Attending a performance or event
Whether its your first time or you regularly attend performances, the latest information and guidance is available on our website.
The safety of our visitors and staff are still our priority. We recommend that you visit our website before every visit for the latest updates.
Tickets
E-tickets
We use e-tickets only. It is not possible to collect physical tickets. Please bring a device to show your e-ticket on or print it out before you come to the theatre.
Group Bookings
Groups are defined as ten people or more. Tickets for groups are available from the first day that general booking opens by contacting the Box Office by telephone. Tickets may be reserved for a short period of time. Payment can only be taken in a single transaction by debit or credit card. Please note that there is no priority booking and we cannot take requests in advance of general booking. We do not offer discounts on group bookings.
The group organiser is responsible for distributing e-tickets. Returned tickets for group bookings are subject to our regular terms and conditions.
Box Office Opening Times
The Box Office counter is open from 12noon Monday to Saturday, and closes at the start of the evening performance, or at 6pm. On Sundays when there is a performance the Box Office will be open from 90 minutes before the performance start time. You can find out what's on and book tickets or contact us via the website at any time.
If you can no longer visit us, please check our returns and refunds page, we have flexible booking options available to you.
Your Visit
Your first visit to the ballet or opera
Whether you're a regular theatre-goer or have never attended a performance before, this guide will help you get the most out of your evening with tips on what to wear, where to find translations and synopses and more.
Latecomers
Performances start promptly. If you arrive late, or leave the auditorium during a performance, for reasons of safety, consideration for the performers and the enjoyment of others you may be asked to wait in the foyers until the interval or a suitable break in the performance when lights are raised. This can be up to 90 minutes. You will be able to view the performance via our TV monitors during this time.
Auditorium Safety
All gangways, passages and staircases must be kept free at all times. Persons are not permitted to stand or sit in the gangways.
In the case of an emergency, please listen to staff and follow instructions to safely exit the building.
Dress Code
There is no formal dress code. We want everyone to feel comfortable and able to engage with what is happening on stage, and so we encourage audiences and visitors to wear whatever they feel comfortable wearing. We only ask that you are fully clothed and that your feet are covered.
Mobile phones, cameras and recording devices
The use of mobile phones, electronic devices, and all photography, filming and sound recording is not allowed during the performance. You are welcome to take pictures throughout the rest of the building and before performances and share them with us through social media.
Performance Information
Running Times
Running and interval times can be found in on our production webpages and on digital cast sheets.
To access information about a production or performance go to What's on and click on the 'More info' tab next to your selected performance. Here you will see running times, or approximate running times, in the ‘About’ section of the page.
Please note that some running times and intervals change as rehearsals progress, particularly in new productions and productions by visiting companies. We endeavour to provide the most accurate timings we can. If no running time is available, please know this information will be published as soon as possible.
The Auditoria
You can find the layout of our auditoria here.
You may not be able to see all of the stage from some seats in the theatre. This can be due to a seat being positioned to the side, or because of obstructions like tier ledges, safety rails, pillars or ceiling overhang. You can find out about view restrictions and other details for a particular seat either online or by telephone.
Standing places are not recommended for people under 5'4'' (1.6m), due to view restrictions from tier ledges, leaning bars or audience members in the row in front.
Camera restricted view seats; and listening seats may still be available for performances on the Main Stage.
Types of Event
On the website, we indicate where a performance might be different from usual. These indicators can be found next to performances listed on a production page, or on the event page for that performance.
Indicator | Event Type |
|---|---|
BSL | the performance will be interpreted from the side of the stage by a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter. |
Cast change | the casting for this performance is different from previously advertised. Click to indicator expand and see further details |
Early Start | the performance or event begins earlier than might be expected, e.g. 7pm instead of 7.30pm, or 12pm instead of 2pm. Please check the start time before making travel plans. |
Filming | there will be cameras in the auditorium or studio. In the main auditorium, some sightlines may be affected by the cameras, and tickets for these seats are sold online. Please look out for the guidance and filming notices when booking tickets. |
Matinee | this performance or event takes place during the day rather than in the evening. |
No Interval | this performance or event runs straight through without an interval. |
Relaxed Performance | this performance has been modified to make it accessible for audience members with Autism Spectrum Disorders or other learning disabilities. For more information on relaxed performances please go to our Accessibility page |
Schools' Matinee | this performance is open to specially-invited school groups and is not open to the general public. Some other areas of the Royal Opera House may not be available for the duration of these performances. |
Building Access and Facilities
Security
We will be taking time to search all bags on entry. We may carry out in-depth bag searches at random. Please make this possible by opening your whole bag for the security officer. Please only bring a bag if necessary and avoid bringing large pieces of luggage.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping the Royal Opera House, its staff and visitors safe.
Cloakrooms
Our cloakrooms are open for those attending a performance or going on a tour. We cannot store pushchairs, e-scooters or e-unicycles, even if folded, so please do not bring those into the building. Larger bags, suitcases and backpacks must be checked into our complimentary cloakrooms upon arrival.
Step-Free Access
The Royal Opera House is committed to accessibility for everyone. We encourage all customers with access requirements to join our Access Scheme, or to get in touch with us so that we can meet your requirements and preferences.
Step-free access is available on both the right-hand side and left-hand side of the auditorium. Step-free access to the left-hand side of the auditorium is currently subject to delay due to only one lift being in operation.
Toilets
There are toilets on every floor of the Royal Opera House, and accessible toilets on the Ground Floor, Level 5 and Linbury Foyer. Toilet facilities are regularly sanitised.
Lost property
If you lose an item, please email lost property or speak to a member of the Front of House team.
Please provide a detailed description of the lost item and the date you visited.
Lost property is kept for one month only. You must collect items in person from the Royal Opera House. Unfortunately we cannot post items to you. We are not responsible for any property lost while on our premises.
Attending with Children
Everyone is welcome at the Royal Opera House to enjoy our public spaces, shop and café.
Children age five and above are permitted into our auditoria. They must have their own ticket and sit next to an accompanying adult. Some events are open to families with children younger that five. This will be clearly stated on the production or event web page.
Please check the production web page for show-specific age guidance and content warnings.
Dining and Drinking
Only refreshments purchased on the premises may be consumed and no food or drink may be taken into the auditoria, except bottled water and ice creams. Drinks bought at our bars must be consumed before entering. Our bars are open around performances and are open to all.
Water refill stations are available on all levels. Feel free to bring a reusable bottle with you, or purchase a refillable bottle from our shop and bars. Please note that glass bottles cannot be taken into the auditorium.
Ice Creams
You can buy ice creams to be enjoyed inside the auditorium. Ice creams can be purchased as part of your ticket order, or in person during the interval.
Cash and Card Payments
We are a cashless venue and can only accept card and contactless payment methods.
Restaurants and Bars
You can dine around the performance at the Balconies Restaurant and Crush Room. These restaurants are available to ticket holders only and require booking.
The Dorfman Conservatory and Paul Hamlyn Hall are open around main stage performances and open to all. The Linbury bar is open around performances in the Linbury theatre and is open to all. You can also pre-order drinks and small plates for the interval.
Royal Opera House Covent Garden Foundation, a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales (Company number 480523) Charity Registered (Number 211775)