Wayne McGregor: Alchemies

Name: Wayne McGregor: Alchemies
Start: 2026-04-18T19:00:00+00:00
Location: Royal Ballet and Opera

Schedule

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026 at 07:00 pm

UTC+00:00

Location

Royal Ballet and Opera | London, EN

The world premiere of a new ballet by Wayne McGregor, alongside Yugen, a poetic response to Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, and Untitled, 2023, his powerful artistic collaboration with Carmen Herrera.
A master collaborator, Sir Wayne McGregor has transformed dance in the 21st-century. As Resident Choreographer of The Royal Ballet, he has ceaselessly created works, single act or full-length, that push the boundaries of ballet. He draws on a wide range of influences, from literature and fine art to science and technology, working with creatives that span the full breadth of contemporary human expression.
Yugen
Leonard Bernstein was a towering figure of American 20th-century music, a prodigious talent whose inimitable style continues to fascinate creative artists today. Yugen was created by McGregor for The Royal Ballet’s Bernstein Centenary celebrations in 2018 in collaboration with artist Edmund de Waal, fashion designer Shirin Guild and lighting designer Lucy Carter. Contemplative and life-affirming, Yugen is McGregor’s paean to Bernstein’s hauntingly beautiful Chichester Psalms.

Untitled, 2023
With her dynamic yet sparing use of form, colour and perspective, the late minimalist artist Carmen Herrera inspired McGregor’s 2023 work for The Royal Ballet. Together with McGregor, Herrera created her first and only designs for the stage. With Anna Thorvaldsdottir’s score of ferocity and desolation, Lucy Carter’s sculptural lighting and stark costuming by Burberry, the result is an exacting work of elemental power.
New Wayne McGregor
A world premiere of a new ballet by Wayne McGregor.
📍 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.
🌟 Be part of history at Wayne McGregor: Alchemies , an extraordinary gathering that will captivate your imagination! 🏛️ The prestigious Royal Ballet and Opera in London, EN sets the stage for an unforgettable experience on April 18th, 2026 at 07:00 PM. ✨ They are bringing together the finest elements of entertainment and innovation to create moments that will take your breath away. From the moment you arrive, you'll be immersed in an atmosphere of wonder and excitement. 🎯 This carefully planned event ensures every guest experiences something truly special. 🎟️ Secure your spot with tickets at 27.00 GBP. 🎊 Early booking is recommended for this must-attend event of the season!