New to opera? Your questions answered

We’re obsessed with opera. It’s moving, surprising and utterly brilliant. But we know if you’ve never been to an opera before, you might have some questions before you take the plunge.

How long is an opera?

Most operas run around 2–3 hours — about the same as a feature film. But unlike a movie marathon, you get intervals to stretch your legs, grab a drink and soak up the atmosphere. Just imagine, the curtain falls after a cliffhanger and it’s off to the bar with a drink in hand to chat about what might happen next.. then the lights dim and you’re plunged back into the drama.

Check the opera’s event page for exact running times, so you can plan your evening perfectly.

Where should I sit?

That depends on how much you want to spend. There are a mix of prices across all levels in the theatre, so look around to see what takes your fancy.

If you want to feel closer to the action, try a seat in the Stalls. Or, for a birds eye view where you can see more of the live orchestra as well as the action on stage, try the Circle or Balconies. Wherever you sit, you’ll get a good view, but each seat comes with a slightly different experience. Any seats with a restricted view have a note on them, so you know when you book.

Will I be able to understand it?

Yes! Lots of operas here are performed in English. And all our operas (whether in English or not) have surtitles, so you can see a translation on screens at the side of the stage. Singing takes longer than speaking, so your eyes can easily move between stage and screen and you won’t miss any of the action. Check the event page to see what language each opera is performed in.

We also share handy ‘in a nutshell’ guides online. The perfect cheat sheet, these have a summary of the plot, characters, set and costume designs, musical highlights to listen out for and a little about the opera’s history. There’s also a plot synopsis (though watch out for spoilers there!) on each event page. So if you want to read up before you come and impress your friends with your operatic knowledge, you can. But you don’t have to.

What if I have an access need?

If you have any access requirements you can sign up to our Access Membership Scheme. Members can book online for Opera North performances in Leeds Grand Theatre with any associated discounts, including free essential companion tickets.

With the information you supply, our super-friendly Box Office can find you appropriate seats quickly and easily over the phone or in person. Plus each season we offer audio-described, British Sign Language interpreted, and relaxed, dementia-friendly performances.

Anything else I should know?

Opera deals with all kinds of human experiences. It can surprise people how relevant opera feels, whether the piece was written last week or 100 years ago. It can make you laugh, cry and gasp, all in the same night. ‘Opera’ is as broad a category as ‘film’, and each season brings something new: classic tragedies, unexpected comedies, daring new works and genre-bending productions.

Beyond the performance, there’s the whole atmosphere. Buzzing bars, meeting up with friends and the thrill of sharing the experience with hundreds of others in the audience.

Explore what’s on below, you could be in for an unforgettable memory.

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