Royal Albert Hall - Behind the Scenes Tour
The Auditorium set up for Cirque du Soleil OVO
On 26th January 2026 30 members, partners and friends were treated to a superb tour behind and below the public areas while the Hall was quiet.
The Hall was set up for Cirque du Soleil's OVO performance, but they have a rest day on Mondays, so ideal for a tour.
We were split into two groups.
Our guide, Rachel, began by taking us outside and explaining how three basements were constructed below the hall and the concourse beyond door 12. She also pointed out a large chimney which used to be for the heating system. It's now part of the ventilation system housed three floors below the ground.
We then went inside the hall and up one floor to a box to view the auditorium. This box was right next to the Royal Box, marked by a Crown projecting from the balcony.
Up another two levels to the Gallery where there is no seating. A large part of the Gallery was set up as a gymnasium for the Cirque du Soleil performers to use to warm up prior to their act.
From here we took a large padded lift down to Basement level 1 to see some of the dressing areas and costumes, laundry and other support areas.
Then down another level to Basement 2, the unloading bay, which can accommodate three full size articulated lorries and several smaller vehicles at the same time
Since 1996 Cirque du Soleil have performed annually at RAH for seven weeks and have to adapt their set to suit the Hall. They take two weeks to set up and about 10 days to dismantle the 40 artic's worth of gear they bring with them. There are 50 performers and about 100 crew. The RAH technicians work alongside the Cirque crew to get, and keep, everything working.
The Hall was set up for Cirque du Soleil's OVO performance, but they have a rest day on Mondays, so ideal for a tour.
We were split into two groups.
Our guide, Rachel, began by taking us outside and explaining how three basements were constructed below the hall and the concourse beyond door 12. She also pointed out a large chimney which used to be for the heating system. It's now part of the ventilation system housed three floors below the ground.
We then went inside the hall and up one floor to a box to view the auditorium. This box was right next to the Royal Box, marked by a Crown projecting from the balcony.
Up another two levels to the Gallery where there is no seating. A large part of the Gallery was set up as a gymnasium for the Cirque du Soleil performers to use to warm up prior to their act.
From here we took a large padded lift down to Basement level 1 to see some of the dressing areas and costumes, laundry and other support areas.
Then down another level to Basement 2, the unloading bay, which can accommodate three full size articulated lorries and several smaller vehicles at the same time
Since 1996 Cirque du Soleil have performed annually at RAH for seven weeks and have to adapt their set to suit the Hall. They take two weeks to set up and about 10 days to dismantle the 40 artic's worth of gear they bring with them. There are 50 performers and about 100 crew. The RAH technicians work alongside the Cirque crew to get, and keep, everything working.
And a few images taken after the tour
