London Coliseum

London Coliseum

33 St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4ES

Getting here

Closest Tube Station

Leicester Square

Closest Train Station

Charing Cross

The London Coliseum is one of the largest and most iconic theatres in the West End, celebrated for its grand architecture and world-class opera, ballet, and musical productions. As the home of the English National Opera (ENO), the Coliseum delivers a rich programme of artistic excellence in an awe-inspiring setting. With its striking façade and magnificent auditorium, it stands as a beacon of London’s cultural life.

From classic operas to dance to cutting-edge musicals like The Great Gatsby, the London Coliseum offers unforgettable experiences in a venue steeped in theatrical tradition.

The history of the London Coliseum

Opened in 1904, the London Coliseum was designed by legendary theatre architect Frank Matcham with the goal of being “the people’s palace of entertainment.” It was one of the most technically advanced theatres of its time, boasting a revolving stage and a lavishly decorated auditorium.

Originally intended for music hall and variety performances, the Coliseum transitioned into a major venue for film screenings and wartime entertainment before becoming the permanent home of the English National Opera in 1968. Over the years, it has also hosted ballet, plays, and large-scale musicals including Chess, Bat Out of Hell, and Hairspray.

The theatre’s striking Baroque façade, topped with a distinctive revolving globe, and its lavish Edwardian interior make it a landmark in London’s theatrical landscape.

Where is The London Coliseum?

The London Coliseum is located on St. Martin’s Lane in the heart of the West End, just moments from Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, and Leicester Square. Its central location makes it ideal for pre-theatre dining, sightseeing, and enjoying the city’s vibrant nightlife.

The London Coliseum nearest tube station

The nearest tube station is Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly Lines), only a 2-minute walk from the theatre. Charing Cross and Covent Garden stations are also within easy walking distance.

The London Coliseum nearest train station

Charing Cross railway station is around a 5-minute walk away, providing National Rail services and access to the Northern and Bakerloo Underground lines.

Buses to The London Coliseum

Numerous bus routes serve the surrounding area:

Day routes: 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 24, 29, 87, 91, 139, 159, 176 Night buses: N5, N9, N11, N15, N20, N29, N41, N91, N97, N113

Nearest stops: St. Martin’s Place / Trafalgar Square and Charing Cross Road / Leicester Square

The London Coliseum seating plan

The Coliseum boasts one of the largest theatre auditoriums in London, with a capacity of over 2,300 seats spread across four levels: Stalls, Dress Circle, Upper Circle, and Balcony. The Stalls and Dress Circle offer exceptional sightlines and acoustics, ideal for opera and musicals.

Despite its size, the venue is designed for acoustic clarity, ensuring rich sound and immersive performances no matter where you sit.

The London Coliseum accessibility

The theatre provides step-free access to the Stalls level via a side entrance on St. Martin’s Lane. It features wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, induction loops, and assistance for patrons with visual or hearing impairments. Trained access hosts are available to support all guests.

The London Coliseum safety policy

The London Coliseum maintains high safety standards, including security bag checks, enhanced cleaning, and well-marked emergency procedures. Hand sanitiser stations are located throughout the venue, and staff are trained in first aid and crowd safety.

The London Coliseum dress code

There is no formal dress code at the Coliseum. Guests often opt for smart-casual attire, especially for opera and gala nights, but casual clothing is also welcomed. Whether in jeans or evening wear, all are encouraged to dress comfortably and enjoy the performance.

London Coliseum Seating Plan

The London Coliseum Seating Plan

The London Coliseum has the largest capacity of any London theatre with 2,359 seats across 4 levels: Stalls, Dress Circle, Upper Circle, and Balcony.

The Great Gatsby Musical is the current production at London Coliseum. The latest booking period for The Great Gatsby Musical at London Coliseum started 18/10/2019 19:30:00 and runs until 07/09/2025 15:00:00. Tickets for The Great Gatsby Musical start at £20 and are available to book now.

The Little Prince is the current production at London Coliseum.

Nutcracker - London Coliseum is the upcoming production at London Coliseum. The latest booking period for Nutcracker - London Coliseum at London Coliseum started 02/01/2018 19:30:00 and runs until 11/01/2026 13:30:00. Tickets for Nutcracker - London Coliseum start at £22 and are available to book now.

