The Royal Opera House – backstage

With an opening night every ten days and often three full scale productions at once, The Royal Opera House is always a hive of activity.  For just £9.00 you can enjoy a 90 minute behind the scenes tour, starting with a history lesson and an introduction to the recent expansion.  You are then taken to the back of house through the staff cafe where the stars of the productions can often be found sipping a coffee.  As you walk along the never ending corridors catch a glimpse of the amazing costumes, which are expected to last 30-40 years.  Enjoy a bird’s eye view of backstage and see the huge mechanical floor works like a sliding puzzle, moving sets for up to three productions from backstage to front stage and back again quickly and easily.  The top floor is the best bit, where you will find a rehearsal room where principal dancers go through their moves – you might be lucky enough to see them practice!  It is a fascinating tour at a very reasonable price.