For two days only, the English National Opera are giving opera enthusiasts (and nosy Londoners who have never seen an opera in their lives) the rare opportunity to have a peek inside (and a good old rummage around) their prop and costume archives as they hold their first yard sale in a decade.
Now this isn’t any old yard sale. This isn’t your next-door neighbours trying to flog their unwanted Christmas presents out in their front gardens. This is a golden opportunity to find some hidden treasures and take an extra special piece of the opera home with you.
Hand-crafted props and one-of-a-kind costumes will be on sale, and the remarkable items available have each played an integral part of some of the most iconic operas. From a large exotic bird display cabinet made for a production of La Traviata to a giant bear created for a production of Lulu; there really will be the weird, the wonderful, and everything in between up for grabs.
This unique event is being held as a way to make space for new and exciting productions that are on the horizon for the English National Opera, so don’t miss the chance to get your hands on your very own piece of the ENO’s rich, theatrical history.
Discover everything from antique furniture and vintage bridalwear to animal masks and a (quite frankly terrifying) devil head. Not to mention the vast array of bespoke and oh-so glamourous costumes that will be up for grabs for you to try on and channel your inner diva.
Don’t mind me whilst I twirl around in a fancy dress, pretending to be an opera star for the remainder of the summer.
The English National Opera yard sale will take place on July 7-8, from 10-4pm.
Stonelake Industrial Park, 667 Woolwich Road, SE7 8LH