It was never going to be like any other opening night. The first performance of the new season at The Royal House is always special – the theatre wakes itself out of the slumber of its summer holidays and welcomes audiences back to its embrace with fresh coats of paint and an energetic air. It was my first time leading the room for a season premiere, and so for me it carried an extra special significance as we sought to build on an outstanding dress rehearsal and share our wares with an audience.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Artists of The Royal Ballet, Golden Jubilee Gala 23 July 2002. Photo © Rob Moore/ROH 2002

Certainly, the day began with the familiar pattern of an opening night. There was the usual flurry of text messages and emails about the minutiae of performance that directors deal with as a pleasant matter of course: “Would it be possible to have a few minutes to check the levels of the lights on stage right, as they’d been a touch too bright in the dress rehearsal?” … “The Maestro is keen for a quick...