Your first opera
We have compiled this information to make your visit stress-free, leaving you to soak up the elegance of the opera house, the enchanting gardens and make the most of your evening at our theatre in the woods.
Which of your operas is a good first time opera?
We would suggest Daughter of the Regiment from our 2024 season.
Daughter of the Regiment is a comic opera by Donizetti featuring much hilarity and many high notes!
How do I find Grange Park Opera?
We are easily accessible by road and rail, just 23 miles from London. If using satellite navigation, please use the postcode KT24 6AN. The entrance to West Horsley Place will be clearly marked with a yellow “Opera” sign.
Horsley station is a mile away with regular trains from London Waterloo.
What do I wear?
Most of our guests wear black tie and long dresses but we encourage stylish creativity. Don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd.
Will I understand what is being sung?
Our operas are sung in the original language with surtitles in English projected above the stage.
Katya Kabanova will be sung in Czech, Daughter of the Regiment will be sung in English, Gianni Schicchi will be sung in Italian and Aleko will be sung in Russian.
Is there an interval?
There is a long interval during the opera to allow for dining and picnics. The long interval lasts around 100 minutes. Guests can reserve a table in one of our restaurants for fine dining or reserve a picnic table in one of our marquees. Order a picnic through At Home Catering or bring your own picnic and stake out a spot amongst the apple trees in the walled orchard. It is not possible to purchase food on the night.
When does the opera end?
Each opera has a slightly different running time.
Running times will be released soon.
Why is opera so expensive?
There is no denying that opera is an expensive business; simply put, opera tickets are costly because of the vast numbers of people involved: orchestra, chorus, principals, crew and so on. The result is glorious and the most “immediate” of art forms. At least 100 people are performing each evening with a further 30 people back stage. We receive no public subsidy; ticket sales cover two thirds of costs and members bridge the gap.
Do you have any schemes for young people?
Our Musical Chairs scheme offers free seats to young people aged 14-18 who would not have the opportunity to come to the opera.
Our Under 36 scheme offers those aged 36 or under tickets for £36.
Photography and social media
The Crinkle-Crankle wall, the Venerable Spongy Lawn…the gardens and our opera house are an enticing photographer’s dream; please tag us in your photos and use our hashtags so we can revel in your evening.
Instagram: @GrangeParkOpera; Twitter: @GrangeParkOpera; Facebook: Grange Park Opera Festival
#GPO2024 #GPORegiment #GPOSchicchi #GPOAleko #GPOKatya #GPODreams
Please do not record or photograph during the performance.
