Royal Opera House planning northern base in Manchester?

London's Royal Opera House could soon have a permanent second home in northern England.

The company, based in Covent Garden, is in talks to establish a presence for the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet at Manchester's Palace Theatre.

Talks with Manchester City Council are at an "early stage", the Royal Opera House said.

Royal Opera House chief executive Tony Hall said the theatre was the "perfect location" for the company.

A proposal is expected to go before culture secretary Andy Burnham this week, and the Royal Opera House is due to reveal more details at the end of the week.

It follows recent moves by the Royal Opera House to bring its productions to new audiences.

Personally I would question whether the Palace Theatre is the 'perfect location'... or as 'iconic' as the Royal Opera House chief executive claims.