One of the most extraordinary Spanish artists from Valencia, Joaquin Sorolla has become better known more recently. He lived from 1863 to 1923 and created a world full of light and colour which delights the senses. Sometimes a social painter, he was more concerned with capturing light falling on bodies and sea-scapes. His final ‘Visions of Spain’, now in New York, will also be shown.

Christmas spectacles, slapstick, and beanstalks have been drawing crowds to Covent Garden since 1737. John Rich, the first manager of what is now the Royal Opera House, was a fine dancer, mime, and special effects man and he, and his successors, developed all the well known features of the London Christmas season. Even now, principal boys, fairies, and Harlequin are alive and well on the ROH stage. This lecture pulls together the whole performing tradition and brings it up to date with the latest Christmas offerings at the Royal Opera House.