Manon
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In the seedy underbelly of 18th-century Paris, money is king. Nothing is sacred – even love itself can be bought for the right price. A native of this hedonistic underworld, Manon is caught between twin desires when she falls in love with the student Des Grieux. Steadfast and devoted, he offers the possibility of an honourable life – but the riches promised by the world of Parisian society remain tempting...
ACT I
Actresses, gentlemen and the demi-monde from Paris gather at the courtyard of an inn near Paris. Among them are Des Grieux (a young student), the wealthy Monsieur G.M. and Lescaut, who is there to meet his sister Manon on her way to enter a convent. During the hustle and bustle of arrivals and introductions, a beggar steals a watch from Monsieur G.M. and celebrates gleefully before its loss is discovered and Lescaut has to intervene to save him from punishment. Soon afterwards, Manon arrives with an Old Gentleman who is obviously attracted to her. Lescaut notices the Old Gentleman’s interest and takes him into the inn to come to an arrangement over Manon. Manon remains outside and meets Des Grieux. He is entranced by her. They fall in love and decide to escape to Paris with the help of the money that she has stolen from the Old Gentleman. Lescaut and the Old Gentleman come out of the inn, having made a bargain, and to their dismay see that Manon has disappeared. Monsieur G.M. tells Lescaut that he too is interested in Manon and, because of G.M.’s wealth, Lescaut promises to find Manon and persuade her to accept him.
Des Grieux and Manon are at his lodgings in Paris. He is writing a letter to his father. Manon interrupts by declaring her love for him. Des Grieux goes to post the letter and in his absence Lescaut arrives with Monsieur G.M.. Manon quickly yields to G.M.’s advances. When Des Grieux returns, Lescaut persuades him that there will be great wealth for all of them if he will sanction the liaison between G.M. and Manon.
ACT II
Manon arrives at the party given by Monsieur G.M. at Madame’s hôtel particulier. She is clearly torn between the wealth of her companion and her love for Des Grieux, who is there with Lescaut. Des Grieux tries to persuade Manon to leave with him but she tells him that the time is not right and will be only when he takes more of Monsieur G.M.’s money at cards. Des Grieux is caught cheating and he and Manon rush away. Back in Des Grieux’s lodgings, he and Manon once again declare their love. Monsieur G.M. arrives with the police and Manon is arrested as a prostitute. In the ensuing struggle, Lescaut is killed.
ACT III
The Gaoler of the penal colony awaits the arrival of the convicts from France at the port.
Manon has been deported to America as a prostitute and Des Grieux has followed her there by pretending to be her husband. The Gaoler sees them together and turns his interest towards Manon.
The Gaoler has arrested Manon but takes her to his room and offers her rewards in the hope that she will desert Des Grieux and live with him. Des Grieux breaks in and kills the Gaoler.
Manon has escaped with Des Grieux into the swamp of Louisiana to elude their pursuers. All her former ambitions of wealth and splendour have been renounced for her love of Des Grieux. Manon collapses and dies in Des Grieux’s arms.
📍 Venue Description: ## About Royal Ballet and Opera
Royal Ballet and Opera is London’s world‑renowned home for opera, ballet and orchestral performance, recently rebranded from the Royal Opera House to better reflect the prominence of both The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera within one united organisation.
This iconic venue sits in the heart of Covent Garden, West End, and presents a thrilling programme of classical [opera](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/opera "opera"), breathtaking ballet productions, [dance](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/dance "dance") and live music throughout the year. The venue’s cultural heritage, striking architecture and central London location make it a must‑visit destination for arts lovers from around the UK and beyond.
### History of Royal Ballet and Opera
Originally opened as the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden in 1732, the building became the official home of Covent Garden’s opera and ballet companies. Over time it established a reputation as one of the most prestigious performing arts venues in the world.
The current structure on Bow Street dates from the mid‑19th century after earlier buildings were lost to fire, and was comprehensively restored and modernised in the 1990s to support contemporary productions and audience experiences. Today, its main auditorium seats over 2,250 people across multiple tiers, combining historic grandeur with state‑of‑the‑art production facilities.
