News | 01 September 2025

Year 8 Visit the Royal Opera House

Ms. Iwelumo recently arranged a very special opportunity for our Year 8 students: a backstage tour of the Royal Opera House in Stockholm. Students were able to step behind the curtain and explore areas that are usually closed to the public, including the King’s Room and the backstage areas. They also had the chance to see how rehearsals and feedback are carried out in the final moments leading up to the premiere of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

This trip was just the beginning — Year 8 will return in the spring to attend a live performance of the production, bringing their backstage insights to life as part of the audience.

About the Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House is Sweden’s national stage for opera and ballet. It was founded in 1773 by King Gustav III and celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2023. The Opera House, located in the heart of Stockholm opposite the Royal Palace and the Riksdag, was designed by architect Axel Anderberg and inaugurated in 1898. With its neo-Renaissance exterior and richly decorated neo-Baroque interiors, it is today recognized as a national monument.

Since 1975, the Royal Swedish Opera has been a state-owned company with the mission of offering a balanced repertoire that includes traditional works, innovative interpretations, and modern productions. Its activities are divided into three main areas: opera, ballet, and youth programs.

About the Performance: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The Year 8 students will return to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream, choreographed by Alexander Ekman. Since its premiere in 2015, this imaginative and humorous production has captivated audiences with its playful mix of dance, music, and storytelling. Set against Mikael Karlsson’s evocative score, the performance blends dream and reality, laughter and reflection, in a unique celebration of summer.