Your September guide to opera and ballet in London
As London waves goodbye to summer, the Royal Ballet and Opera House are preparing to enthrall audiences with an engaging programme this September. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer eager to explore the world of opera and ballet, our guide offers a glimpse into the month’s must-see performances. From timeless operas to groundbreaking ballet, here’s everything you need to know about what’s on stage this September.
The Marriage of Figaro, The Royal Opera
The Marriage of Figaro ©2023 Clive Barda
#FLODown: Mozart’s beloved opera, The Marriage of Figaro, kicks off the season with a mix of humour and humanity. Directed by David McVicar, this production features Ying Fang in her UK debut as Susanna, alongside a stellar cast including Luca Micheletti, Huw Montague Rendall, and Jacquelyn Stucker. With Julia Jones at the conductor’s podium, this performance promises a delightful and unforgettable evening.
Date: 2 September – 15 September 2024. Location: Main Stage, Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London WC2E 9DD. Price: From £51 - £245. Book now.
The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, ZooNation Dance Company
Mad Hatter's Tea Party, Zoo Nation ©2016 ROH. Photographed by Alice Pennefather.
#FLODown: Dive into the funky, hip-hop world of The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, a fresh retelling of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by ZooNation Dance Company. Directed by Kate Prince, this family-friendly production celebrates individuality and creativity with an energetic blend of funk, house, and hip-hop. It’s a contemporary twist on a classic tale that’s perfect for all ages.
Date: 4 September – 24 September 2024. Location: Linbury Theatre, Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London WC2E 9DD. Price: from £5 - £50. Book now.
La traviata, The Royal Opera
La traviata, The Royal Opera, © 2021 ROH. Photographed by Tristram Kenton.
#FLODown: Verdi’s La traviata returns to the Main Stage with its powerful melodies and emotionally charged narrative. Conducted by Alexander Joel and Richard Hetherington, this production features two remarkable casts, including Aida Garifullina and Hrachuhí Bassénz as Violetta. Directed by Richard Eyre, anticipate a visually captivating and emotionally intense experience that will resonate long after the final curtain falls.
Date: 7 September – 21 September 2024. Location: Main Stage, Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London WC2E 9DD. Price: from £12 - £245. Book now.
Eugene Onegin, The Royal Opera
Gordon Bintner as Eugene Onegin in Eugene Onegin ©2024 Sebastian Nevols
#FLODown: Experience the romantic drama of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin in a brand-new production by Ted Huffman. Making his Main Stage debut, Huffman explores themes of memory and desire through this classic tale. Featuring Gordon Bintner as Onegin and Kristina Mkhitaryan as Tatyana, with Henrik Nánási conducting, this production offers a fresh perspective on a timeless story.
Date: 24 September – 14 October 2024.Location: Main Stage, Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London WC2E 9DD. Price: £13–£270. Book now.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, The Royal Ballet
Beatriz Stix-Brunell as Alice and Artists of the Royal Ballet in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, The Royal Ballet © ROH / Johan Persson 2013.
#FLODown: Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland returns to the stage with its vibrant choreography and imaginative design. This revival includes debut performances by Viola Pantuso, Ella Newton Severgnini, and Meaghan Grace Hinkis as Alice, and William Bracewell and Cesar Corrales as The Knave. With Joby Talbot’s eclectic score and Bob Crowley’s fantastical designs, this production is a visual and auditory feast.
Date: 28 September 2024 – 6 July 2025. Location: Main Stage, Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London WC2E 9DD. Price: from £10 - £190. Book now.
Click here to discover our pick of 12 classical music concerts to attend at the Southbank Centre in Autumn 2024.
