The first new production to be broadcast live is the final installment of Barrie Kosky’s acclaimed Ring cycle, Götterdämmerung, in February. Following on from the huge success of the previous three productions, audiences will once again experience the unique collaboration between Kosky, Antonio Pappano, Conductor Laureate of The Royal Opera, and a stellar cast: Andreas Schager (Siegfried), Thomas Lehman (Gunther), Mika Kares (Hagen), Christopher Purves (Alberich), Elisabet Strid (Brünnhilde), and Natalya Romaniw (Gutrune). 

Later in February, Associate Director of The Royal Opera, Netia Jones makes her Main Stage debut with Così fan tutte, reimagining Mozart’s comedy of manners through a sharp contemporary lens. Broadcast live, audiences will see the exciting young cast which features Louise Alder (Fiordiligi), Simone McIntosh (Dorabella), Mingjie Lei (Ferrando), Huw Montague Rendall (Guglielmo), Gerald Finley (Don Alfonso) and Emily Pogorelc (Despina) and is conducted by Thomas Hengelbrock. 

Two celebrated productions also make a welcome return to cinemas: the first revival of Director of The Royal Opera Oliver Mears’ Tosca in May, and a revival of Damiano Michieletto’s Carmen in November. The UK cinema Season additionally includes two new productions from The Metropolitan Opera, New York. Opera fans will be treated to a brand-new production of Macbeth from director Louisa Proske in October, who makes her debut with the company, and, later on in the Season, La Fanciulla del West from British director Richard Jones.

A range of Royal Ballet favourites will be screened across the Season. The Company presents two beloved heritage works by former Director and Principal Choreographer Kenneth MacMillan: the first is a live broadcast of Manon, MacMillan’s work of inner turmoil and struggle for survival, with Principal dancers Yasmine Naghdi as Manon and William Bracewell as Des Grieux. Cinema audiences will also be treated to a broadcast of MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet with Principal dancers Fumi Kaneko as Juliet and Vadim Muntagirov as Romeo. 

Nothing says Christmas like The Nutcracker, and cinema audiences worldwide can join in the festivities with a screening of Peter Wright’s classic production from 1 December. Featuring Royal Ballet Principals Mayara Magri and Reece Clarke as The Sugar Plum Fairy and The Prince, and Marianna Tsembenhoi and Taisuke Nakao as Clara and The Nutcracker, Wright’s production is a festive treat for the whole family. 

Another family favourite, Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, will be broadcast over Easter. This modern classic brings many beloved characters to life in a wildly imaginative, family-friendly show. The cast includes Principal dancers Francesca Hayward as Alice, William Bracewell as Jack / The Knave of Hearts, Lauren Cuthbertson as the Queen of Hearts, and Steven McRae as The Mad Hatter.

In April, The Royal Ballet showcases pure classical technique in Liam Scarlett’s Swan Lake. With some of the most demanding choreography in the repertoire, and Tchaikovsky’s instantly recognisable score, Swan Lake is the perfect ballet for newcomers.