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5 best opera venues in London

From its world-famous opera house to smaller theatres, London is the perfect place to enjoy opera.
View from the seats facing the stage at Cadogan Hall with red lights illuminating the stage
Listen to musical performances at Cadogan Hall. Credit: TODD Creative Services. Image courtesy of TODD Creative Services.

London puts on some of the world’s best opera, whether you’re watching the performance at the iconic Royal Ballet and Opera or in a small and cosy theatre.

London opera always offers a good mix of performances, from classic revivals performed by some of the world’s best to groundbreaking productions featuring up-and-coming talent.

During the summer months, there are also opera festivals and one-off performances to enjoy across the city.

1. Royal Ballet and Opera

A photo of the exterior of the Royal Ballet and Opera House with the famous ballet statue and red flags hanging outside

Enjoy a night out in Covent Garden at London’s Royal Ballet and Opera, home of the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet, which are two of the oldest companies in the country. Behind-the-scenes tours showcase the history of the building and its celebrated performances, and you might even get to see a rehearsal in action.

2. London Coliseum

A performance with spectators inside the grand-looking London Coliseum theatre.

Set in an ornate Edwardian theatre, the London Coliseum is the base of the English National Opera (ENO) and one of the best places to watch opera in London. The spectacular theatre has a full calendar of live performances, including opera, ballet, musicals and more.

3. Opera Holland Park

Lights illuminate the stage in front of a big audience at Opera Holland Park, London.

Taking over the centre of a lush west London park, Opera Holland Park presents a much-anticipated two-month opera season every summer. The company builds a temporary canopied theatre every year near 17th-century stately home, Holland House.

4. Sarastro

A photo of the interior of Sarastro restaurant with gold curtains framing the walls and decorated nooks to sit in

Treat yourself to Turkish and Mediterranean dishes dropped off by dancing waiters as live opera singers perform at Sarastro. Cloaked in red velvet and decorated with miniature balconies and theatre boxes, Sarastro is a one-of-a-kind dinner performance.

5. Cadogan Hall

A photo of the exterior of Cadogan Hall with the venue name placard and lamps on the building with a tree in the foreground

Chelsea’s historic venue hosts a variety of events including comedies, dance and musical theatre. Cadogan Hall’s excellent acoustics also make it a favourite for new and much-loved operas, alongside its leading resident orchestra.

Find more performances in the city including ballet, dance shows and London's best musicals. Or, keep exploring the capital's buzzy music scene with the top music-related things to do.

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