English National Ballet: Akram Khan’s Giselle is the upcoming production at London Coliseum. The latest booking period for English National Ballet: Akram Khan’s Giselle at London Coliseum started 18/09/2019 19:30:00 and runs until 18/01/2026 13:30:00. Tickets for English National Ballet: Akram Khan’s Giselle start at £22 and are available to book now.

The Great Gatsby + Exclusive Photo Opportunity is the current production at London Coliseum. The upcoming booking period for The Great Gatsby + Exclusive Photo Opportunity at London Coliseum starts 16/07/2025 19:30:00 and runs until 16/07/2025 19:30:00. Tickets for The Great Gatsby + Exclusive Photo Opportunity start at £75 and are available to book now.

Public transportation is recommended. The nearest underground station to The London Coliseum is Leicester Square Station (Northern/Piccadilly Lines). Charing Cross Station (Bakerloo/ Northern Lines) is also quite close the London Coliseum. If arriving by train the nearest railway station is Charing Cross. The theatre is serviced by bus lines 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 87, 91, 139, and from St. Martin’s Place (Stop K) and Bedford Street (Stop J). The nearest car park to The Duke of York’s Theatre is the NCP car park at London St Martins Lane Hotel.

The London Coliseum can seat 2,359 people. The seats are set across four levels; Stalls, Dress Circle, Upper Circle and Balcony.

No, there is no formal dress code for the Coliseum in London. Guests are welcome to wear whatever they feel comfortable in, whether it’s jeans and trainers or more formal attire like a tuxedo or an evening dress.

No, there is no formal dress code for the London Coliseum. Guests are welcome to wear whatever they feel comfortable in, whether it’s jeans and trainers or more formal attire like a tuxedo or an evening dress.

The Balcony is three levels up from the stage, so it may not be the best area if you are afraid of heights. However, the Balcony offers a clear view of the stage due to its good rake.

Opera

The Yeomen of the Guard

3.8(5)

Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta comes to the London Coliseum

Opera

Jack the Ripper: The Women of Whitechapel

3.6(19)

The world premiere of Iain Bell’s Jack the Ripper: The Women of Whitechapel comes to ENO

Opera

Benvenuto Cellini

Terry Gilliam returns to ENO to bring his unique theatrical vision to Berlioz’s vibrant opera

Dance

Los Vivancos

Dance

Midnight Express

Peter Schaufuss presents the UK Premiere of his acclaimed ballet

Opera

Death in Venice

Deborah Warner’s production of Britten’s final opera celebrates the composer’s centenary year

Dance

The Mikhailovsky Ballet

Opera

The Girl of the Golden West

Dance

Boston Ballet

Dance

Men In Motion

Opera

The Indian Queen

Peter Sellars directs an exciting new production of Purcell’s final opera

Dance

Diana Vishneva: On The Edge

Dance

LAC (After Swan Lake)

Opera

Rusalka

Dvořák's Czech opera Rusalka based on fairy tales by Božena Němcová and Karel Jaromír Erben heads to the Coliseum in a rare London staging.

Opera

The Force Of Destiny

5.0(2)

An action-packed drama of passion, war, honour and vengeance

Opera

Tosca

4.6(20)

When passion and politics collide, love can prove a fatal weakness...

Opera

Symphony of Sorrowful Songs

5.0(2)

Gorecki's haunting symphony comes to London for a limited run

Opera

Luisa Miller

3.9(7)

Verdi's highly refined and artistic opera Luisa Miller has come to London's Coliseum

Opera

Norma

4.5(2)

Bellini's passionate masterpiece with a devastating love triangle at its heart.

Dance

Swan Lake Reloaded

Dance

Nutcracker Delights

Enchanting ballet treats for the festive season. Unwrap your Nutcracker Delights today!

Opera

Orpheus in the Underworld

4.4(24)

Orpheus in the Underworld is set to open at the ENO London Coliseum this autumn!

Opera

Don Giovanni

2.5(2)

"To be seen by him is to be seduced. But time is running out for Giovanni..."

Dance

Diaghilev Festival of Ballet Gala

Dance

Le Coq d'Or (The Golden Cockerel)

Opera

The Perfect American

Phelim McDermott returns to ENO to direct the UK premiere of Philip Glass’s story of the final years of Walt Disney’s life

Opera

War Requiem

3.5(2)

ENO brings one of the greatest choral works of the twentieth century to London's West End.