### Where is the Royal Ballet and Opera?
Bow Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DD. Located in the vibrant West End theatre district, the venue sits on the famous Covent Garden Piazza — a lively area filled with shops, restaurants and street performers that enrich the visitor experience.
### Nearest Underground & Train Stations
- Covent Garden Underground Station (Piccadilly Line) — a short walk from the venue.
- Leicester Square and Holborn stations are also within ~8–10 minutes’ walk and offer alternative tube access.
- Charing Cross and other mainline stations are within walking distance, providing rail links from across London and beyond.
### Buses to Royal Ballet and Opera
Several daytime and night‑time London buses stop near Covent Garden Piazza and Aldwych, including routes 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 23, 68, 76, 91, 168, 171, 176, 188 and more, making public transport a convenient option for audiences.
### Accessibility at Royal Ballet and Opera
The venue is committed to accessibility for all visitors, offering step‑free access from multiple entrances on Bow Street and Covent Garden Piazza, lifts and ramps to front‑of‑house spaces, and designated wheelchair spaces within performance areas. An Access Scheme provides tailored support, companion tickets and assistive services such as audio descriptions and British Sign Language interpreted performances. Assistance dogs are welcome.
### Dress Code and Visitor Experience
There is no formal dress code, although smart casual attire is commonly chosen by guests attending performances. Inside, visitors can enjoy bars, restaurants and a café for pre‑show meals, intervals and post‑performance drinks. A ground‑floor shop offers curated merchandise inspired by the art form and venue heritage.
### Safety at Royal Ballet and Opera
For patron safety, security checks including bag inspections may take place at entrances. Visitors are advised to arrive early and follow venue guidance to maintain a comfortable and secure environment for all.
🎉 Welcome to Manon, where dreams come alive and possibilities are endless! 🏛️ Join us at Royal Ballet and Opera in the heart of London, EN for an event that defies expectations. 📅 On October 13th, 2026 at 07:30 PM, be part of something truly extraordinary as we bring together innovation, entertainment, and pure magic. ✨ Every aspect has been carefully designed to ensure an unforgettable experience for all our guests. Whether you're seeking adventure, inspiration, or simply a break from the ordinary, this event promises to deliver beyond your wildest dreams. 🎟️ Tickets are available at 44.00 GBP. 🎊 Prepare for a journey into the extraordinary!
ACT I
Actresses, gentlemen and the demi-monde from Paris gather at the courtyard of an inn near Paris. Among them are Des Grieux (a young student), the wealthy Monsieur G.M. and Lescaut, who is there to meet his sister Manon on her way to enter a convent. During the hustle and bustle of arrivals and introductions, a beggar steals a watch from Monsieur G.M. and celebrates gleefully before its loss is discovered and Lescaut has to intervene to save him from punishment. Soon afterwards, Manon arrives with an Old Gentleman who is obviously attracted to her. Lescaut notices the Old Gentleman’s interest and takes him into the inn to come to an arrangement over Manon. Manon remains outside and meets Des Grieux. He is entranced by her. They fall in love and decide to escape to Paris with the help of the money that she has stolen from the Old Gentleman. Lescaut and the Old Gentleman come out of the inn, having made a bargain, and to their dismay see that Manon has disappeared. Monsieur G.M. tells Lescaut that he too is interested in Manon and, because of G.M.’s wealth, Lescaut promises to find Manon and persuade her to accept him.
Des Grieux and Manon are at his lodgings in Paris. He is writing a letter to his father. Manon interrupts by declaring her love for him. Des Grieux goes to post the letter and in his absence Lescaut arrives with Monsieur G.M.. Manon quickly yields to G.M.’s advances. When Des Grieux returns, Lescaut persuades him that there will be great wealth for all of them if he will sanction the liaison between G.M. and Manon.
ACT II
Manon arrives at the party given by Monsieur G.M. at Madame’s hôtel particulier. She is clearly torn between the wealth of her companion and her love for Des Grieux, who is there with Lescaut. Des Grieux tries to persuade Manon to leave with him but she tells him that the time is not right and will be only when he takes more of Monsieur G.M.’s money at cards. Des Grieux is caught cheating and he and Manon rush away. Back in Des Grieux’s lodgings, he and Manon once again declare their love. Monsieur G.M. arrives with the police and Manon is arrested as a prostitute. In the ensuing struggle, Lescaut is killed.
