Flora Hall at London’s ROH © moakb
£10 will barely get you into a movie in London, but it will get you into one of the most famous (and most exciting) opera houses in the world. And before you start to think nosebleed seats, horned helmets, and lots of sound barrier-breaking high notes, consider Covent Garden and its fabulous student standby.
The way ROH’s £10 Student Standby works, you a) have to be a student, and b) have to sign up with them on their website (and enjoy the techno remix of Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” while you’re at it). It’s free, and they’ll contact you with at least 24 hours advanced notice if they have any tickets left over for upcoming performances. If you have a working mobile phone in London, give them your number so that you can receive the info as an SMS message (then just bring the phone with the redemption code to the box office and voila!).
Not a student? Want a guaranteed seat for Saturday? You’ll be surprised at how good the views are from some of the cheaper seats, which can run as little as £7 or £11. Booking for L’elisir d’Amore can be done online, or at the box office (a good bet if you’re in town as the folks there will help you get the most bang for your operatic buck).
PS: Longing for men in tights? Check out ROH’s full season for ballet and dance.
The Royal Opera House (@ Covent Garden)
Booking: +44 (0) 20 7304 4000
Bow Street
Covent Garden
London WC2E 9DD
Tube: Piccadilly Line to Covent Garden
Bus: 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 26, 68, 76, 77a, 91, 168, 171, 176, 188, 501 (southbound only), 505, 521, X68 all go to the Aldwych, which is close to the Theatre
http://info.royaloperahouse.org
Book your show and hotel inclusive package on-line now at West End Theatre Breaks.