Although we are no longer required to operate under social distancing guidelines, the safety of our visitors and staff are still our priority. Please wear face coverings, wash your hands, use the hand sanitiser stations available and create some space between you and others where possible, such as when queueing. Should the government guidance change and impact your visit, we will let you know.

Current safety measures

• Attending events
• Buying tickets
• Entering the building
• NHS Test and Trace
• Moving around the building
• Cleaning and ventilation
• The auditorium
• Facilities
• Risk Assessments

Further Information

• Dress code
• Attending with children

Attending an event

If you or anyone in your household have symptoms of COVID-19, have been told to self-isolate or have received a positive test within the last 10 days, we kindly ask that you do not attend.

Whether it is your first time attending a performance at the Royal Opera House, or you are a regular attendee, here are some helpful guidelines to attending a performance safely.

It is important that you do not attend the theatre if you:

• have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 10 days
• believe you may be infected with COVID-19, whether you have symptoms or not
• have experienced symptoms in the last 10 days
• have been in close proximity to anyone who has experienced symptoms in the last 10 days
• have arrived in England in the last 10 days from a country where UK quarantine restrictions apply
• have been instructed to self-isolate

We encourage anyone in your group that is clinically extremely vulnerable, or who is in the same household or support bubble as someone who considers themselves vulnerable, to make their own assessment whether they should attend.

Buying tickets

E-tickets

Please note that we will be operating with e-tickets only. It is not possible to collect physical tickets. Please bring a device to show your e-ticket on or print it out before you come to the theatre.

From 19 July 2021 we are able to make more seats available, according to government guidance on social distancing. This means that you may be seated next to another group, and may not be distanced from others as indicated when you originally purchased tickets.

Entering the building

Timed entry

We are operating a timed-entry system in order to maintain physical distancing. Please arrive at the time allocated to you on your ticket and pre-visit email.

Security

We are operating contact free bag searches. As our cloakrooms are currently closed, please do not bring any large items with you.

NHS Test and Trace

Our NHS QR code will be on display at the entrance of the building. We will also be able to take the details at the Box Office of anyone who cannot use the QR code for any reason.We strongly encourage you to take part in the NHS Test and Trace.

Moving around the building

Step-free access

There is no lift or step-free access to the auditorium for tickets that use doors 1D, 2D, 3E and 4E due to maintenance work. Wheelchair spaces and companion seats are still available on level 6 (door 6F) and in the Stalls Circle. Step-free access to the left hand side of the auditorium is subject to delay due to only one lift being in operation.

Face coverings

Audiences are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering at all times, including when seated in the auditorium, unless medically exempt. Please let us know if you lip-read.

Cleaning and Ventilation

We are frequently cleaning high-touch areas such as door handles, bannisters and toilets. There are hand-sanitizing stations throughout the building.

The Main Stage auditorium is subject to anti-viral fogging regularly to ensure that no viruses live on surfaces or seats.

Enhanced ventilation is in place.

The auditorium

In the case of an emergency, please listen to staff and follow instructions to safely exit the building.

Ice creams

You can buy ice creams to be enjoyed inside the auditorium.

Facilities

Toilets

Audience members can use toilet facilities.

Cloakroom

Cloakroom facilities are not available. Please bring only essential items that you can store under your seat. Large items cannot be taken into the auditorium.

Cash and card payments

We are a cashless venue and we can only accept card and contactless payment methods.

Risk Assessments

View or download our risk assessment for performances at the Royal Opera House (PDF, 194 KB)

Further information

Dress code

There is no formal dress code. We want everyone to feel comfortable and able to engage with what is happening on stage, and so we encourage audiences and visitors to wear whatever they feel comfortable wearing. We only ask that feet and torsos are covered.

Children

Anyone is welcome at the Royal Opera House. Please do not bring children under the age of five into the auditorium unless they are attending a specific family event. We welcome children aged 5­ and above. They must have their own ticket and sit next to an accompanying adult.