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 Opera House Family Sundays
Royal Opera House
Sun 18 Oct - Sun 29 Nov 2026
Royal Ballet - The Nutcracker
Royal Opera House
Thu 3 Dec 2026 - Wed 13 Jan 2027
Royal Opera House Behind the Scenes Tour
Royal Opera House
Mon 27 Jul - Fri 30 Oct 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 8 Sep 2026 - Sat 10 Jul 2027
HerStory of the Royal Opera House Tour
Royal Opera House
Sat 15 Aug - Sat 3 Oct 2026
Mergaliyev Classical Ballet - Swan Lake
Royal Opera House
Sat 27 Mar - Mon 31 May 2027
What's On at the Royal Opera House, London
Royal Opera House Behind the Scenes Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 27 July - Friday 30 October 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...Children's Alice in Wonderland Adventure Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 27 July - Monday 31 August 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 28 July - Tuesday 27 October 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 ...Marianela - Timeless
Royal Opera House, London
Wednesday 29 July - Sunday 2 August 2026
Summer performances curated by Marianela with The Royal Ballet in a programme performed with fellow company dancers. ...Sip and Sketch - Royal Ballet & Opera Costume Design Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Saturday 1 August - Saturday 19 September 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 ...Carlos Acosta: Myths and Modern Masters
Royal Opera House, London
Wednesday 5 - Sunday 9 August 2026
Acosta takes to the stage with guest artists from Birmingham Royal Ballet and Acosta Danza. ...Summer exclusive: Extended behind the Scenes Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 10 - Friday 28 August 2026
Explore rarely seen areas in this two and a half hour summer tour of the Royal Opera House, with access to rarely seen technical spaces and a refreshment break. ...Tea and Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 11 August - Friday 30 October 2026
Journey behind the scenes and delve into the history of Swan Lake on this ballet-themed tour, complete with a delicious afternoon tea. ...Royal Opera House Architecture Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Wednesday 12 - Saturday 15 August 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...Divine Divas Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 13 - Sunday 16 August 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. ...HerStory of the Royal Opera House Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Saturday 15 August - Saturday 3 October 2026
Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Royal Opera House and discover the stories of the incredible women who have shaped its legacy since the 18th century. This tour takes you through the remarkable journeys of those who have managed,...Stages and Cells of Covent Garden
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 16 August - Friday 30 October 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. ...After Hours
Royal Opera House, London
Friday 21 - Saturday 22 August 2026
Join us after hours at the Royal Opera House for a new, late-night experience featuring talks, tours, demonstrations, installations and other activities throughout our iconic Covent Garden home, culminating in a silent disco in the Paul Ham...Beyond the Bridge Tour: Celebrating 100 Years of The Royal Ballet School
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 24 - Thursday 27 August 2026
Celebrate 100 years of The Royal Ballet School on a special limited edition tour, exploring historic studios, the Bridge of Aspiration and behind the scenes. ...Exhibition Tours
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 24 - Friday 28 August 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. ...Insights: The McRae / Vassilev Project
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 3 September 2026
Join the?cast and creatives behind The McRae / Vassliev Project?in?conversation?and learn more about the collaboration between Steven?McRae and Vasko Vassilev,?and the works of violinist Niccolo Paganini, who has inspired this project. ...Open Rehearsals for Friends of Covent Garden
Main Stage
Tuesday 8 September 2026 - Saturday 10 July 2027
Friends of Covent Garden members have the opportunity to purchase tickets to open rehearsals at the Royal Opera House. ...Insights: Parsifal
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 8 September 2026
Join cast and creatives in conversation about Evgeny Titov's bold new production of Wagner's Parsifal. ...Don Giovanni
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 10 September - Thursday 15 October 2026
He's back. Opera?s infamous Don returns with an all-star cast headlined by Gordon Bintner, alongside Rachel Willis-S?rensen, Aigul Akhmetshina, Roberto Tagliavini and Bogdan Volkov. Stefano Montanari conducts.? ...The McRae / Vassilev Project
Royal Opera House, London
Friday 11 - Sunday 20 September 2026
Two performers famed for their mastery of their craft meet Paganini?s compositions in a showcase of exceptional music and dance. Steven McRae, Vasko Vassilev and director Natalie?Abrahami join forces in this new creation inspired by Paganin...Holding Light
Royal Opera House, London
Saturday 12 September 2026
Award-winning company Fallen Angels Dance Theatre, which supports those recovering from addiction or mental health adversity, brings new works to the Clore Studio. ...Insights: Fallen Angels Dance Theatre
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 13 September 2026
Join cast and creatives from Fallen Angels Dance Theatre, as they discuss their work supporting those recovering from addiction and their new creation Holding Light, which comes to the Clore Studio this Autumn.? ...Tea Dance
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 14 September - Monday 21 December 2026
Come dancing and cha-cha-cha along to the Royal Opera House Dance Band, in beautiful surroundings that combine grandeur and elegance. ...Alcina
