167 on the Royal Opera House stage in Dialogues des Carmelites

The biggest cast ever seen at the Royal Opera House are taking to the stage.

The 167-strong troupe is made up of 14 principals, 60 chorus, 26 actors and 67 others, who are collectively known as the community ensemble.

This group is made up of volunteers from all walks of life, including drama students, the homeless and the long term unemployed. They were recruited via the Streetwise Opera, the Synergy Theatre Project, the Department of Work and Pensions and the Central School of Speech and Drama.

Robert Carsen's production of Dialogues des Carmelites by Francis Poulenc is set in a Carmelite monastery during the French Revolution. It is based on a true story, recorded by Sister Marie of the Incarnation who survived that turbulent time in history.

Video Journalist: Sophie van Brugen.

Producer: Claudia Redmond.