 The Royal Opera House , often referred to as simply " Covent Garden " , was constructed as the " Theatre Royal " in 1732 to a design by Edward Shepherd . During the first hundred years or so of its history , the theatre was primarily a playhouse , with the Letters Patent granted by Charles II giving Covent Garden and Theatre Royal , Drury Lane exclusive rights to present spoken drama in London . In 1734 , the first ballet was presented ; a year later Handel 's first season of operas began . Many of his operas and oratorios were specifically written for Covent Garden and had their premières here . It has been the home of The Royal Opera since 1945 , and the Royal Ballet since 1946 . 
