Wheeldon’s adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play features British Principals Lauren Cuthbertson and Edward Watson dancing the parts of Hermione and King Leontes, with Sarah Lamb and Steven McRae returning to the roles of Perdita and Florizel. With designs by Bob Crowley, this production distils the essence of Shakespeare’s dramatic narrative, contrasting the stark, brooding atmosphere of King Leontes’ Sicilian court with the vivid colour and pastoral charm of Bohemia. Complete with colourful costumes and mesmerising stage effects, Wheeldon’s production is widely acclaimed as a modern classic, tracing an emotive journey of redemption and reconciliation as a compelling dance-drama. The production won the 2014 Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Best Classical Choreography.

Carmen is the best-known work by French composer Georges Bizet, and one of the most famous operas in the entire art form – numbers such as the Habanera and the Toreador Song have permeated the popular consciousness as little else has. The opera has been performed more than five hundred times at Covent Garden alone. This ever-popular opera is given a fresh point of view in Barrie Kosky’s highly physical production, originally created for Frankfurt Opera. The Australian director is one of the world’s most sought-after opera directors, for Carmen he has devised a far-from-traditional version, incorporating music written by Bizet for the score but not usually heard, and giving a new voice to the opera’s endlessly fascinating central character.

A firm family favourite with Tchaikovsky’s mesmerizing score, a Christmas tree that magically grows, a battle between toy soldiers and an Army of Mice, and the famous role of the Sugar Plum Fairy danced by Royal Ballet Principal Sarah Lamb with her Prince, Principal dancer Steven McRae. Peter Wright’s enchanting production tells the story of Clara, danced by Royal Ballet Principal Francesca Hayward, whose Christmas is transformed by a visit from Drosselmeyer, a mysterious magician and maker of magical toys. Drosselmeyer longs to break a curse that has turned his nephew, danced by Australian Principal Alexander Campbell, into a nutcracker doll. Matched with exquisite designs and world-famous melodies, this production of The Nutcracker has enthralled audiences for over 30 years since its opening in 1984.

It is love at first sight when Rodolfo and Mimì meet, and what ensues is a passionate, timeless, and moving story. Centring on a group of young artists, La bohème follows their struggles to find money for items such as food and rent, heartened by their friendships and romantic ideals. They live contentedly in their small apartment, but their idyllic lifestyle is threatened when Rodolfo learns that Mimì is gravely ill. Royal Opera Music Director Antonio Pappano conducts a superb young cast including Australian soprano Nicole Car as Mimì and American tenor Michael Fabiano as Rodolfo in this new production that returns to the essence of Puccini’s original opera. It captures the liveliness of a bustling 19th century Paris as well as providing some beautifully poignant moments throughout.

One of the all-time great operas, Tosca combines drama, passion and glorious music. Instantly recognisable music from Tosca has been used countless times in film and television, most memorably as the soundtrack to an action scene in James Bond thriller Quantum of Solace. Set in Rome, the story follows painter Mario Cavaradossi who is captured and sentenced to death by Scarpia, the sadistic Chief of Police. Mario’s life can be saved and his freedom granted providing, his lover, Tosca, gives herself to Scarpia. This production is conducted by Dan Ettinger and stars the Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka as Tosca. Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja sings the role of Cavaradossi, alongside Canadian bass-baritone Gerald Finley, singing the role of Scarpia.

Many of the original cast return to the screen in this madcap adaptation of Lewis Caroll’s story. Exuding a girlish charm, Alice, danced by British Principal Lauren Cuthbertson, is joined by a host of familiar characters including the jittery White Rabbit, the eccentric, tap-dancing Mad Hatter, the enigmatic Caterpillar and the ferocious Queen of Hearts. Drawing upon a wealth of theatrical effects, including projection and puppetry, Bob Crowley creates a mesmerising world of enchantment from the grinning Cheshire Cat to the sinuous Caterpillar with his 16 legs of ballet dancers en pointe. A feast for the senses, Wheeldon’s spectacular ballet brings to life Carroll’s famous story with a menagerie of colours, characters and compelling choreography, whilst Joby Talbot’s lively score provides the perfect accompaniment to the ballet.

Mozart’s popular work with its famous Queen of the Nightaria delivers a magical adventure. The Magic Flute follows the prince Tamino as he sets out to rescue the beautiful Pamina at the request of The Queen of the Night. With only his magic flute and cheerful companion Papageno to help him, Tamino sets out, and soon finds himself on a quest searching for love, enlightenment and wisdom. Set designer, John Macfarlane brings Mozart’s magical opera to life in his designs, from the panoramic night sky to the dancing animals summoned by Tamino’s flute and the incredible flying machine of the Three Boys. This timeless classic provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy a cherished opera, for newcomers and Royal Opera regulars alike.

World-famous tenor Jonas Kaufmann makes his role debut as Otello in Verdi's passionate retelling of Shakespeare's great tragedy of jealousy, deception and murder. Soprano Maria Agresta will be his Desdemona and baritone Marco Vratogna his nemesis Iago in a new production by Olivier Awardwinning director Keith Warner. A major work of the opera repertory, Verdi's Otello draws on the full forces of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, the Royal Opera Chorus and this stellar line-up of principal singers, with exquisite duets, emotionally potent solo numbers and thrilling choruses. Particular highlights include Otello and Desdemona's rapturous love duet and Desdemona's poignant 'Willow Song'. Royal Opera Music Director Antonio Pappano conducts this Italian masterpiece.