Theater Covent Garden (Covent Garden) in London, UK: description, photos, history, excursions
A statue of a young ballerina on Bowu Street in the UK capital bows her head in front of the facade of a building whose history is worthy of everyone's attention. Covent Garden is a simplified name for the whole complex in the eponymous district of the city, which belongs to the Royal Opera House. Largely thanks to this magnificent architectural ensemble, London has become one of the centers of world theatrical art.
Story
Opening of the first theater
Until 1731, this area was occupied by the city park and the adjoining nunnery of Westminster Abbey. Designed by James Shepherd and the Venetian artist Jacopo Amigoni, who designed the interior, John Rich built the first theater. At that time, the dimensions were quite impressive, the hall accommodated 1897 spectators. The celebration of the opening took place in December 1732 with W. Congreve's comedy “Thus they do in the world.” The artists carried John Rich onto the stage, where he was bathed in a standing ovation, welcoming the emergence of such a major cultural institution.
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As host, John Rich was a real tyrant for the troupe, demanding and strict. A lot of legends and all sorts of tales about him live within these walls. Performances were successful, brought a good income.
One of the first authors of serious musical productions on this stage was Handel. Most of the works written by him since 1735 were first played at Covent Garden. He was friends with Rich, and after his death in 1759, he bequeathed his organ to him, which was placed in the hall. On September 20, 1808, a terrible fire broke out in the building, which destroyed both the manuscripts of the great composer and his instrument. More than twenty firefighters died under the destruction.
Second theater architect Robert Smirk
Robert Smirk worked on the plan for the second theatre, the construction of which began immediately. He was a very famous architect in England, famous for the creation of many significant London buildings. Just three months after the incident, the Prince of Wales (the future George IV) laid the foundation stone.
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The opening of the temple of Melpomene was marked by Shakespeare's play “Macbeth” on September 18, 1809. The refurbished hall was enlarged in size, seated 3,000 spectators, and delighted with a dizzying finish. Its rapid construction required considerable financial investments. Based on this, ticket prices were also slightly increased. The audience was indignant, and for two months they disrupted the performances, which created unbearable conditions for the actors. In the end, the administration gave in, everything was as before.
In 1847, when the troupe of the Italian Opera, which had previously performed at the Haymarket, joined the cast, and the transformation of the hall, the author of which was Bendetto Albano, the season opened with Rossini's Semiramide. Covent Garden was now called the Royal Italian Opera. Many of the greatest creations of glorious writers have seen the vaults of this hall. But on March 5, 1856, a fire broke out in the theater again, the roof collapsed after about half an hour.
Only a year later, funds were collected for its restoration.
The third theater in the spirit of the Italian Renaissance
The third theater, designed by Edward M. Barry, was built on short notice by Federico Guy. In six months, the building in the spirit of the Italian Renaissance has grown. From the previous one, only two wonderful bas-reliefs on the facade remained. Meyerbeer's Huguenots opened the renovated theater on May 15, 1858. And in 1892, when they began to give as many operas in other languages as in Italian, Cover Garden was renamed the Royal Opera House. Life was in full swing under its roof all year round. Between seasons, lectures, political speeches, balls, films were shown here.
Theater during the wars
Only during World War I the building was used as a warehouse. During World War II there was a dance hall. With great difficulty, in 1946, ballet returned to the famous stage. On February 20, Tchaikovsky's The Sleeping Beauty was staged at the theatre. The success of the opera and ballet groups was growing, and the building was dilapidated, and no longer satisfied the needs of the public and artists. In 1997, the troupe went on tour, and the theater was closed for reconstruction.
Covent Garden today
In 1999, Covent Garden opened its doors to guests in a new way, expanded, modernized and beautiful. The stage has been enlarged, backstage space has been added, modern computer equipment has been installed. Two small halls, studios for rehearsals, office space, bars for the audience, a luxurious restaurant.
Tours for tourists
For those wishing to get to know the wonderful world of the inner life of the theater, excursions are now organized. You can see the preparations for the evening performance, or visit the Royal Lounge, see the workshop for making scenery and costumes, by visiting one of the proposed tours, paying about 12 £. On Sundays, the whole family gets acquainted with the peculiarities of the theatrical professions. Often, rising stars give free concerts, invitations to which must be reserved in advance.
The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden is crowned with its highly artistic performances, has great prestige in theatrical circles. He gave a “start in life” to a large number of world-class stars. In addition, it is a stunning architectural monument of London.
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