Opera, Dance and Ballet in London

Stefan Herheim and Speranza Scappucci bring to life Verdi’s famous opera that retells the story of the Sicillian Vespers’ uprising: a tale of revolution, divided loyalties, and revenge that has resonated through time and place and continues to be relevant today, characterised by a sweeping, epic score.

Puccini's Tosca is a story of love, murder, and political intrigue, in which the fierce heroine Floria Tosca must use all her wits to rescue her lover, the painter Cavaradossi, from the cruel police chief Scarpia. Puccini's operatic thriller will take your breath away with its intense storytelling, powerful score, and unforgettable characters in the heart of Rome.

Gioachino Rossini’s 19th century reimagining of the beloved fairytale gets a sparkling new revival in this modern-day retelling of Cinderella, full of magic and mayhem and the perils of true love, told through a delightful and unforgettable score.

Benjamin Britten's quirky, off-beat coming-of-age comedic opera comes to the English National Opera for the first time, directed and designed by Antony McDonald and conducted by Daniel Cohen. Don't miss this perfect May Day comedy about springtime revelry in a small town.

Equal parts fairy tale, farce, and moral allegory, The Magic Flute is arguably Mozart's most popular opera. This thriling, visually stunning, and epic tale takes the classic story of a prince on a quest to rescue a princess and packs it with deep philosophical themes and marvellous, powerful music that will resonate deeply with you.

Book your opera tickets now for a taste of the Iberian peninsula, as Bizet’s Carmen returns to the London Coliseum. The 19th century French opera, which scandalised and shocked audiences when it premiered, is transposed to the 1970s, in the final days of the Franco regime.

Frederick Ashton’s joyful ballet is a love letter to the countryside, a light-hearted pastoral tale about a battle of wills between Lise and her mother over the question of marrying for love or for money. This whimsical, humourous ballet features dancing chickens, a dizzying ribbon dance, clog-dancing and an adorable Shetland pony, making it a comic masterpiece that will leave you smiling long after you've left the theatre.

Jake Heggie and Terrence McNally’s harrowing, poignant opera, based on Sister Helen Prejean’s memoir about her experiences counselling a murderer on death row, returns to the London stage 25 years after its world premiere.

Who wants to live forever? This haunting, enigmatic opera puts the human soul on trial, staged for the first time with the Royal Opera. Director Katie Mitchell reimagines through a contemporary lens this classic opera by Czech composer Leoš Janáček about a tormented immortal grappling with the realities of eternal life. Set to an eerie, uniquely modern musical score, this epic opera will stay with you long after you've left the theatre.

The Royal Ballet and Opera introduces a mixed programme combining the talents of George Balanchine, Cathy Marson, and Justin Peck as they present three vastly different but equally astounding and beautiful ballets. Fall in love with Serenade, be swept away by Everywhere We Go, and marvel at the world premiere of a new Cathy Marson ballet. This evening of dance and storytelling is a must-watch for ballet lovers.

Handel’s comedic masterpiece about the beautiful Partenope and her four hapless suitors is a colourful, laugh-out-loud opera and a dazzling tale of love and mistaken identities. Now this 18th century Italian opera is getting a 1920s makeover with its new revival at the London Coliseum.

Court conspiracy meets baroque opera in this visually stunning production of Handel’s classic opera about a pair of lovers torn about by accusations of infidelity. Dutch director Jetske Mijnssen, in her Royal Opera debut, brings the powerful, gripping, emotionally thrilling story to life with conduction by Stefano Montanari.

In January 2026, the English National Ballet will bring a bold reimagining of the classic romantic ballet, Giselle, to the grand stage of the London Coliseum, directed and choreographed by Akram Khan.

Step into the dreamy, wooden, candlelit space of the Sam Wanamaker Theatre, where for the first time Shakespeare’s Globe and Headlong bring to the stage this magical, chaotic story of tricksy fairies and confused lovers.

Witness a timeless story of love and redemption in this dazzling, spectacular production of Puccini's Turandot. Drawing on Chinese and Italian theatrical traditions, this captivating opera about a cold-hearted princess and her mysterious suitor is filled with rich, emotional depths, a breath-taking cultural fusion, and a truly unforgettable score.

A clueless Captain, a spirited siren and pompous petty officers come together in this hilarious tale of love, honour, and duty that pokes fun at the British class system. Cal McCrystal’s revival of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera, set aboard the HMS Pinafore, makes its much-anticipated return to the stage.

La Traviata is one of Verdi's most famous operas, telling the tragic story of the romance between the doomed courtesan Violetta and the romantic Alfredo. Inspired by history, with a timeless story that will leave you in tears, and a powerful, moving score full of the most well-known operatic melodies, this is a must-watch for all opera lovers.

Jamie Manton directs Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht’s gripping, beautiful opera about three fugitives in a desert boomtown where dreams come true, told through a rich score that blends opera and jazz in a truly unique cultural and musical experience.  

Mozart's classic Italian comedy about swapped fiancees and the games we play in love is transported to Coney Island in the 1950s. Phelim McDermot's revival of Cosi Fan Tutte is a rollercoaster of fun, flair, and wit, told through a sparkling score full of unforgettable melodies.

Noel Streatfeild's beloved story about three orphaned sisters pursuing their dreams returns to the National Theatre following a critically acclaimed run in 2024. Hailed as "a superlative adaptation that never puts a foot wrong" (Evening Standard), this enchanting production is the perfect family treat.

Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s visually stunning and ambitious production of The Sleeping Beauty arrives on the Royal Albert Hall stage for the first time. In this dazzling, bewitching spectacle, witness the classic fairy tale come to life, full of gorgeous sets, costumes, choreography, and a score that will take your breath away.

The beloved British musical comes home after strutting its way through Broadway. Starring Strictly Come Dancing’s Johannes Radebe and rising star Dan Partridge and featuring music and lyrics by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this story of the unlikely team-up between a shoemaker and a drag queen is sure to leave a smile on your face.