Royal ballet and opera – London performances at the Royal Opera House

Step inside the world of the Royal Ballet and Opera (formerly the Royal Opera House), the iconic home of the Royal Ballet, the Royal Opera and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. Located in Covent Garden, the current building – the third on this historic site – dates back to 1858, following two earlier versions lost to devastating fires.

With a capacity of more than 2,250 seats, it’s the third-largest theatre in London and has evolved from a 19th-century dance hall into the celebrated cultural venue we know today. After World War II, it officially became the permanent home of the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet companies.

Now known collectively as the Royal Ballet and Opera, the company continues to make waves with a bold mix of classic revivals and contemporary productions, spotlighting fresh talent and staging more than 150 performances each season.

In 2025, its outstanding work was recognised at the Olivier Awards, with Festen taking home Best New Opera Production, and tenor Allan Clayton honoured for Outstanding Achievement in Opera.

Why visit the Royal Opera House

Architecture

The Royal Opera House architecture and decor alone is worth a visit. The building is a neoclassical gem, with a grand facade, sweeping staircases and richly decorated interiors. The main auditorium is known for its excellent acoustics, making it one of the best venues in London for live opera.

Another standout is the Paul Hamlyn Hall – the striking iron and glass structure once known as the Floral Hall. Originally a flower market, it now houses a stylish champagne bar and restaurant.

Throughout the 20th century, the Royal Opera House underwent several renovations, including major refurbishments to the auditorium and facilities. These modernisations added new rehearsal spaces, ballet studios and the Linbury Theatre – a second smaller venue (up to 400 seats) now regularly hosting performances, including productions by the Royal Ballet School.

Royal Opera House history

The Royal Opera House hasn’t always had the world-class reputation it enjoys today. Now one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, this iconic Covent Garden venue dates back to the early 18th century. Back then, the venue mainly operated as a playhouse, with an eclectic programme of plays, pantomimes, music and occasional opera. 

The first theatre was tragically destroyed by fire in 1808. It was rebuilt by architect Robert Smirke and reopened just a year later.  With a larger auditorium and expanded stage, it welcomed bigger productions and international talent. Sadly, a second devastating fire destroyed the Opera House in 1856, leading to the construction of the current building, reopened in 1858.

The new theatre brought Italian operas back to London, showcasing works by Verdi, Rossini and Donizetti, while also bringing German composers such as  Wagner to the mix. And it wasn’t all opera – the stage regularly hosted Shakespeare plays, family shows, and pantomimes, with legendary clown Joseph Grimaldi often appearing as Harlequin.

Did you know? When the theatre reopened in 1809, audience members disrupted performances for over two months in protest against increased ticket prices brought in to fund the reconstruction.

Following World War II, the Opera House was relaunched as the permanent home of two resident companies: the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet. Both have since gained international recognition, with legendary performers like Maria Callas and Luciano Pavarotti gracing the stage. The Royal Ballet, formerly the Sadler’s Wells Company, moved into the Opera House in 1946 and quickly rose to world-class status, performing timeless classics such as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, alongside bold contemporary works.

What’s on at the Royal Opera House

Ballet

Onegin (29 May – 12 June)

Lose yourself in Pushkin’s poignant tale of first love and regret, brought to life through John Cranko’s elegant choreography and Tchaikovsky’s score. Follow Tatiana, a young dreamer who falls for Eugene Onegin, only to be heartbreakingly rejected. Years later, fate brings them face to face again… but can love ever get a second chance?

Book your tickets for Onegin now

Opera

Carmen ( 9 April – 3 July)

Bizet’s ever-popular Carmen returns to London with its fiery tale of passion, jealousy and danger. Set in a remote Spanish town, Carmen warns any man who falls for her to beware – and for good reason. Packed with flamboyant Spanish melodies, this opera classic never gets old.

Faust (23 May – 10 June)

David McVicar’s striking production of Gounod’s Faust explores the appeal of temptation and the human urge for redemption. Disillusioned with life, the ageing Faust makes a desperate pact with the devil – a deal he’ll soon  come to regret.

Book your tickets now to see Faust

Semele (30 June – 18 July)

After a sell-out run in Paris, Handel’s Semele returns with a bold new staging – right where it was first performed in 1744. This dark opera follows Semele, a former servant who finds herself swept into the lavish, seductive world of Jupiter. But it quickly turns sour, as Jupiter’s vengeful wife plots her downfall.

Book your tickets now to see Semele

Il Trovatore (8 – 19 July)

Verdi’s Il Trovatore storms the stage in a gripping production by Adele Thomas. Witness a fierce rivalry unfold between troubadour Manrico and Count di Luna, as they clash over love, honour and long-buried secrets. The result is one of opera’s most dramatic and unforgettable stories. 

Book your tickets now to see Il Trovatore

How to book tickets

You can purchase your tickets with Visit London to attend a performance at the Royal Ballet and Opera, formerly Royal Opera House, via the booking button present on this page. You will then be able to select your preferred show along with selecting your seat and view the matching ticket price.  

Visit London tip

Head to the Royal Opera House at lunchtime on Fridays and catch a free performance in the Paul Hamlyn Hall, featuring artists from the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet. It’s a brilliant introduction for first timers and a treat for seasoned fans alike.

Performances last around 45 minutes with no interval, and entry is first-come, first-served – so arrive early to collect your access token.

What else can I see at the Royal Opera House?

Book a guided tour to  uncover the rich history of the venue – you might even catch the Royal Ballet in rehearsal!

Choose from a range of themed tours, including:

• Behind the Scenes Tour – Explore hidden areas usually closed to the public, from rehearsal studios to costume departments.
• Costume Design Tour – See how costumes come to life, from first sketch to final stitch – and even try your hand at sketching.
• Magic and Macabre in Opera Tour – Step into the world of theatrical villains and iconic opera characters that have haunted (or delighted) the stage over the years.

Food options at the Royal Opera House

Whether you’re after a quick bite or a luxurious dining experience, the Royal Opera House offers plenty to satisfy every craving:

• Piazza restaurant and terrace

Savour the best of seasonal British produce with a menu that changes throughout the year. Highlights include seared scallops with chorizo and sweet potato purée, wild mushroom and potato Wellington.

• The Paul Hamlyn Hall Balconies Restaurant (for tickets holders only)

Dine in style with a view overlooking the stunning Paul Hamlyn Hall. The menu includes roast monkfish with minestrone vegetables and seared swordfish served with a niçoise salad.

• The Crush Room (for tickets holders only)

Step into this opulent room dating back to 1858, open two hours before performances. The menu features dishes such as  roasted cauliflower steak with smoked aubergine, beef Wellington with fondant potatoes, and pan-fried lemon sole.

Royal Opera House venue details and how to get there

• Tube – The nearest underground stations are Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Holborn and Charing Cross, accessible by Tube on the Northern, Bakerloo, Central and Piccadilly lines.
• Bus – You can catch the following buses which stop nearby on Aldwych/Drury Lane (Stop R): 15, 26, 91, N15, N21, N26, N89, N91, N199, N550 and N551.
• Cycling – Rent a Santander Cycles bike and head to Drury Lane, Covent Garden where you can find a docking station. The Royal Ballet and Opera is just a few minutes’ walk away.

What is the dress code for the Royal Ballet and Opera?

The Royal Ballet and Opera doesn’t have a dress code. If you bring a bag, make sure it is no larger than A3 size as larger bags are not permitted in the auditorium.