A History of the Royal Opera House If you come into the Opera House around Jour o'clock when there's nobody in the auditorium and the curtains are open and the lights on, you can stand in the middle of the stage with complete silence around you and let the past talk to you.
(SIR GERAINT EVANS )
It was the success of The Beggar's Opera which enabled John Rich to build the first theatre in Covent Garden In 1732. In the first of a new series of three programmes, Derek Parker tells the story of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and, drawing upon the written and recorded memories of those who have worked there. recalls some of the highlights of its glittering history.
Producer JOHN KNIGHT