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
Royal Opera House Behind the Scenes Tour
Royal Opera House
Tue 19 May - Fri 31 Jul 2026
Royal Opera House Family Sundays
Royal Opera House
Sun 31 May - Sun 14 Jun 2026
Open Rehearsals for Friends of Covent Garden
Royal Opera House
Fri 22 May 2026 - Sat 10 Jul 2027
HerStory of the Royal Opera House Tour
Royal Opera House
Sun 24 May - Sat 18 Jul 2026
What's On at the Royal Opera House, London
Royal Ballet - Samson et Dalila
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 19 May - Wednesday 3 June 2026
Described as "vibrant" by The Guardian, Richard Jones' production returns, starring the electrifying Aigul Akhmetshina and SeokJong Baek as the biblical lovers. SeokJong Baek and Aigul Akhmetshina star as the biblical lovers in Richard Jone...Royal Opera House Behind the Scenes Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 19 May - Friday 31 July 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...Royal Opera - Peter Grimes
Main Stage
Thursday 21 - Thursday 28 May 2026
Britten's brooding opera returns. Deborah Warner's staging foregrounds the vulnerability and volatility of the shunned Peter Grimes, and the tragic conflict between the individual and group. Allan Clayton, Bryn Terfel and Maria Bengtsson st...Beyond the Bridge Afternoon Tea and Tour: Celebrating 100 Years of The Royal Ballet School
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 21 May - Tuesday 14 July 2026
Discover 100 years of The Royal Ballet School on a special tour of historic studios, the Bridge of Aspiration and Royal Opera House backstage, followed by afternoon tea with live music. ...Beyond the Bridge Tour: Celebrating 100 Years of The Royal Ballet School
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 21 May - Tuesday 14 July 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. ...Open Rehearsals for Friends of Covent Garden
Main Stage
Friday 22 May 2026 - Saturday 10 July 2027
Friends of Covent Garden members have the opportunity to purchase tickets to open rehearsals at the Royal Opera House. ...Royal Ballet - La Fille mal gardée
Main Stage
Saturday 23 May - Tuesday 9 June 2026
Escape to the countryside with Frederick Ashton's ballet about a capricious girl who hopes to marry her love. Brimming with humour and choreographic invention, La Fille mal gardee is the perfect ballet for all the family. When La Fille mal ...Sip and Sketch - Royal Ballet & Opera Costume Design Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 24 May 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 ...HerStory of the Royal Opera House Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 24 May - Saturday 18 July 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,...Tea and Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 24 May - Friday 17 July 2026
Journey behind the scenes and delve into the history of Swan Lake on this ballet-themed tour, complete with a delicious afternoon tea. ...Children's Alice in Wonderland Adventure Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 24 - Friday 29 May 2026
A playful, immersive journey through Alice?s Adventures in Wonderland, featuring storytelling, movement, behind-the-scenes magic and a colouring activity. ...Thurrock Workshop Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 26 May - Tuesday 28 July 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 ...Insights: So Are We - León and Lightfoot
Royal Opera House, London
Friday 29 May 2026
As The Royal Ballet prepares to present two Company premieres by acclaimed contemporary choreographic duo, Sol Le?n and Paul Lightfoot, join us for this special Insights exploring the themes and inspirations behind this mixed programme. ...Royal Opera House Family Sundays
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 31 May - Sunday 14 June 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 - The Marriage of Figaro
Main Stage
Thursday 4 June - Thursday 2 July 2026
Mozart's comic opera is packed with plot twists, forbidden desires and unforgettable melodies, combining laugh-out-loud comedy with moments of breathtaking beauty. Alex Esposito, Louise Alder, Andrey Zhilikhovsky and Masabane Cecilia Rangwa...THURSDAY/EARLY SHIFT
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 4 June 2026
An afternoon of exciting presentations and performances from leading innovators in the world of AI. Featuring Yaboi Hanoi, Stephanie Dinkins, George Lewis + Juliet Fraser and more. ...THURSDAY/LATE SHIFT
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 4 June 2026
An evening of exciting presentations and performances from leading innovators in the world of AI. Featuring Alexander Whitley, Harry Yeff (Reeps100) + Patricia Auchterlonie, Jennifer Walshe and more. ...FRIDAY/SHIFT EXCHANGE
Royal Opera House, London
Friday 5 June 2026
A full day of keynote speakers, panels, performance talks and creative interactions. Join the conversation. ...Relaxed Performances
Royal Opera House, London
Saturday 6 June 2026
Find out about our Relaxed Performances, which are designed to support neurodiverse audiences, those living with dementia, have learning disabilities or experience anxiety. ...SATURDAY/EARLY SHIFT
Royal Opera House, London
Saturday 6 June 2026
An afternoon of exciting presentations and performances from leading innovators in the world of AI. Featuring Paola Prestini, Robin Coops, Harry Yeff (Reeps100) + Patricia Auchterlonie, Jennifer Walshe + EXAUDI?+ Dadabots and more. ...SATURDAY/LATE SHIFT
Royal Opera House, London
Saturday 6 June 2026
An evening of exciting presentations and performances from leading innovators in the world of AI. Featuring Alexander Whitley, Yaboi Hanoi and more. ...Pride of the ROH Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 7 - Sunday 28 June 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...SUNDAY/PLAY SHIFT
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 7 June 2026
A relaxed day of creative, interactive and immersive exchange, for all the family. Be inspired. Play differently. ...Recitals at Lunch
Crush Room
Monday 8 June - Monday 20 July 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...Royal Opera House Architecture Tour
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 8 June - Thursday 23 July 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...Insights: I puritaniÂ
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 9 June 2026
