Performance Space Analysis: Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London

This report provides a detailed analysis of the Royal Opera House (ROH) in Covent Garden, London. It begins with a historical overview of the ROH, tracing its evolution from the first theatre to the present building. The report then examines the intended audience, highlighting the shift from a primarily aristocratic patronage to a broader public, including international tourists. A key aspect of the analysis is the audience's perspective of the performing space, emphasizing the positive reception of the auditorium and its facilities. The report also identifies the various space users and performers, including artists, orchestras, and young talents. Furthermore, it assesses the effective and conventional use of space within the ROH, including the utilization of smaller venues like the Clore and Linbury studios and the adaptation of the Floral Hall. The report concludes by acknowledging the ROH's successful use of its performance space, highlighting the incorporation of technological and constructional improvements to enhance the quality of performances and visitor experience, and the importance of such analyses for researchers, performers, and spectators.

Analysis of Performing Space

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Analysis of performing space: Royal Opera House, London (Covent Garden)..............................1
History..........................................................................................................................................1
Audience .....................................................................................................................................2
Perspective of audience towards the performing space ..............................................................2
Space users and performers.........................................................................................................2
Effective and conventional use of space .....................................................................................3
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................5
REFERENCES ...............................................................................................................................6

INTRODUCTION
Performance space analysis is defined as the evaluation of methods through which theatre
buildings frame the performances along with the management of audience and practitioner space
within building1. The report will discuss the performance space of Royal Opera House (ROH),
London situated in Covent Garden, London.
Analysis of performing space: Royal Opera House, London (Covent Garden)
History
ROH is one of the famous arts performing space and is the centre of Royal Ballet,
Orchestra and Opera. The first two theatres on the site were destroyed due to fire accident thus
ROH is the third theatre is cornerstone of Covent garden. The first theatre was build by John
Rich who was manager and actor by profession in Duke's company. It was constructed as the
centre of playhouse and was developed with the intention to provide a space for the performance
of spoken drama. John Rich performed the first dram '''The Beggar's Opera' and it was huge
success. In 1734 first ballet known as Pygmalion was performed at the site while the next year
witnessed the first musical works at ROH2.
1 Guachalla, Adrian. “The Royal Opera House and Covent Garden: A symbiotic and
complex touristic relationship." Tourism and Hospitality Research (2017):
1467358417738309.
2 A History of the Royal Opera House. 2017. [Online]. Accessed through
<http://www.roh.org.uk/learning/learning-platform/unit/a-history-of-the-royal-opera-
house/>
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Illustration 1: Royal Opera house (Present theatre)

(Source: Royal Opera House Covent Garde, 2019)
In 1808 the second theatre was reopened and along with the written dramas various types
of arts such as ballet, opera and other musical events were organised. In 1856 when both the
theatres at Covent garden were destroyed, third building was constructed which is the present
theatre as well.
Audience
The original intended audience for the Royal Opera House was common public who have
interest and understanding of arts, music, and drama. However, until 19th century as opera was
largely confined to only selected theatres in London, ROH was also one of the destination which
was preferred by the Royal family members to enjoy the Opera performances. However, the key
audience for home the performances were given were families and common audience only3.
At present also the intended audience is same and the local communities are the intended
audience. However, currently the international and other domestic tourists also formed the major
segment of the audience at ROH.
Perspective of audience towards the performing space
The auditorium of Covent Garden is the third largest auditorium in London which has
around 2,250 seats. The space is listed in Grade 1 building and thus a very warm and positive
response is received from the international as well as domestic visitors. Along with the well
structured auditorium ROH also have amphitheatre gallery, balconies and boxes4. The foyer and
facade are reconstructed to give its visitors a memorable experience. The performances at ROH
are viewed as extremely impressive. The seating arrangements are comfortable and flexible so
that every visitor can enjoy the experience of performance. As compare to the audience the space
requires few more improvements so that more number of visitors can be given a chance to enjoy
the performance.
Space users and performers
Covent Garden theatre has been used by vast range of users and performers. In the initial
years of development the key users of the space were arts, music and dance artists who consider
3 Jenkins, Terry. "Two account books for Covent garden theatre, 1757-58." Theatre
Notebook 70, no. 2 (2016): 109-125.
4 Aspden, Suzanne, ed. Operatic Geographies: The Place of Opera and the Opera House.
University of Chicago Press, 2019.
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it as an important space for their performance. However along with the British artists during
world war it was also used by Ministry of Works as furniture repository. At the time of world
war second it was used as dance hall only which later on extended as national centre of ballet and
opera. The performers are usually expertise in Ballard, spoken play, dance and Opera as it was
mainly designed for these performances only. The space is used by number of orchestra's, tourist
and local communities for the entertainment purpose. The improved service facilities such as
foyer, restaurants, drinking and public spaces5. Along with the British artists and international
performers the young artists are also provided extensive coaching and performance opportunity
at the space.
(Source: Tea at the Royal Opera House, 2019)
Effective and conventional use of space
The Royal opera and Ballet performances at ROH have effectively used the space. The
smaller spaces at the venue are used by the Clore studio and Linbury studio so that independent
and experimental dance performances can also be provided to the visitors6. The Floral hall which
was used primarily as scenery store has been reconstructed as the place for extensive public
5 This world class opera house is one of Covent Garden's most famous landmarks. 2017.
[Online]. Accessed through <https://www.timeout.com/london/music/royal-opera-house>
3
Illustration 2: Restaurant at Covent garden

