Thurrock Workshop Tour
Thurrock Workshop Tour
Thurrock Workshop Tour
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.
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.
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.
If you have any access requirements for your tour, please contact tours@roh.org.uk after booking so we can deliver the necessary arrangements.
After your tour you'll receive one month of RBO Stream for free.
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 outside The Barns, just a short walk from the main central car park. Signage from the car park will guide you directly to the meeting point.
—
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR TOUR
- There are no café facilities on site, but visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drink to enjoy in our waiting areas. Please note that food and drink are not permitted during the tour.
- 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 be using headsets on our tours to amplify the voices of our guides so you don’t miss any information. All equipment is fully sanitised after each tour. You can use your own headphones if you wish. Please note headphones need to have a standard jack connection to be used with our devices.
- Contact-free bag checks will be in operation when you enter the building.
—
GETTING HERE
If arriving by car or coach, please enter the site via the address below:
Bob and Tamar Manoukian Production Workshop Entrance: Purfleet By-Pass, Purfleet, RM19 1TT
Follow the road all the way around until the large square car park next to the Production workshop and Costume Centre. The footpath to the Barns tour meeting point is located next to the Back Stage Centre.
If arriving by public transport, your closest mainline train station is Purfleet on the C2C route:
The closest mainline train station is Purfleet on the C2C route. These trains operate from London Fenchurch Street and head across the Essex county. When disembarking the train, exit the station and turn left. You will follow the road (A1090) for 1.9 miles. Follow the road all the way to the entrance of High House Production Park which will be on your left hand side. Walking this route takes approximately 20-25 minutes.
Accessibility
This tour takes you through different areas of the Production Workshop and Costume Centre in Purfleet, Essex, including long corridors and stairs. The flooring is also different depending on where you are in the building – some floors are smooth and tiled or wooden, some are carpeted.
The lighting is a mix of natural and artificial light and the flooring varies throughout — some floors are carpeted and some are hard and smooth. There is no seating during the tour and are no cloakroom facilities available.
Our tour guides use descriptive language which helps to paint a picture for blind and vision impaired visitors.
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 can help plan the tour if you require wheelchair access, if you need to use the hearing loop or if you need to take regular breaks. We do provide all visitors with a headset to amplify the voice of your tour guide. Unfortunately, our hearing loops aren't compatible with Bluetooth.
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.
Be the first to know
Sign up to hear the latest Royal Ballet and Opera news, receive ticket alerts, and discover how to support us.
Sign up to hear the latest Royal Ballet and Opera news, receive ticket alerts, and discover how to support us.
Royal Opera House Covent Garden Foundation, a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales (Company number 480523) Charity Registered (Number 211775)