We're going to the opera!
Discussion
Not quite sure where to put this one, but here goes. Courtesy of our lovely daughters, we are going to see Madame Butterfly at the Royal Albert Hall later this month. Now we've never been before - is there still any form of dress code for this, or is it like everything else these days, i.e. pick up what you can find on the floor and go looking as though you're off out to wash the car? Any guidance gratefully received.
Last time I went circa 10 years ago(English National Opera at the Coliseum), it was dress however you want. I went in T Shirt and jeans. They are trying to make opera more 'accessible' to us oiks and less elitist.
Have to say, it wasn't for me, although her indoors is dragging me to see Carmen at the Minack Theatre in July.
Have fun, it will be an experience for you. If you want to make an occasion out of it and get your DJ out, you won't be the only one.
Have to say, it wasn't for me, although her indoors is dragging me to see Carmen at the Minack Theatre in July.
Have fun, it will be an experience for you. If you want to make an occasion out of it and get your DJ out, you won't be the only one.
Dress how you're comfortable, and you can have fun people-watching when you're there.
Download and listen to the music a few times before you go, so you know some of the tunes and enjoy it more when your 'favourite bits' are performed. It'll also give you a nice appreciation of what a decent singer sounds like live.
Read the story on Wikipedia or similar so you're not trying to keep up with the plot or work out who's who. Although the production you're seeing is sung in English, I wouldn't expect to always be able to make out the words - it's not a play.
Enjoy.
Download and listen to the music a few times before you go, so you know some of the tunes and enjoy it more when your 'favourite bits' are performed. It'll also give you a nice appreciation of what a decent singer sounds like live.
Read the story on Wikipedia or similar so you're not trying to keep up with the plot or work out who's who. Although the production you're seeing is sung in English, I wouldn't expect to always be able to make out the words - it's not a play.
Enjoy.
No ball-gowns required, even for the gentlemen. Wear what you would to go out for a nice meal in a local bistro. Talking of which, if you want to dine beforehand, the Coda restaurant inside the Royal Albert Hall is pretty good, and then you don't have to worry about being late for the performance, as they are experts at getting you through the meal on time and you will be max 2 minutes from your seats. Nice views as well, booking essential.
If driving, I would park near the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park - it's free after 6:30pm and the park doesn't close until 1am, and it's a 5 minute stroll to the RAH.
If driving, I would park near the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park - it's free after 6:30pm and the park doesn't close until 1am, and it's a 5 minute stroll to the RAH.
We saw this opera two weeks ago at the Sydney Opera house and is wonderful, especially the second half.
We have been to the RAH and ROH and dress code seems to be smart casual, but lots without jackets even at ROH as it gets very warm. RAH not so warm and dress is casual. Still quite a few in DJ's at ROH but does not seem the norm at RAH.
We have been to the RAH and ROH and dress code seems to be smart casual, but lots without jackets even at ROH as it gets very warm. RAH not so warm and dress is casual. Still quite a few in DJ's at ROH but does not seem the norm at RAH.
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