The thrill of world-class theatre, ballet and opera at Showroom Cinema

The Royal Ballet and Opera is bringing the thrill of world-class theatre to Showroom Cinema, in a brand-new season of ten titles.

Each screening offers a view from the best seat in the house and the electricity of a live performance, plus exclusive extra rehearsal and behind the scenes films during the intervals with specialist presenters offering an insight into the workings of the Royal Ballet and Opera.

The season starts with Macbeth from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, for Verdi’s thrilling take on the immortal Shakespearean tale; of the scheming couple determined to seize power at any cost. See it Tuesday 20 October.

Then, beam into a live performance of the ballet Manon on Sunday 1 November. Director and Principal Choreographer Kenneth MacMillan presents this struggle for survival in the seedy underbelly of 18th-century Paris, where decadence and decay are brought to life through dance.

A revival of Damiano Michieletto’s Carmen returns to screens on Tuesday 10 November. Bizet’s ever-popular opera broke all boundaries for its time, with its violent and passionate story set under the oppressive heat of the Spanish sun. Dazzle in its scandalous score.

Rounding out 2026 is The Nutcracker on Sunday 13 December. Nothing says Christmas like this whimsical and delightful tale of Clara in The Land of Sweets, and Peter Wright’s classic production is a festive treat for the whole family.

The season rolls into 2027 with more ballet in Swan Lake and Romeo & Juliet, alongside powerful operas Tosca and La Fanciulla del west.

Also, enjoy three standout shows from Opera Australia conducted at the Sydney Opera House, each boasting monumental sets, immersive visuals and enthralling choreography.

Verdi’s Aida screens Sun 12 Jul, Turandot from celebrated director Chen Shi-Zheng gets two showings on 13 and 16 August, while the spectacular La Traviata screens on 3 and 6 September.

Rounding out our Stage on Screen strand is National Theatre Live:

Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) and Aidan Turner (Rivals) lead a striking new staging of Les Liaisons Dangereuses. See it at Showroom from Thursday 25 June. And we recently revealed The Misanthrope, screening from Tuesday 22 September. Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) plays the title role in this razor-sharp reimagining of Molière’s classic dark comedy.

Showroom Cinema Superior members can get £15 tickets to all National Theatre Live and Royal Ballet and Opera screenings. Save on every visit at: https://showroomcinema.org.uk/membership All events are now on sale at: showroomcinema.org.uk/festivals/royal-ballet-opera-2026-27

By Nathan Makalena, Creative Coordinator