing is not listed under our 'more info' tab for that particular event, you check it out via the 'more info' tab for your show here.
You can fin more information on accessibility at the Royal Opera House via their accessibility page.
Whether you have positive or negative feedback you would like to pass on to the Royal Opera House, you can email them .
If you lose an item during your visit to the Royal Opera House, email them with a description of your item an the date and performance / time of your visit. They keep items for one month.
Either use the map at the side of the FAQ section as it has all types of accomodation or click here for accommodation near the Royal Opera House.
Food and drink are not permitted into the Royal Opera House. However you may take in a none glass reusable water bottle and fill it with water inside the building.
Late arrivals may need to wait in the foyer for a suitable break in the performance. This could be up to 90 minutes. Performances start promtly.
Click here for some great places and ideas for food whilst in London.
For further information and support regarding your visit to the Royal Opera House, you can visit their visitor information or visit their help centre.
Please note that LondonTheatres.com isn't the venue itself. We promote what's on at the Royal Opera House and all other venues in London and the local region. Feel free to contact us if you need more help though and we'll do our best to support you.
Most Popular Shows and Events at Royal Opera House, London
Royal Ballet - The Nutcracker
Royal Opera House
Thu 3 Dec 2026 - Wed 13 Jan 2027
Mergaliyev Classical Ballet - Swan Lake
Royal Opera House
Sat 27 Mar - Mon 31 May 2027
Royal Opera House Family Sundays
Royal Opera House
Sun 15 Nov 2026 - Sun 4 Apr 2027
Royal Opera House Behind the Scenes Tour
Royal Opera House
Mon 26 Oct - Thu 31 Dec 2026
The Royal Ballet - Swan Lake
Royal Opera House
Sat 27 Mar - Mon 31 May 2027
Open Rehearsals for Friends of Covent Garden
Royal Opera House
Tue 27 Oct 2026 - Sat 10 Jul 2027
