The Royal Danish Theatre on Kongens Nytorv is one of the oldest continuously operating theatres in Europe, founded by royal charter in 1748. The current main building dates from 1874 and faces the square with a formal neoclassical facade. It houses opera, ballet, and drama, with performances running from September to June.
The Royal Danish Ballet is the main company — one of the oldest ballet companies in the world, famous for its preservation of the Bournonville tradition (August Bournonville choreographed for the company from 1830 to 1877, and his works are still performed here in their original form). The opera and drama companies are also resident. Tickets are available online; popular performances sell out well in advance.