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Wednesday, 25 November 2026
300 Years of Christmas at Covent Garden
Sarah Lenton

Christmas spectacles, slapstick, and beanstalks have been drawing crowds to Covent Garden since 1737. John Rich, the first manager of what is now the Royal Opera House, was a fine dancer, mime, and special effects man and he, and his successors, developed all the well known features of the London Christmas season. Even now, principal boys, fairies, and Harlequin are alive and well on the ROH stage. This lecture pulls together the whole performing tradition and brings it up to date with the latest Christmas offerings at the Royal Opera House.
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25 November 2026300 Years of Christmas at Covent Garden

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Lecture: 300 Years of Christmas at Covent Garden Lecturer: Sarah Lenton Wednesday 25 November 2026

Christmas spectacles, slapstick, and beanstalks have been drawing crowds to Covent Garden since 1737. John Rich, the first manager of what is now the Royal Opera House, was a fine dancer, mime, and special effects man and he, and his successors, developed all the well known features of the London Christmas season. Even now, principal boys, fairies, and Harlequin are alive and well on the ROH stage. This lecture pulls together the whole performing tradition and brings it up to date with the latest Christmas offerings at the Royal Opera House.