Royal Ballet and Opera

The Royal Ballet and Opera is distinguished by its grand classical portico facing Bow Street. This building is the third theatre to occupy this specific site since seventeen thirty-two, as its two predecessors were both destroyed by fire. The first structure was built by actor-manager John Rich using the proceeds from the immense success of The Beggar's Opera. For its first century, the theatre functioned primarily as a playhouse, though it quickly established a reputation for musical performances. George Frideric Handel maintained close ties here from seventeen thirty-five until his death, writing many of his operas and oratorios specifically for this stage.