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 15 September - Saturday 3 October 2026
Richard Jones?s Olivier Award-winning production of Handel's opera returns with many of the original cast, including Emily D?Angelo as the lovestruck Ruggiero and Lisette Oropesa as the glittering enchantress Alcina.? ...Recitals at Lunch
Crush Room
Monday 21 September - Monday 21 December 2026
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...Dark Nights
Royal Opera House, London
Wednesday 23 September 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. ...Insights: The Royal Ballet in Rehearsal
Royal Opera House, London
Wednesday 23 September - Thursday 29 October 2026
Watch Royal Ballet dancers and coaches in rehearsal as they prepare some of the works they will soon perform on stage. ...Live at Lunch
Paul Hamlyn Hall
Friday 25 September - Friday 27 November 2026
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 ...JPA @ 25: Jukebox
Royal Opera House, London
Friday 25 September 2026
Two performances. Two programmes. You decide the music. Get to know the singers and music staff of the programme during the matinee performance and vote live for the songs and arias to be performed in full in the evening concert. ...Three Short Ballets
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 29 September - Friday 2 October 2026
Northern Ballet returns to the Linbury Theatre with a programme of fiery revivals including Hans van Manen?s 5 Tangos and Mthuthuzeli November?s Fools, and a brand new work by New York City Ballet?s choreographer Tiler Peck. ...Parsifal
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 1 - Saturday 17 October 2026
Can one man heal a broken society? A bold new production by Evgeny Titov features a stellar cast including Stanislas de Barbeyrac, Ekaterina Gubanova, Christian Gerhaher and Brindley Sherratt. Jakub Hr??a conducts. ...Insights: The Royal Ballet School - A Centenary Celebration
Royal Opera House, London
Saturday 3 October 2026
In celebration of The Royal Ballet School's 100th?anniversary,?cast and creatives behind this event?discuss the history and heritage of the School, its dancers and its?future. ...Insights: 4:48 Psychosis
Royal Opera House, London
Wednesday 7 October 2026
Join cast and creatives in conversation as 4.48 Psychosis prepares to make its Linbury Theatre debut. ...A Centenary Celebration
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 8 - Saturday 10 October 2026
In celebration of The Royal Ballet School?s centenary, these performances bring together dancers from The Royal Ballet, the School and Birmingham Royal Ballet.? ...Manon
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 13 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. ...4.48 Psychosis
Royal Opera House, London
Saturday 17 - Sunday 25 October 2026
An unflinching portrait of fury and despair. Ted Huffman's stark and stripped-back staging of Philip Venables's opera makes its debut on the Linbury Stage. Conductor Naomi Woo draws out the moments of clarity, anguish and fleeting h...Royal Opera House Family Sundays
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 18 October - Sunday 29 November 2026
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...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) ...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...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. ...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.? ...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...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...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...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.? ...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?.?? ...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...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...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...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...The Royal Ballet - Swan Lake
Main Stage
Saturday 27 March - Monday 31 May 2027
Swan Lake has had a special role in the repertory of The Royal Ballet since 1934. Since then, there has been a succession of productions, the most recent of which was a new production created in 2018 with additional choreography by Liam Sca...Mergaliyev Classical Ballet - Swan Lake
Royal Opera House, London
Saturday 27 March - Monday 31 May 2027
Swan Lake is arguably the world's most popular ballet, and a timeless tale. Prince Siegfried falls in love with Odette, Queen of the Swans, only to be tricked into betraying her by the wicked von Rothbart and his daughter Odile. The thrilli...The Rite of Spring + Duke Bluebeard's Castle in Concert
Royal Opera House, London
Friday 2 April 2027
For one night only, Music Director of The Royal Opera Jakub Hr??a and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House present a concert of Stravinsky's scandalous The Rite of Spring and Bart?k's?blood-red thriller Duke Bluebeard?s Castle, st...Royal Opera - Tosca
Main Stage
Monday 12 April - Wednesday 5 May 2027
The splendour of Rome. The devastation of war. Puccini's operatic thriller returns in an epic new production.  Anna Netrebko and Aleksandra Kurzak share the title role, starring alongside Freddie De Tommaso and Gerald Finley in a thrilli...International Draft Works
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 12 - Wednesday 14 April 2027
A showcase of new dance creations that gathers emerging choreographers from ballet companies around the world. ...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 Opera House Family Sundays
Royal Opera House
Sun 18 Oct - Sun 29 Nov 2026
Royal Ballet - The Nutcracker
Royal Opera House
Thu 3 Dec 2026 - Wed 13 Jan 2027
Royal Opera House Behind the Scenes Tour
Royal Opera House
Mon 27 Jul - Fri 30 Oct 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 8 Sep 2026 - Sat 10 Jul 2027
HerStory of the Royal Opera House Tour
Royal Opera House
Sat 15 Aug - Sat 3 Oct 2026
Mergaliyev Classical Ballet - Swan Lake
Royal Opera House
Sat 27 Mar - Mon 31 May 2027
