Before you go It’s a good idea to find out the plot you are seeing beforehand. It’s much more enjoyable to be able to follow the storyline and recognise different characters as they appear. However you don’t have to do this – go along and watch it unfold before you. As well as getting the information from the theatre where you will see the performance, opera companies (like Welsh National Opera) have detailed information about the operas they are performing. This information can usually be sent to you, or printed directly off the website. If you are booking the tickets yourself, choose which opera you want to see carefully. Think about the way you want to feel – do you want to see a comedy, a tragedy, a romance or an opera where you recognise parts of the music? The opera company and theatre will have this information.

The price myth One of the main reasons people sometimes think opera is not for them is they think its too expensive. This isn’t the case and you can get a ticket for anything between £5 and £45 – but like fashion houses and football clubs, some companies charge more than this for the top price ticket, so always investigate this. The further ahead you book, the cheaper it can be – opera companies often have offers and incentives to encourage you to book in advance.

Where to sit This will depend on your budget, ticket availability and personal preference. Usually the best (and most expensive) seats are halfway back in the Stalls (ground floor) or the first few rows of the dress circle (first balcony). The cheapest seats are normally in the topmost circle, furthest away from the stage – but you can usually see and hear everything. If the opera is not being sung in English, make sure you can see the surtitle screen. The Box Office will be able to tell you if this is the case. Surtitles are an electronic simultaneous translation, which appear above the stage - like subtitles at the cinema for a foreign language film.

Going to the Opera You don’t have to wear black tie to go to the opera and can go wearing anything you like. Opera lovers come from all walks of life. Some think of a night at the opera as a glamorous and glitzy occasion and that dressing up is part of the fun. The most important thing is to wear whatever you feel most comfortable in. You just need to be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the show. When the lights go down no-one can see what you’re wearing!

Be on time If you are late the ushers may let you in after the orchestral introduction; otherwise you may miss the entire first act! Leave about 30 minutes for parking, collecting tickets, buying programmes and ordering drinks.

Applause There are many places in an opera when applause is expected (and appreciated!). Feel free to applaud after the orchestra has finished the overture, and also after big arias and at the end of acts. If you are not sure where to applaud, trust your instincts and follow the rest of the audience.