5 Reasons to Visit the Royal Opera House in London


 

The Royal Opera House in London is the home of the Royal Ballet, the Royal Opera and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. So much art, all in one place?! Yes, you better believe it.

If you’re a fan of the performing arts, you need to visit the Royal Opera House in London. Located in the heart of Covent Garden, there is plenty to do, whether you want to see a ballet, an opera, take a tour of the premises or eat a good meal. 

If you’re still unsure, keep reading for my 5 reasons to visit the Royal Opera House in London!

Practical Information:
Entry fee: Free to enter, price of guided tours and performances vary. Visit website for more details.
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm
Address: Bow St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD, United Kingdom
Tube station: Covent Garden / Leicester Square / Holborn / Charing Cross
Website

1. You can learn more about the history behind the Royal Opera House

Garden Theatre

The Royal Opera House (Covent Garden Theatre) in 1821 – picryl

The Royal Opera House as you see it today is actually the 3rd building to be built on the site. The first theatre was originally called the Theatre Royal, and served as a playhouse for 100 years.

The site was originally an old convent garden, which is where the area itself gets its name. We can thank the actor John Rich for the first theatre, which opened its doors in 1732. But, the history of the Royal Opera House can actually be traced back farther than that!

In 1662, King Charles II awarded “letters patent” to Sir William Davenant, allowing him to operate one of the two licensed theatres in London. At the time, the licensed theatres were the only places in London that had the rights to present plays, operas, and any other form of spoken drama in the city. Letters patent are a type of written decree that are issued by a monarch or other head of state which usually grant a sort of permission to a person or corporation.

These letters patent still stood when Rich opened the first Theatre Royal in Covent Garden. The first few years, the theatre showcased mostly plays, but in 1734, the first ballet, Pygmalion, was performed. In 1808, a fire destroyed the Theatre Royal.

The second theatre was built in 1809 under the same name. In order to make a little extra cash to pay for the remodel, the theatre’s director decided to increase the price of tickets. This caused a major uproar in London, with theatre-goers booing and causing a general scene to protest the ticket prices. Eventually the theatre was forced to lower the ticket prices back to their original price. The power of protesting, ladies and gentlemen!

In 1856, another fire destroyed the theatre. If you haven’t noticed, fire was a huge problem for the city of London up until the 20th century! The new theatre opened it’s doors in 1858, and the foundations of this building served as the base for the building that stands today. The theatre was renamed the Royal Opera House in 1892!

2. You can admire the stunning architecture at the Royal Opera House

Architecture

The incredible façade of the Royal Opera House – Bow Street, Covent Garden, London by Elliott Brown – Flickr

One of my favorite things about the Royal Opera House is its amazing architecture! The building as we see it today was originally designed by Sir Edward M. Barry in 1857, and was completed by the building company, the Lucas Brothers.

The main building is done in the Baroque Revival style of architecture. This means that the building boast the same styles as Baroque architecture, but it was not built during the Baroque period. Characteristics of Baroque architecture include curving forms, large staircases, domes and twisting columns.

In 1975, the theatre was given permission and funds by the government to expand, refurbish and modernize. Then, in 1997, a major reconstruction was granted. The project was finished in 1999, and much of the building was demolished to make way for a new and improved complex. The main auditorium remained, but the rest of the theatre was rebuilt!

The theatre underwent some more major renovations in 2014. The project was called the Open Up project, and aimed to improve the entrances, lobby and the Linbury Theatre, located within the Royal Opera House complex. The improvements you see today are all thanks to this project!

3. You can see the Royal Ballet perform at the Royal Opera House

ballet

Alexandra Ansanelli, a ballerina in the Royal Ballet, as Ondine, as seen at the Royal Opera House by JRPHOTO – WikiCommons

The Royal Opera House is the official home of the Royal Ballet! The renowned ballet company has called the Royal Opera House home since 1946. The company’s first performance in the venue was The Sleeping Beauty.

The Royal Ballet was founded in 1931 by an Irish dancer named Ninette de Valois. Ninette teamed up with an English producer and theatre owner named Lilian Baylis, and the pair embarked on the creation of a ballet company. Not only did they create a ballet company, they also created a ballet school. In 1956, they were granted a Royal Charter, and the ballet company was renamed the Royal Ballet!

The ballet school was also renamed the Royal Ballet School, which still exists today, and is connected to the Royal Opera House.

Since its inception in 1931, the Royal Ballet has been one of the leading ballet companies in the world. The company employs 100 dancers, and has facilities built especially for the company within the Royal Opera House.

If you like ballet and the performing arts, I definitely recommend you get tickets to a show. The schedule and the performances vary, so if you’re interested check out their website for more information! I love their show, The Sleeping Beauty, best!

4. You can see the Royal Opera perform at the Royal Opera House

Auditorium

The auditorium at the Royal Opera House, where you can see the Royal Opera perform by Aurelien Guichard – Flickr

The Royal Opera also calls the Royal Opera House home. The Royal Opera is one of two major opera companies in London, and was founded in 1946. The company was originally called the Covent Garden Opera Company, a nod to the location of the Royal Opera. The company operated under this name until 1968.

The Royal Opera had fairly modest beginnings, and we can thank a man called David Webster for the company as it is today. Thanks to Webster, the company was granted a Royal Charter in 1968, which is why it was renamed the Royal Opera.

Opera had been performed at the Royal Opera House since the mid-19h century, but was typically put on by various traveling opera troupes. After World War II, it was decided that there was a need for a resident opera company that would perform in English, and the Royal Opera was born!

Today, the Royal Opera performs all year round at the Royal Opera House. The schedule and the performances vary here as well, so click here to visit their website to learn more. Opera fans…you’ve got to check out the Royal Opera House when you’re in London!

5. You can take a tour of the Royal Opera House

Royal Opera House, London

Royal Opera House, London by Adrián Pérez – Flickr

Last but not least, what better a reason to visit the Royal Opera House than to take a guided tour?! We are a tour company after all, so you know I had to give a shout out to the options available at the Royal Opera House.

The tour options change every few months, but there are always at least 3 different touring options available.

My personal favorite is the Backstage Tour. Here, you’ll learn more about the history of the Royal Opera House, as well as all of the work that goes into putting on the performances today. As the Royal Opera House is a fully functioning theatre, you never know what (or rather, who!) you may stumble upon, preparing for a performance!

Tours are also very affordable, and prices start at just £11! As I mentioned, the tours change fairly often, so you’ll need to head to their website to see what they are currently offering.

After you go on a walking tour with us, head to the Royal Opera House for another!

Conclusion

So, are you convinced that you need to head to the Royal Opera House in London yet?! I hope so! There is so much to discover and see, and there is really something for anyone that is interested in history, architecture and the performing arts!

Have I sold you on a Discover Walks walking tour yet, too?! We have plenty of options here in London, all led by our expert local guides. Click here to learn more, and to make your booking!

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