London Coliseum

A Century of Entertainment and Cultural Legacy

The London Coliseum opened on Christmas Eve in 1904, conceived by impresario Oswald Stoll and architect Frank Matcham as the "people's palace of entertainment." From its inception, the theatre has been a showcase for diverse performances, from elaborate musicals and grand operas to ballets, plays, and variety shows. During the Second World War, the building served as a canteen for Air Raid Wardens, and its stage famously hosted a speech by Winston Churchill. After the war, the theatre became a cinema for seven years before the Sadlers Wells Opera company (now known as the English National Opera) established it as their permanent home in 1968. This transition prompted a comprehensive redesign of the auditorium to accommodate large orchestras for operatic productions, transforming the space into the world-class venue it remains today.

Architectural Grandeur and Historic Restoration

The Coliseum's Grade II listed status reflects its architectural significance and Edwardian elegance. The ornate interior, with its sweeping balconies and intricate detailing, creates an atmosphere of theatrical splendour that transports visitors back to the golden age of theatre. In 2000, a four-year refurbishment programme began to restore many of the building's original features while modernising facilities for contemporary audiences. The theatre's most striking feature is its enormous 80-foot-wide stage, one of the largest in London, which allows for ambitious scenic designs and large-scale productions. The auditorium's design ensures that every seat offers excellent views of the stage, a testament to Matcham's masterful theatre architecture.

Four-Tiered Seating and Audience Experience

The Coliseum's seating is organised across four distinct levels, each offering a unique perspective on performances. The Stalls, with 520 seats spread across 16 rows, provide the most intimate experience with proximity to the stage and rich acoustics. The Dress Circle, containing 635 seats across 12 rows, offers an elevated panoramic view ideal for large-scale musicals and operas. The Upper Circle, with 610 seats, provides excellent value-for-money seating while maintaining clear sightlines. The Balcony, the highest section with 498 seats, offers the most budget-friendly tickets with sweeping views of the entire stage. Central seats in mid-range rows consistently receive praise for balancing proximity, perspective, and comfort, making them popular choices across all sections.

Prime Location and Surrounding Attractions

Situated on St Martin's Lane in London's West End, the Coliseum occupies a prime location between Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square, placing it at the heart of London's cultural and entertainment district. The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery are within walking distance, while St James's Park offers green space and tranquillity nearby. Covent Garden, Chinatown, and Piccadilly Circus are all accessible on foot, providing abundant options for pre-theatre dining and entertainment. The theatre benefits from excellent transport links, with multiple Underground stations and bus routes serving the area, making it easily accessible from across London and beyond.

Facilities and Visitor Amenities

The venue and bars open 90 minutes before each performance, allowing visitors ample time to explore the ornate interior, purchase refreshments and programmes, and settle into their seats. Bars on each level offer a range of hot and cold drinks and snacks to suit all preferences. The theatre is fully air-conditioned and equipped with modern accessibility features, including lifts to all levels, wheelchair spaces in the Stalls, Dress Circle, and boxes, and adapted unisex toilets on most levels. An assisted sound system via Sennheiser headphones and induction loops is available, and occasional signed performances are offered. Guide dog sitters are available for patrons with assistance animals. There is no cloakroom, so visitors are advised to bring minimal belongings.

Current and Upcoming Productions

The Coliseum hosts a diverse programme of productions throughout the year, featuring the English National Opera's acclaimed interpretations of classic and contemporary operas, and the English National Ballet's spectacular dance performances. Recent and upcoming productions include Gilbert & Sullivan's HMS Pinafore, Mozart's Così fan tutte, the multi-award-winning musical Kinky Boots, and the magical Christmas tradition of The Nutcracker. Each production takes full advantage of the theatre's magnificent stage and acoustics, delivering unforgettable performances to audiences from around the world.