The Royal Ballet and Opera has officially announced its comprehensive cinema screening programme for the 2026/27 season, broadcasting world-class theatrical performances to more than 1,500 cinemas across 50 countries. The newly unveiled global initiative offers international audiences specialized access to elite staging, complete with exclusive interval features, behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage, and expert guest commentary.
The Royal Opera’s upcoming broadcast slate features a deliberate mix of bold new productions and celebrated house revivals. A major highlight of the operatic calendar is the long-awaited cinematic finale of Wagner’s epic Ring cycle, Götterdämmerung, directed by the acclaimed Barrie Kosky and conducted by Antonio Pappano. Additionally, Associate Director Netia Jones will make her main stage debut with a contemporary, high-tech reimagining of Mozart’s satirical comedy Così fan tutte. These new stagings will share the cinematic spotlight with popular returning revivals, including Oliver Mears’ war-torn production of Puccini’s Tosca and Damiano Michieletto’s visceral staging of Bizet’s Carmen.
For ballet enthusiasts, The Royal Ballet is set to broadcast a rich selection of definitive classics and family-oriented masterpieces. The seasonal lineup includes Kenneth MacMillan’s psychologically nuanced Manon and his legendary choreography for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Audiences can also look forward to Liam Scarlett’s visually picturesque production of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Festive family programming remains a core pillar of the broadcast schedule, featuring Peter Wright’s traditional holiday classic The Nutcracker for Christmas, alongside Christopher Wheeldon’s vibrant, puppetry-filled Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland over the Easter holiday period.
As an exclusive bonus for United Kingdom cinema audiences, the regional programme will also incorporate two brand-new autumn and winter selections from New York's Metropolitan Opera. UK viewers can look forward to Verdi’s dark thriller Macbeth, directed by Louisa Proske and starring dramatic soprano Lise Davidsen, followed by Puccini’s Wild West adventure La Fanciulla del West, directed by Richard Jones.
Public ticket sales for the global cinema season have officially launched. Screening schedules, participating local venues, and box office details can be accessed directly through the central Royal Ballet and Opera website.