ACT III
The Gaoler of the penal colony awaits the arrival of the convicts from France at the port.
Manon has been deported to America as a prostitute and Des Grieux has followed her there by pretending to be her husband. The Gaoler sees them together and turns his interest towards Manon.
The Gaoler has arrested Manon but takes her to his room and offers her rewards in the hope that she will desert Des Grieux and live with him. Des Grieux breaks in and kills the Gaoler.
Manon has escaped with Des Grieux into the swamp of Louisiana to elude their pursuers. All her former ambitions of wealth and splendour have been renounced for her love of Des Grieux. Manon collapses and dies in Des Grieux’s arms.
📍 Venue Description: ## About Royal Ballet and Opera
Royal Ballet and Opera is London’s world‑renowned home for opera, ballet and orchestral performance, recently rebranded from the Royal Opera House to better reflect the prominence of both The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera within one united organisation.
This iconic venue sits in the heart of Covent Garden, West End, and presents a thrilling programme of classical [opera](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/opera "opera"), breathtaking ballet productions, [dance](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/dance "dance") and live music throughout the year. The venue’s cultural heritage, striking architecture and central London location make it a must‑visit destination for arts lovers from around the UK and beyond.
### History of Royal Ballet and Opera
Originally opened as the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden in 1732, the building became the official home of Covent Garden’s opera and ballet companies. Over time it established a reputation as one of the most prestigious performing arts venues in the world.
The current structure on Bow Street dates from the mid‑19th century after earlier buildings were lost to fire, and was comprehensively restored and modernised in the 1990s to support contemporary productions and audience experiences. Today, its main auditorium seats over 2,250 people across multiple tiers, combining historic grandeur with state‑of‑the‑art production facilities.
### Where is the Royal Ballet and Opera?
Bow Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DD. Located in the vibrant West End theatre district, the venue sits on the famous Covent Garden Piazza — a lively area filled with shops, restaurants and street performers that enrich the visitor experience.
### Nearest Underground & Train Stations
- Covent Garden Underground Station (Piccadilly Line) — a short walk from the venue.
- Leicester Square and Holborn stations are also within ~8–10 minutes’ walk and offer alternative tube access.
- Charing Cross and other mainline stations are within walking distance, providing rail links from across London and beyond.
### Buses to Royal Ballet and Opera
Several daytime and night‑time London buses stop near Covent Garden Piazza and Aldwych, including routes 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 23, 68, 76, 91, 168, 171, 176, 188 and more, making public transport a convenient option for audiences.
### Accessibility at Royal Ballet and Opera
The venue is committed to accessibility for all visitors, offering step‑free access from multiple entrances on Bow Street and Covent Garden Piazza, lifts and ramps to front‑of‑house spaces, and designated wheelchair spaces within performance areas. An Access Scheme provides tailored support, companion tickets and assistive services such as audio descriptions and British Sign Language interpreted performances. Assistance dogs are welcome.
### Dress Code and Visitor Experience
There is no formal dress code, although smart casual attire is commonly chosen by guests attending performances. Inside, visitors can enjoy bars, restaurants and a café for pre‑show meals, intervals and post‑performance drinks. A ground‑floor shop offers curated merchandise inspired by the art form and venue heritage.
### Safety at Royal Ballet and Opera
For patron safety, security checks including bag inspections may take place at entrances. Visitors are advised to arrive early and follow venue guidance to maintain a comfortable and secure environment for all.
🎉 Welcome to Manon, where dreams come alive and possibilities are endless! 🏛️ Join us at Royal Ballet and Opera in the heart of London, EN for an event that defies expectations. 📅 On October 13th, 2026 at 07:30 PM, be part of something truly extraordinary as we bring together innovation, entertainment, and pure magic. ✨ Every aspect has been carefully designed to ensure an unforgettable experience for all our guests. Whether you're seeking adventure, inspiration, or simply a break from the ordinary, this event promises to deliver beyond your wildest dreams. 🎟️ Tickets are available at 44.00 GBP. 🎊 Prepare for a journey into the extraordinary!
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Where is it happening?
Royal Ballet and Opera, Bow Street, Royal Ballet and Opera, London, United Kingdom
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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