Behind the curtain at Covent Garden, one of the most famous opera productions in the world continues to impress audiences. The Royal Opera Turandot spectacle, first staged in 1984, has returned once again. This revival marks the 19th time the production has come back to the stage, proving its lasting appeal. The staging was created by director Andrei Șerban, with striking designs by Sally Jacobs. Over four decades later, it remains the longest-running production in the Royal Opera’s history. The performance on 18 December will be the 295th time it has been seen at Covent Garden. Few operas achieve this level of endurance. Turandot tells a dramatic story set in a mythical version of imperial China. The opera explores love, fear, power, loyalty, and sacrifice. These themes unfold in a bold, fairy-tale world filled with ritual and spectacle. The story leads toward one of the most famous moments in opera history, the powerful aria Nessun Dorma. The visual scale of the production is one of its defining features. A towering pagoda set dominates the stage. Large crowds fill the scene, creating a sense of grandeur and danger. Masked dancers and bright colors give the opera a dreamlike feel. The result is closer to a grand stage spectacle than a quiet drama. One of the most striking moments comes in Act Two. The Emperor, Turandot’s father, appears as if descending from the sky. His throne slowly lowers through clouds of incense. The scene reflects the composer’s vision of a ruler who seems almost divine. The Royal Opera’s artistic leaders say this production is an ideal introduction to opera. Its rich colors and bold music help new audiences connect with the art form. Despite its age, the staging still feels fresh and exciting. In the current revival, several leading singers share the main roles. Princess Turandot is performed by Anna Netrebko, Maida Hundeling, and Anna Pirozzi. The role of Calaf, the unknown prince, is sung by Yusif Eyvazov, Arsen Soghomonyan, and Roberto Alagna. Liù is performed by Masabane Cecila Rangwanasha and Juliana Grigoryan. Raúl Giménez appears as the Emperor. Behind the scenes, hundreds of people work to bring the opera to life. The orchestra rehearses for weeks to master Puccini’s demanding score. The chorus plays a much larger role than in most of his other works. Even children take part through the Youth Opera Company, a free program for performers aged nine to 13. It gives young people from many backgrounds a chance to train and perform on a major stage. Turandot was Puccini’s final opera. He died in 1924 before finishing it. He completed most of the work up to the death of Liù, but left only sketches for the ending. A student later wrote a final section, giving the opera a swift and hopeful conclusion. This ending has been used in almost every performance since its first staging in 1926. The aria Nessun Dorma remains the emotional peak of the opera. It is known for its high notes and technical difficulty. A famous recording in the 1970s later made it a global hit. Today, it remains one of the most recognized pieces of classical music in the world. In the story, Calaf sings the aria after solving three riddles set by Turandot. He then risks his life by challenging her to learn his name before dawn. The city searches through the night, but fails. As dawn breaks, Calaf claims victory. This production focuses more on visual power than deep psychology. Shadowy figures watch the drama unfold, showing a society hardened by fear and violence. The sudden happy ending feels almost unreal, adding to the opera’s strange and ritual nature. Despite debates about its themes and setting, the Royal Opera's Turandot spectacle continues to draw crowds. Its mix of grand music, bold design, and theatrical force has stood the test of time. The opera will remain at the Royal Opera House until 4 February, offering audiences a rare look behind the scenes of a true stage legend.