Attending a performance safely

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.

If you or anyone in your household have symptoms of COVID-19 or have received a positive test within the last 14 days we kindly ask that you do not attempt to enter the building.

Our COVID safety measures

Further Information

Attending events

Please remember, it is important that you do not attend the theatre if you:

believe you may be infected with COVID-19, whether you have symptoms or not
have experienced symptoms in the last 14 days
have been in close proximity to anyone who has experienced symptoms in the last 14 days
have arrived in England in the last 14 days from a country where UK quarantine restrictions apply
have been instructed to self-isolate

We encourage anyone in your group that is clinically 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

Please note that we will be operating with e-tickets only. It is not possible to collect physical tickets.

If you purchase multiple tickets at a time, your group will be next to one another. According to current government guidelines, you must only attend performances with individuals from your household or support bubble.

Entering the building

We will be using a one-way system throughout the building. Please enter the Royal Opera House via the Bow Street entrance. It may take longer than usual to get into the building. We ask that audience members are patient and maintain a two-metre distance while queuing.

Upon entry, bags will be checked from behind a screen and thermal fever screening will take place. Our staff will then check e-tickets – please ensure you bring a device to show your e-ticket on.

Moving around the building

Audiences must wear a face mask at all times, including when seated in the auditorium, unless medically exempt. This also applies to children from the age of 11. Masks must cover both the nose and mouth. Our staff will also be wearing masks. Please let us know if you lip-read – we will ensure that there are staff members near you who wear visors instead of masks.

You will be directed to your seat, via a one-way system, as soon as you enter the Royal Opera House.

The auditorium

There is a one-way system in place in and out of the auditorium. Staff will be on hand to direct audience members to the nearest exit.

Groups of seats are separated by at least a one-metre distance. To ensure all audience members are kept safe, we ask that you remain in your allocated seat at all times.

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

Cleaning

We will be frequently cleaning high-touch areas such as door handles, bannisters and toilets. Hand-sanitizing stations will be provided throughout the building.

The Main Stage auditorium is fogged regularly to ensure that no viruses live on surfaces or seats.

Facilities

Audience members will be able to use toilet facilities.

No cloakroom facilities will be available. We ask that audience members only bring essential items that they are able to store under their seat.

The shop and cafe will be accepting card payments only. The shop will re-open on 4 January 2021 with a sale.

NHS Test and Trace

Our NHS QR code will be on display at the entrance. We will also be able to take the details of anyone who cannot use the QR code for any reason. Guests that refuse to share their details will not be able to enter the building. Only one person per group or bubble needs to give their details on the understanding that they are able to remain in contact with others in their group.

Risk Assessments

Please read our risk assessment for performances at the Royal Opera House here.

Please read our risk assessment for Current, Rising here.

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 auditoria unless they are attending a specific family event. We welcome children aged 5–14 – they must have their own ticket and sit next to an accompanying adult.