BACKSTAGE is a word that conjures up images of famous faces, restricted access, exuberant excess and an air of mystique.

While this may ring true in the music business, it is a rather different scene behind the curtains of an opera or ballet.

Make-up technicians, set designers, wig artists, stage hands, seamstresses and tailors are just some of the specialists making preparations before the final call.

The Royal Opera House is inviting visitors to discover scenes like this from the famous London venue, during four unique workshops in Grays, this week.

Held at the Thameside Theatre, in Orsett Road, the Insight Evenings will show people the hard graft that goes into creating world-class ballet and opera performances.

“They’re designed for anybody who would like to find out more about the Royal Opera House,” explains Rozzie Metherell, Insight programme manager.

“For every artist that stands on stage, there are many more people working for them behind the scenes.

“We’re trying to encourage people to take advantage of what we offer, but it’s not always easy if you are new to the opera house, so we are taking it out to people.”

The Insight events already run 85 times per season (September to July) at the opera house in Covent Garden.

Covering aspects as diverse as stage design, lighting, directing, choreography and make-up, they have proved extremely successful.

Now it’s the turn of Thurrock to catch a glimpse of the backstage world, every evening from tonight until Saturday.

“We now have a partnership with the Thurrock area,” says Rozzie.

“It’s all tied up with the fact we’re bringing the production park to Purfleet, and I think there is a real call for this around here.”

But does such an exploration into the cogs of the Royal Opera House machine spoil the illusion of the performances?

“We have asked ourselves this question,” admits Rozzie.

“From feedback it seems it doesn’t, and instead makes people enjoy productions more because of the minute details that make them as special as possible.

“It gives people a real appreciation of the depth of work and commitment that goes into this.

“The amount of creativity, skill and passion is extraordinary.”

The Royal Opera House, which underwent a major reconstruction almost ten years ago, hosts 20 operas and 20 ballet programmes a year.

A new £60million production park for the performing arts venue – which will also be a national centre of excellence for technical skills and crafts – is being built in Purfleet.

The 14-acre site is set to open in 2010, creating 250 jobs and 2,250 training places.

Tickets are £7.50 per Insight Evening or £25 for all four evenings.

To book call 0845 300 5264.