The increased anonymity and difficulty for lay people to join has given the parallel Internet a bad reputation. Is the Darknet illegal? Can I surf there? Anyone who is specifically looking for something is therefore also dependent on search engines in the darknet. In contrast to the normal Internet, the addresses of the Onion Network read very cryptically and are therefore almost impossible to guess. The Royal Opera House will be hoping that the accessibility of its performances will have a similar impact.Darknet search engines exist to allow beginners to find websites. On 15 October, 225,000 people in more than 25 countries watched the performance. The NT’s recent production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, with well-known actor Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role, achieved record sales.

This has enabled thousands of people to access plays who would have otherwise missed out. The National Theatre regularly beams live performances of its productions to cinemas across Britain and the world. We need to get the reach of these performances as wide as we can, always respecting the quality of the live experience,” explained the Royal opera House chief executive Alex Beard.Īlthough the move is being described as pioneering in the opera world, similar initiatives have proven successful for theatres. “I think it’s absolutely fundamental to our public service remit. The opera house hopes to draw in a new audience for its shows. The initial stage of the plan will see two or three performances a year available over the internet, with those behind the plan anticipating more demand for shorter clips and behind-the-scenes material rather than the entire show. London’s Royal Opera House has unveiled plans to stream performances online, allowing those who can’t make it to the capital or who would rather watch an opera from home to join their audience.

Streaming royal opera house