Richard Jones returns to The Royal Opera for a new staging of I?puritani. Join cast and creatives as they discuss the opera, from its ?sublime score and spectacular arias to the passionate and shattering love story at its core.? ...So Are We: León and Lightfoot
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 11 - Saturday 20 June 2026
The Royal Ballet presents two Company premieres by Spanish/British choreographers Sol Le?n and Paul Lightfoot. This stirring mixed programme marks the first time a British company performs the work of the acclaimed contemporary choreographi...Live at Lunch
Paul Hamlyn Hall
Friday 12 June - Friday 10 July 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 ...Ballet Academy of the Vienna State Opera
Royal Opera House, London
Friday 12 - Saturday 13 June 2026
The Ballet Academy of Vienna State Opera present a new creation by Robert Binet ...Royal Ballet School
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 16 - Wednesday 17 June 2026
To mark the centenary of The Royal Ballet School, Artistic Director Iain Mackay has curated a programme that highlights the School?s 100-year heritage as a centre for new choreographic work.? ...The Royal Ballet School
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 16 - Wednesday 17 June 2026
The young talents of The Royal Ballet School return to the Linbury Theatre for Next Generation Festival. ...The Royal Ballet School / School of American Ballet
Royal Opera House, London
Thursday 18 - Friday 19 June 2026
A special joint showcase shared by The Royal Ballet School and School of American Ballet. ...Chance to Dance
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 21 June 2026
Chance to Dance is the Royal Ballet's flagship young talent programme. The legacy?and Connect?companies return to the Linbury stage this season to celebrate diverse talent from across the country, performing a mixed bill of works inspir...Rambert School / Junior Company of The Polish National Ballet
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 23 - Wednesday 24 June 2026
Rambert School and the Junior Company of Polish National Ballet come together in this exciting mixed programme. ...Anna Netrebko
Main Stage
Wednesday 24 June 2026
A reigning prima donna of the 21st century, Russian operatic soprano Anna Netrebko performs an intimate selection of songs and arias by German, Russian and French composers on the Main Stage of the Royal Opera House, where she is also joine...ZooNation Youth Company
ZOONATION YOUTH COMPANYÂ
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 28 June 2026
Created by artistic directors Kate Prince and Dannielle Rhimes Lecointe, Lights Out showcases the talent of ZooNation?s next generation of dancers. ...Royal Opera - I puritani
Main Stage
Tuesday 30 June - Sunday 19 July 2026
Richard Jones directs a new staging of Bellini's last opera I puritani, featuring a sublime score and a passionate love story. Vincenzo Bellini's bel canto masterpiece is transformed in Richard Jones' compelling new staging, which stars Li...English National Ballet School / John Cranko School
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 30 June - Wednesday 1 July 2026
English National Ballet School and John Cranko School come together to deliver an exciting programme of works as part of the Next Generation Festival. ...English National Ballet School / John Cranko Schule
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 30 June - Wednesday 1 July 2026
English National Ballet School and John Cranko Schule come together to deliver an exciting programme of works as part of the Next Generation Festival. ...Royal Opera - La Bohème
Main Stage
Wednesday 1 - Saturday 25 July 2026
Young Love in the City of Light. Experience your first opera with Puccini's famous love story, or return to The Royal Opera for an enduring favourite. With its Parisian setting, tender exploration of first love and both humorous and heartbr...Just Us Dance Company
Royal Opera House, London
Saturday 4 July 2026
Just Us Dance Theatre presents A Night of Hip Hop Theatre, performed by the Just Us Apprenticeship Company. ...Just Us Dance Theatre Apprenticeship Company
Royal Opera House, London
Saturday 4 July 2026
Just Us Dance Theatre presents A Night of Hip Hop Theatre, performed by the Just Us Apprenticeship Company. ...Tea Dance
Royal Opera House, London
Monday 6 July 2026
Come dancing and cha-cha-cha along to the Royal Opera House Dance Band, in beautiful surroundings that combine grandeur and elegance. ...Royal Opera - La Fille du régiment
Main Stage
Tuesday 7 - Friday 24 July 2026
Laurent Pelly's joyous, larger-than-life production returns, with Yves Abel conducting Donizetti's comic opera. Juan Diego Florez returns to the role of Tonio alongside Jonah Hoskins, starring alongside Sara Blanch in her Royal Opera debut ...The Royal Ballet School Summer Performance
Main Stage
Saturday 18 July 2026
The Royal Ballet School returns to the Royal Opera House for the annual showcase of the exceptional talents of its young dancers. ...The Royal Ballet School Summer performance 2026
Royal Opera House, London
Saturday 18 July 2026
The Royal Ballet School returns to the Royal Opera House for the annual showcase of the exceptional talents of its young dancers. ...Jette Parker Artists Summer Performance
Main Stage
Friday 24 - Sunday 26 July 2026
An unforgettable evening with some of the brightest new talents of the opera world. Jette Parker Artists perform an uplifting array of opera excerpts on the main stage, accompanied by the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. The Jette Parker...Jette Parker Artists Summer Performance 2026
Royal Opera House, London
Sunday 26 July 2026 - Sunday 25 July 2027
The Jette Parker Artists finish their opera Season in style, accompanied by the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera. ...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. ...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. ...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.? ...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.? ...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. ...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 - 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...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
Royal Opera House Behind the Scenes Tour
Royal Opera House
Tue 19 May - Fri 31 Jul 2026
Royal Opera House Family Sundays
Royal Opera House
Sun 31 May - Sun 14 Jun 2026
Open Rehearsals for Friends of Covent Garden
Royal Opera House
Fri 22 May 2026 - Sat 10 Jul 2027
HerStory of the Royal Opera House Tour
Royal Opera House
Sun 24 May - Sat 18 Jul 2026
