Grand Opera House

Grand Opera House Review

The Grand Opera House exemplifies the Victorians' fascination with ornamentation, opulent gilt moldings, and intricate plasterwork. The renowned theater architect Frank Matcham beautifully designed the building in 1894. Since 2005, the theater has undergone a massive extension program that has almost doubled its size, thanks to a new foyer bar, café, and party room. Contemporary Irish artist Cherith McKinstry's exquisite angel-and-cherub-laden fresco floats over the auditorium ceiling. You can take a behind-the-scenes, 90-minute tour (held on Thursday or Saturday at 11 am) but by far the best way to see and enjoy the place is to attend a show. The theater regularly hosts musicals, operas, plays, and concerts.