gathering. In 1984 Surtitles were used on screens above proscenium for school matinees.
However, currently they have been used for the all opera performances. The main opera house
space has glass and iron structured Paul Hamlyn Hall nearby. The Hamlyn Hall now served as
the key public area. Along with the performances Royal Opera House also has fascination
collection of costumes so that frequency of visitors can be enhanced.
(Source: The Linbury Theatre, Royal Opera House, 2019.)
The Paul Hamlyn Hall was designed with a purpose to provide direct access to opera
house building. Being a major public area it offers the hospitality services like restaurant,
champagne bar and auditorium access. It is also used for the hosting of private events,
exhibitions and workshops. Thus, it has been effectively used as intended. Along with the opera
performances the space is also used for hosting awards functions and ceremonies7. The Linbury
studio theatre also hosts the regular stage performances by Royal Ballet school and Young
6 McEvoy, Sean. "‘The Drama’s laws the Drama’s Patrons give’: The Covent Garden Old
Price riots of 1809." In Theatrical Unrest, pp. 61-78. Routledge, 2016.
7 Guachalla, Adrian. "Perception and experience of urban areas for cultural tourism: A
social constructivist approach in Covent Garden." Tourism and Hospitality Research 18,
no. 3 (2018): 297-308.
4
Illustration 3: Linbury theatre at Royal Opera Hall

British Dancer of the year competition so that independent dancers can be encouraged and given
a performance space to showcase their talent and abilities.
(Source: Discover ideas about Royal Opera House London, 2019)
CONCLUSION
From the above discussion it can be concluded that this type of analysis appreciates the
theatre art and helps researchers, performers and spectators to enhance their knowledge and
performance therapy. It has been also analysed that the Royal Opera London has effectively used
its performance space. The continuous technological and constructional improvements have been
incorporated by the space users to enhance the quality of performance and visitor experience.
5
Illustration 4: Paul Hamlyn Hall

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Aspden, Suzanne, ed. Operatic Geographies: The Place of Opera and the Opera House.
University of Chicago Press, 2019.
Guachalla, Adrian. "Perception and experience of urban areas for cultural tourism: A social
constructivist approach in Covent Garden." Tourism and Hospitality Research 18, no. 3
(2018): 297-308.
Guachalla, Adrian. “The Royal Opera House and Covent Garden: A symbiotic and complex
touristic relationship." Tourism and Hospitality Research (2017): 1467358417738309.
Jenkins, Terry. "Two account books for Covent garden theatre, 1757-58." Theatre Notebook 70,
no. 2 (2016): 109-125.
McEvoy, Sean. "‘The Drama’s laws the Drama’s Patrons give’: The Covent Garden Old Price
riots of 1809." In Theatrical Unrest, pp. 61-78. Routledge, 2016.
Online
A History of the Royal Opera House. 2017. [Online]. Accessed through
<http://www.roh.org.uk/learning/learning-platform/unit/a-history-of-the-royal-opera-
house/>
Discover ideas about Royal Opera House London. 2019. [Online]. Accessed through
<https://www.pinterest.com/pin/548242954614188351/>
Royal Opera House Covent Garde. 2019. [Online]. Accessed through <https://www.gustav-
mahler.eu/index.php/plaatsen/228-great-britain/london-londen/1381-covent-garden-and-
drury-theatre>
Tea at the Royal Opera House. 2019. [Online]. Accessed through
<https://www.tripadvisor.in/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d7233361-Reviews-
Tea_at_the_Royal_Opera_House-London_England.html>
The Linbury Theatre, Royal Opera House. 2019. [Online]. Accessed through
<https://www.charcoalblue.com/projects/view/the-linbury-theatre-royal-opera-house>
This world class opera house is one of Covent Garden's most famous landmarks. 2017. [Online].
Accessed through <https://www.timeout.com/london/music/royal-opera-house>
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