From the Blackmore Vale area we take you directly to the Wildwood Restaurant where you will enjoy your 2 course lunch

After lunch we head to the Royal Opera House which has been reopened following a massive £50 million renovation.  The current building is the third theatre on this site following disastrous fires in 1808 and 1856.  The first, the Theatre Royal opened in 1732, before burning down in 1808.  The second opened just eight months later (1809) and survived until March 1856 when another fire destroyed the theatre.  A third theatre, designed by Edward Middleton Barry, opened in 1858.  This was a fireproof building in a regular classical design and alongside it Barry built the Floral Hall in 1858-59.  The Floral Hall was a glass and iron structure intended to serve as a concert hall annexe and winter gardens.  The theatre became the Royal Opera House in 1892.

Your backstage tour includes an introduction to the colourful history of the theatre, an insight into the 2018 redevelopment of the Royal Opera House and a look at aspects of current productions.

After the tour you will have free time to browse around Covent Garden.

Included:

• Backstage at the Royal Opera House and 2 course lunch
• Complimentary drinks on the coach when feasible
• Return travel

Depart Stalbridge: 08:00  –  Return Stalbridge: 20:00 approx

All itineraries are approximate and subject to change