London's Royal Opera House to be subject of new drama

UK-based Three Tables Productions is working on a drama about the history of London’s iconic Royal Opera House. 

The creative collaboration will chart the institution’s evolution over centuries, with the first series focusing on its recovery from complete destruction in the Victorian era - when the House was hit by a catastrophic fire. 

The scripted series will draw on accounts from the diaries of Frederick Gye, the general manager of the Royal Italian Opera (as it was then known), and his daughter and secretary, Clara. 

The Royal Opera House has made available extensive diaries and archive materials from its collection to ensure an accurate research resource for the writers.   

The as-yet-untitled ROH project is being overseen by Alex Beard, chief executive of The Royal Opera House and by JT Wong and Himesh Kar for Three Tables. 

Kar said of the project: "We are delighted and excited to be entering this partnership with the ROH and look forward to progressing our search for a writer that will bring this fascinating and ambitious drama to life.  It’s a great opportunity for us to work with creatives who are passionate about music and the Royal Opera House itself.”

Beard added: “I am delighted to be partnering with Three Tables Productions to bring this illuminating part of our history to life in this bold and imaginative new project. As the ROH continues to grapple with one of the most profound crises in its history, this project gives us a chance to look back on the ROH’s long, rich and often turbulent past, drawing inspiration as we address the challenges of the future.” 

Three Tables Production was founded in 2018 by David Chikwe, Himesh Kar and JT Wong.