This September Covent Garden will launch a one of a kind cinema experience in the heart of the iconic Piazza. From Friday 11th until Sunday 13th September, Cinema on the Piazza will transform the historic area into a free open air cinema. Showing two films a day – a feature film matinee and an evening screening of the Royal Opera House’s most loved shows, it will offer a unique experience for visitors to enjoy al fresco culture in the heart of London’s West End.
The three-day programme will allow audiences to experience some of the Royal Opera House’s most popular performances just a stone’ s throw from the world renowned venue, including Swan Lake, Alice in Wonderland and La Bohème. There will also be afternoon matinee performances for everyone with The Greatest Showman, Back to the Future and Mrs Doubtfire. Tickets to this unique event are complimentary, and can be booked through https://www.coventgarden.london/whats-on/cinema-piazza; a donation to support the Royal Opera House is encouraged.
Complimentary tickets are available from the Luna Cinemas website from today, and will include a seat on a director’s chair for everyone to watch the performances. Covent Garden’s most loved restaurants will be available for order online and collection on the evening, including fish and chips from The Oystermen, pizza from Buns & Buns or bacon scones from Frenchie. There will also be an open air bar offering cocktails and snacks throughout each performance too, as well as al fresco dining options available across the estate from the likes of SushiSamba, The Ivy Market Grill and Petersham Nurseries’ La Goccia.
Michelle McGrath, Executive Director Capco Covent Garden said: “Covent Garden has always been a proud supporter of the arts and culture, so hosting an open air cinema to showcase some of the Royal Opera House’s most loved productions is a fantastic opportunity to support one of the nation’s leading cultural institutions, whilst offering visitors to Covent Garden the chance to experience world-class culture for free, in a completely unique setting.
Alex Beard, Chief Executive, Royal Opera House said: “"It has been fantastic to see the ROH connect with new and diverse audiences in such creative ways over the last few months, and this partnership with Capco and Luna Cinemas is particularly exciting. Making use of our iconic location in the heart of Covent Garden, these screenings will provide audiences with a truly memorable ROH experience - be it your first time seeing an opera or ballet, or your hundredth."
George Wood, Founder of The Luna Cinema said: “We are thrilled to bring our Luna big screens to a site as iconic as the Covent Garden Piazza. There can’t be many more stunning and historic backdrops in Central London for a big screen, and to have access to some of the Royal Opera House’s most popular productions, just a stone’s throw from the venue itself, makes it even more special.
This summer, more than ever, the need for socially distanced open air events as a route back for all forms of entertainment and culture seems greater than ever. It’s with a mixture of joy and relief that we are able to welcome our audiences back to open air screenings and the Luna team has worked tirelessly to modify our events to incorporate social distancing. All audiences can feel safe coming to the events, safe in the knowledge each guest is given seating spaced carefully apart, allowing them to enjoy an un-compromised outdoor cinema experience. And where better to do it than in Covent Garden, right next to the iconic Royal Opera House.”
Cinema attendees can enjoy a pre or post dinner at one of the restaurants and bars across the estate, which are also offering indoor and al fresco dining across the pedestrianised streets. They can also shop at Covent Garden’s mix of the best of British and international fashion, beauty and lifestyle retailers which are now open offering a unique open-air shopping experience.
To book tickets, or for any additional information please visit https://www.coventgarden.london/whats-on/cinema-piazza
Details
Address: West Piazza, Covent Garden
Nearest tubes: Covent Garden (Exit Only) / Leicester Square / Tottenham Court Road
Nearest train stations: Waterloo / Charing Cross
Programme
Friday 11th September:
Saturday 12th September:
Sunday 13th September:
Safety Information
Each screening will take place in the fresh air, with social distanced seats allowing the audience to keep safely apart at all times. Tickets for all the screenings will offer designated seats per booking group, with seating laid out in advance for each person, ensuring guests have space to kick back and enjoy the setting safely. Seating will be sanitised between each screening, and bookers can choose whether to book a two person or four-person pitch, though all members of each party must be from no more than two households. Larger groups from more households can sit in adjacent pitches. The cinema will offer ample hand sanitising facilities for all guests, allowing attendees to safely relax and enjoy the ultimate cinema experience under the stars.
