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Thurrock Workshop Tour

Thurrock Workshop Tour

Thurrock Workshop Tour

Thurrock, Essex
Tours

Discover the fascinating world of the craftspeople who bring Royal Ballet and Opera productions to life with a tour of the Bob and Tamar Manoukian Production Workshop and Costume Centre in Thurrock.

Royal Opera House warehouse in Thurrock ©John Snelling / ROH 2012

Explore the state-of-the-art Bob and Tamar Manoukian Production Workshop and Costume Centre in Purfleet, Essex where expert scenic artists, carpenters and technicians transform design concepts into the spectacular sets and costumes seen on stage in Covent Garden.

Running time
This tour lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Guidance
Suitable for ages 12+
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Access

If you have any access requirements for your tour, please contact tours@roh.org.uk after booking so we can deliver the necessary arrangements.

Included in your ticket price

After your tour, you will receive an email providing a 33% discount on annual subscriptions to RBO Stream.

Tours Information

Discover more tours, how to get to the tour venues and in-depth accessibility information.

Background

High above the surrounding rooftops, the vast, purpose-built Bob and Tamar Manoukian Production Workshop is where scenic painters, carpenters and metalworkers bring the magic of the stage to life. This is where the Royal Ballet and Opera's spectacular sets are crafted - turning designers’ visions into reality for the ballet and opera productions in Covent Garden. 

Nestled within the beautifully landscaped High House Production Park in Purfleet, Essex, the Production Workshop offers a fascinating and inspiring glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship behind theatre and costume design. 

This guided tour takes visitors through the state-of-the-art workshop and the newly refurbished Costume Centre and workrooms, offering a rare opportunity to see firsthand the intricate work that goes into creating world-class performances. 

The meeting point for this tour begins at The Barns, just a short walk from the car park. The Barns are situated next to the main site office and across from the Walled Garden. Signage from the car park will guide you directly to the meeting point.

Important information about your tour
  • Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drink to enjoy in our waiting areas. We kindly remind guests that food and drink are not permitted during the tour.
  • We are kindly supported by the High House Community Group. Teas and Coffees are available on a cash donation basis. Please note this service is run by volunteers so may not always be available.
  • Please aim to arrive 15 minutes before the start time of your tour and leave ample time to allow for delays to your journey. Latecomers will not be admitted.
  • Children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of five are not allowed on our tours, this includes babies and children in pushchairs.
  • We may use a voice amplification device to amplify the voice of our guides so you don’t miss any information on your tour.
Getting here
By car or coach:

If arriving by car or coach, please enter the site via the address below:

High House Production Park Entrance: Vellacott Close, London Road, Purfleet, RM19 1RJ

Once on Vellacott Close take the first left into the large square car park next to the Walled Garden. Alternatively, if you continue straight up the road there is a smaller car park with accessible parking spots available. There is ample free parking available on site.

By public transport:

If arriving by public transport, your closest mainline train station is Purfleet on the C2C route. These trains operate from London Fenchurch Street and head across the Essex county. On exiting the station, turn left. From here, you can either walk 1 mile via Coniston Avenue and Windermere Avenue (shorter route with steep hills) or follow the A1090 for 1.9 miles directly to the High House Production Park entrance, where signage will guide you to the tours meeting point.

Access

This tour takes you through different areas of the Production Workshop and Costume Centre in Purfleet, Essex.

The flooring is also different depending on where you are in the building – some floors are smooth concrete or wooden, some are outdoor paths and the tour route will also cross a car park. The lighting is a mix of natural and artificial light and the noise levels vary throughout.

This is a functioning workshop so there is often loud equipment or machinery being used in some of the spaces. There is no seating during the tour and there are no cloakroom facilities available.

Our tour guides use descriptive language which helps to paint a picture for blind and partially sighted people.

Please get in touch at boxoffice.access@roh.org.uk after booking to let us know your access requirements so we can make sure you have the best experience on your visit. We have a house wheelchair that is available to borrow for the duration of the tour, and we also have a voice amplification device that can be used in order to assist with hearing the tour guide. All of our tour routes can also be made step-free.

Donate

The Royal Ballet and Opera is a charity and relies on your support. No matter the size, every gift is critical to our work and helps us to secure the future of ballet and opera.  

Your donation will enable us to keep extraordinary work on our stages, inspire the next generation and support the Royal Ballet and Opera's community of artists, technicians and craftspeople. 

For people, not profit. Making world class ballet and opera for everyone.

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Royal Opera House Covent Garden Foundation, a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales (Company number 480523) Charity Registered (Number 211775)