Welcome to our Opera Month! Yes, that's right, we're dedicating a WHOLE MONTH to the classic art form. Some see opera as intimidating or inaccessible and we wanted to help change that opinion! From opera's history to some of our team member's first-hand accounts, we are diving into all things opera... come and join us!

To kick things off Abigail shares her first-ever opera experience with you!

Is attending the opera something you think about trying out but just never do it? I was in the same boat! The opera was always a theatrical experience I wanted to try, at least once, but the hefty price tag and the perceived snobbery really put me off. But in July, after 24 years of being a theatre fan, I finally did it, I booked tickets to my first ever opera! 

I was off to see Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro at the world-renowned Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Leading up to the performance I was both nervous and excited about what it would be like. Would I understand it? Would I be dressed smartly enough? Would I fall asleep during the 3 hour and 40 minute run time? Fortunately, all these worries lifted when I stepped into the Royal Opera House for the first time on that Tuesday evening. 

First of all, the stunning beauty of the venue on Bow Street cannot be matched. As soon as I stepped through the doors I was bowled over with how gorgeous, and vast, the place was. It is huge! Corridors lead off in all directions with lifts, plushly carpeted staircases and a series of heavy wooden doors taking you to your seat.

When I finally found my seat I was completely overwhelmed, totally amazed and slightly bewildered. However, as the orchestra began with Figaro's pretty famous overture I quickly settled into the rhythm of it, and found the perfect subtitle location (yes, don't worry there are subtitles!). Now able to understand what was happening, I was soon swept up in the grandness and scale of this epic opera. 

Think that The Phantom of the Opera has a grandest set in all of London? Think again. Classic opera sets are renowned for their size and grandeur. The set I saw for The Marriage of Figaro was a masterpiece and solidified that I was watching something entirely unique and special. Not to mention the pure talent that is on display! The performers are outstanding and their voices are certainly something to behold, respect and appreciate. 

Understood it? Check! Enjoyed it? Check! Now onto whether or not I felt like I fitted in... yes, yes I did. At first, my attire of jeans, ballet pumps and a smart top did make me feel slightly underdressed, especially as there were people there in tuxedos and ball gowns. But when I realised that no one was taking much notice of me, and that no one was going to come up to me and escort me off the premises for my casual clothing, I soon forgot about the traditional stereotypes of the night out at the opera, and moved around the Royal Opera House as freely as I pleased. But next time, I won't take my giant laptop case!

Yes the opera is expensive and isn't something I could do regularly but the experience of attending one is something I'll never forget! Plus there are countless initiatives, companies and Opera houses who are trying to make this traditional art form that little bit more accessible for those who can't afford to spend 175 pounds on a ticket (!). If you've been wanting to go to the opera but have been putting it off... I say just do it! It's a truly classic night out and will leave you speechless.

Abigail saw The Marriage of Figaro at the Royal Opera House.