Theatres of the World: Part 2
Fun Facts about the Royal Opera House, London
The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London is home to the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet. It has a rich and interesting history.
The tradition of opera performance has been continued on site at Covent Garden since 1732. That’s 284 years this year!
Some interesting facts are:
- The first ballet was performed in 1734
- First opera season in 1735
- 3 theatres have been built on this site. The first two were destroyed in fires in 1808 and 1856.
- The present theatre was in fact built in 1858 first as a dance hall. It was not until 1892 when the theatre officially became the Royal Opera House.
- During the First World War the theatre was used as a furniture repository.
- In 1946, it was restored to a dance hall during the Second World War
- In 1997-1999 full redevelopment took place. The auditorium remained whole and today retains its historical beauty and glamour.
Today the Royal Opera House has a stellar reputation and attracts top international guest artists. It continues to celebrate new and modern theatre, opera and dance, while at the same time maintaining a respect for tradition and a sense of deep history.
Well worth the visit next time you are in London!
View from the stage
Waiting for the Royal Ballet’s Don Quixote, December 2014
Categories :
Performance Medicine
