UK indie Three Tables Productions preps Royal Opera House drama

UK-based Three Tables Productions has partnered with the Royal Opera House (ROH) in London to develop a new drama exploring the venue’s history.

Three Tables – which was founded in 2018 by film and TV executives David Chikwe, Himesh Kar and JT Wong – will work with the ROH to chart the story of The Royal Opera House’s evolution over centuries, with the first season focusing on its recovery from its complete destruction in the Victorian era after a fire.

The show will draw on accounts from the diaries of former general manager Frederick Gye and his daughter, and explore how the venue was able to reopen eight months later.

The Royal Opera House has made available extensive diaries and archive materials from its collection to enable an accurate portrayal, exploring the characters and rivalries of the time.

The project is being overseen by ROH chief executive Alex Beard and by JT Wong and Himesh Kar for Three Tables.

Beard said: “I am delighted to be partnering with Three Tables Productions to bring this illuminating part of our history to life in this bold and imaginative new project. As the ROH continues to grapple with one of the most profound crises in its history, this project gives us a chance to look back on the ROH’s long, rich and often turbulent past, drawing inspiration as we address the challenges of the future.”

Kar added: “We are delighted and excited to be entering this partnership with the ROH and look forward to progressing our search for a writer that will bring this fascinating and ambitious drama to life. It’s a great opportunity for us to work with creatives who are passionate about music and the Royal Opera House itself.”