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.
Most Popular Shows and Events at Royal Opera House, London
Royal Opera House Behind the Scenes Tour
Royal Opera House
Sun 15 Mar - Sat 30 May 2026
Royal Opera House Family Sundays
Royal Opera House
Sun 22 Mar - Sun 14 Jun 2026
Open Rehearsals for Friends of Covent Garden
Royal Opera House
Mon 23 Mar - Sat 4 Jul 2026
HerStory of the Royal Opera House Tour
Royal Opera House
Sun 15 Mar - Sun 24 May 2026
Royal Opera House Architecture Tour
Royal Opera House
Fri 27 Mar - Sun 19 Apr 2026
What's On at the Royal Opera House, London
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 in Recital
Royal Opera House, London
Wednesday 24 June 2026
Anna Netrebko performs an intimate recital on the main stage of the Royal Opera House, with piano accompaniment by Pavel Nebolsin. ...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. ...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. ...I puritani
Royal Opera House, London
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. ...I Puritani London Tickets
Royal Opera - La Bohème
Main Stage
Wednesday 1 - Saturday 25 July 2026
With its Parisian setting, tender exploration of first love and both humorous and heartbreaking celebration of friendship, La boheme captivates audiences time and time again, making it the perfect choice for your first visit to the opera. R...La bohème
Royal Opera House, London
Wednesday 1 - Saturday 25 July 2026
Experience your first opera with Puccini?s famous love story, or return to The Royal Opera for an enduring favourite. ...La Boheme London Tickets
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. ...La Fille du régiment
Royal Opera House, London
Tuesday 7 - Friday 24 July 2026
Laurent Pelly?s larger-than-life production returns, with Yves Abel conducting Donizetti?s comic opera. Juan Diego Fl?rez returns to the role of Tonio alongside Jonah Hoskins, starring alongside Sara Blanch in her Royal Opera debut as the p...La Fille du Regiment London Tickets
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
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. ...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 Behind the Scenes Tour
Royal Opera House
Sun 15 Mar - Sat 30 May 2026
Royal Opera House Family Sundays
Royal Opera House
Sun 22 Mar - Sun 14 Jun 2026
Open Rehearsals for Friends of Covent Garden
Royal Opera House
Mon 23 Mar - Sat 4 Jul 2026
HerStory of the Royal Opera House Tour
Royal Opera House
Sun 15 Mar - Sun 24 May 2026
Royal Opera House Architecture Tour
Royal Opera House
Fri 27 Mar - Sun 19 Apr 2026