

It was very cool to go in and actually see it. The tour started with the lobby where we heard about the history of the building, and then we went into the auditorium. I'm not sure if they can accommodate for handicap access. There was also a number of flights of stairs we needed to use. In terms of the logistics, the Opera House is very large and confusing to get around, so you'll want to not wander off.

It was a pretty crowded tour but was well organized. I did this tour in August on a saturday afternoon. My review is not of a performance, but of the backstage tour of the Opera House. From the above two incidents, it is clear that the Royal Opera House is not customer-centred. If pictures are allowed, then why not explicitly state so? Change the program to reflect the policy, and make an announcement in the beginning like so many other sensible venues do. I turned around and walked away, but in any case, pictures are allowed during intervals. I went back and told the ladies, who, to their credit, apologised, but then went on rambing about mobile phones. After getting yelled at by two old ladies in the row behind s who screamed 'put the camera away!' while we were taking pictures during an interval, I confirmed with an usher that we were in the right.

The program states no photography in the main auditorium, but from seeing people taking pictures during intervals and the ushers stopping them, it is clear that photography is allowed. I was hungry by the first interval of the ballet performance. The meal was £28 for 3 courses, and while the food was fine, the portions were minuscule. When we got there it was confusing as to where the Supper Tray area was and there was no greeter to direct people. We pre-booked the pre-theatre meal for the Paul Hamlyn Supper Tray area in the building.
