How to watch

Welcome to Opera North ONDemand! Here you can stream our live performances and productions onto your desktop, laptop, tablet, smart phone and compatible TV.

Before watching we always recommend you read this guidance, log in and test your access. Then simply sit back and enjoy the show!

Booked with Opera North before? Log in using your Opera North account email address and password. Then navigate to the production of your choice to buy access.

New to Opera North? At the point of purchasing, simply add your email address and create a password. Then enter your card details to buy access. When you have purchased, visit the production page to find out everything you need to enjoy the show.

Once you have purchased it might take a minute for your access to be activated.

Log in

Click ‘log in and watch’ and enter your Opera North account email address and password.

Forgotten your password? Request a new one.

Test your access

Depending on how you choose to view, it may take some time to get things set up. We highly recommend that you run a test to ensure you know what the experience will be like, and that you are ready to enjoy the show.

Access our test stream. If you can view this video on your chosen device then you should be ready to watch ONDemand productions.

Depending on how you plan to watch, it may take a few minutes to get things set up as you’d like, and we want you to be able to make the most of your experience.

Watch on your desktop, laptop or mobile device

We recommend you watch on your desktop computer, laptop or a mobile device such as a tablet.

Use one of the following browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge or Samsung Internet. You may be able to use Internet Explorer however we do not recommend it.

The quality of your experience is very dependent on the strength and speed of your internet connection.

Watch on your TV

If you want to watch on your TV we highly recommend you use an HDMI cable. You will only be able to cast or screen mirror to your TV if you have either an AirPlay or Chromecast device. 

Link your device to your TV with an HDMI cable

Watch ONDemand by plugging a device such as a computer, mobile phone or tablet into your TV via the HDMI socket which features on most TVs, usually at the back or the side.

To do this you need an HDMI cable that links your TV to a mobile device, or that has an adapter to allow you to do so. Attach your HDMI cable to the TV socket and plug the other end into the device you will use for streaming.

Your device screen may automatically display on your TV. If not, you may need to change your TV’s input settings. Use your remote control to find the source menu and select the HDMI channel associated with the socket your cable is plugged into. You may need to change the sound settings on your device to ensure it is using the TV to project the sound.

Now that you have connected your cable and selected the correct channel, use your device to load ondemand.operanorth.co.uk. You can use our test video to make sure this is working.

Cast to your smart TV

Do you have a smart TV that supports AirPlay or Chromecast, or a separate AirPlay or Chromecast device? If so, you can cast or screen mirror from your computer, tablet or smart phone. If not, or you’re unsure, we recommend giving yourself at least an hour to test this out. Alternatively use an HDMI cable or view on a computer, tablet or mobile device.

Screen mirror the performance from your Apple device to your smart TV by using screen mirroring to project, or ‘mirror’, what is on your smartphone, tablet, or computer and show it on your TV screen without using a cable. The TV will show a replica of what’s displayed on your computer or mobile device, including any movement. If you choose this option you must cast your entire screen with the video running full screen, rather than casting directly from the video player.

Use Screen Mirroring to see the entire screen of your Macbook, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch on your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV. In the control centre tap screen mirroring. If you’re unsure how to do this find out more here.

Cast the performance from your Android device or desktop/laptop computer using Google’s Chromecast.

- Open Chrome and at the top right, click ‘More’ then ‘Cast’

- Click ‘Sources’

- Click ‘Cast desktop’

- Choose the Chromecast device where you want to watch the content

See Chromecast help for more information

Please note: If casting from a mobile phone, you may experience some interruption to the stream. Also, the type and version of your device may determine whether you'll be able to cast the stream, and we cannot guarantee that all devices will be compatible.

Built-in browser

Your smart TV may have an internet browser. If so, you could access the internet through your menu, enter ondemand.operanorth.co.uk to navigate to the player and log in. Please note it can be time-consuming to type the URL text in using your TV remote control and this method does not always result in the best viewing experience.

Ready to watch a livestream?

- On the production page click the ‘Log in to watch’ link in the top right-hand corner.

- If you log in shortly before the livestream starts, you will see the livestream player and a holding screen. Simply wait until the show starts, and then click on the play button to start the show.

- In the unlikely event of technical difficulties, the stream may be disrupted for a short period of time. If the delay lasts for longer than ten minutes we will contact you via email. If it is less than ten minutes, please be patient with us!

- If you arrive during the performance, you will not be able to rewind.

- At the end of the livestream, the video and the sound will stop. There will then be a break while we prepare the video for ONDemand access. You will then be able to watch it again. This may take up to three hours.

Watching after the livestream

- You can purchase access to a production before, during and after a live show.

- Livestreams you have paid for will be available to you afterwards for a set amount of time. Please see the relevant production page to find out how long you can watch for. There will be a pause of up to three hours between a livestream and the availability of the recording to view on demand.

- Watching after the livestream will look the same and the same instructions for how to watch will apply.

Accessibility

Audio introductions will be available for most productions. Audio introductions are an audio version of a programme designed to aid blind and partially sighted customers.  They include a synopsis, the cast list and some information about the piece, followed by descriptions of the sets and costumes.

Captions will be built into the majority of our productions.

Audio description will be available on some productions.  This is when a description of visual action is added into the audio for blind and partially sighted customers.  It will be a separate version of the film or stream.

If you have any questions on accessibility please contact access@operanorth.co.uk.

Need more assistance?

If you have read this guide and you are still having problems, contact our Box Office Team. Usual opening hours are Mon-Fri 10am-6pm.

On weekend livestream days, we will respond to emails from 10am, and you can call us from an hour before the start, until 30 minutes after the livestream has begun.

Call: 0113 223 3600

Email: boxoffice@operanorth.co.uk