Opera, Ballet & Dance - Information, Featured Articles

Opera, Ballet & Dance

By the standards of some other countries Britain is not as well provided for as many would wish when it comes to Opera, Ballet and Dance in the capital city.

This places a greater responsibility on those who do provide, and performances at the Royal Opera House, Sadlers Wells, and the London Coliseum tend to be of a very high order.

The Royal Opera House, in Covent Garden, recently subject of a massive programme of restoration, has not been without its problems during and since, and a series of senior figures has come and gone. Despite all this the performances have gone on and the overall aim to make the house more accessible is being achieved.

Aside from the main auditorium there is also the Linbury Studio Theatre and the quaintly-named Clore Studio Upstairs. It is possible to book on backstage tours of the House by calling at the Box Office or 'phoning on +44 (0)20 7304 4000.

Excellent bar and restaurant facilities are available before and during performances.

Whatever may be thought about social accessibility, physical accessibility is good and any bus bound for the Aldwych will get you there. If on the Tube go to Covent Garden on the Piccadilly Line.

The House has no designated parking as such. NCP car parks are five minutes walk away in Drury Lane and Shelton Street.

Tickets may be booked on +44 (0)20 7304 4000.

Sadler's Wells Theatre is located in Rosebery Avenue and Numbers 19, 38 and 341 buses will get you there. On the Tube head for Angel on the Northern Line City Branch and be prepared for a 250 metre walk. By car, head for the streets off Rosebery Avenue, but avoid parking in residents' parking bays, which can cost you dear. If you are disabled or over 60 book on 020 7863 8000 one of the 15 spaces reserved at the side of the theatre off Arlington Way.

The theatre and Arriva have combined to offer free bus travel to those coming to the theatre on 19, 38, 73 and 341 routes. Details on 020 7863 8000. For Express bus travel to Waterloo and Waterloo East (15 minutes) and then on to Victoria in under 35 minutes, book your tickets in advance through the same number.

The Stage Door Bar and Garden Court Café cater for the inner man an