Today’s Royal Opera House is essentially the fourth theatre on the site. Located in the heart of the Covent Garden district it is the home to two world class institutions; The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet. This course will explore the history of the different theatres and how the buildings were used and developed over the centuries. The history and development of the opera and ballet companies will be described and we will learn a lot about the workings backstage in the process. On Sunday Sir Jeremy Dixon will describe the latest transformation of the opera house from what was essentially a Victorian theatre into the cultural powerhouse it is today. The course will be illustrated throughout with images and music. All-comers welcome.