Opera

Prince Igor

Dance

Rodin

Opera

The Rhinegold

4.4(5)

Wagner's epic opera presented by the ENO

Dance

Raymonda

A new version by Tamara Rojo, after Marius Petipa.

Opera

HMS Pinafore

The HMS Pinafore sails into the London Coliseum this winter

Opera

The Pearl Fishers

4.5(13)

Two friends love the same mysterious woman. Will turmoil follow in her wake?

Opera

Peter Grimes

5.0(1)

Britten's masterpiece lives on in this tale of isolation, persecution and societal power.

Dance

Diaghilev Festival of Ballet: Programme 1

Opera

Porgy and Bess

4.5(46)

When a figure from her dark past returns, will her new life with Porgy be enough to save Bess from herself?

Dance

Roland Petit's Coppelia

Opera

Xerxes

Opera

Wozzeck

New production of Berg's masterpiece, directed by Carrie Cracknell

Dance

Sergei Danilian presents Kings of the Dance

Dance

Solo for Two

Opera

The Valkyrie

Wagner's epic opera The Valkyrie by the ENO

Dance

Carmina Burana & Serenade

Opera

Die Fledermaus

Johann Strauss's classic operetta in a new production from Christoper Alden

Dance

Swan Lake

4.9(9)

The famed Swan Lake, performed by St. Petersburg Ballet, will certainly be a ballet event of the season.

Musical

When You Believe: The Musical World of Stephen Schwartz

A host of stars and the BBC Concert Orchestra celebrate the extraordinary songwriter Stephen Schwartz.

Opera

The Gospel According to the Other Mary

Dance

Anna Karenina

Dance

Chun Yi: The Legend Of Kung Fu

Dance

Irina Kolesnikova London Season: La Bayadère

Opera

The Queen Of Spades

3.0(1)

A new production of Tchaikovsky's powerfully dark masterpiece

Dance

Modanse starring Svetlana Zakharova

4.0(5)

Modanse starring Svetlana Zakharova at the London Coliseum this December

Opera

Orpheus & Eurydice

3.8(9)

Orpheus & Eurydice is set to run at the London Coliseum this autumn as part of a special Orpheus-themed ENO season!

Dance

Push

Opera

Partenope

One woman, four suitors? Love's complicated enough when it's a game for two...

Opera

Così Fan Tutte

the ENO presents Così Fan Tutte at the London Coliseum

Opera

The Cunning Little Vixen

The ENO presents The Cunning Little Vixen at the London Coliseum

Opera

Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk

3.5(2)

A bored merchant’s wife seeks solace and excitement in an extra-marital affair, with tragic consequences

Opera

ENO Summer Gala

Opera

Fidelio

Calixto Bieito's new production of Beethoven's only opera

Opera

Iolanthe

4.6(8)

The classic opera Iolanthe comes to London. Can the Fairy Queen call Parliament to order?

Opera

The Pilgrim's Progress

Opera

The Mastersingers of Nuremburg

‘A peerless take on Wagner’s great comedy’ Daily Telegraph

Opera

The Dead City

2.0(1)

This cult classic opera comes to the London Coliseum for a limited run

Dance

Napoletango

Opera

Rodelinda

Caught in a power play that could break a marriage and steal a throne, can Rodelinda stay true to love?

Opera

Thebans

Dance

Russian Seasons of XXI Century

Opera

Orphée

4.0(3)

Phillip Glass opera Orphée heads to the London Coliseum this November.

Opera

Lulu

"Beautiful. Damaged. Seductive. Lethal. Lulu's whoever you want her to be..."

Dance

The Prince of the Pagodas

Dance

La Sylphide

5.0(1)

Musical

Notre Dame de Paris

4.8(50)

With music by Richard Cocciante and lyrics by Luc Plamondon.

Dance

Ballet Folklórico de México

5.0(1)

Opera

The Handmaid's Tale

2.4(25)

Resistance. Rebellion. Redemption. A dystopian world where hope prevails against all odds

Opera

Carmen

Calixto Bieito’s acclaimed production of Carmen, a must-see opera, returns to the ENO.

Opera

Jenufa

1.0(1)

Jenufa

Opera

The Barber of Seville

4.7(26)

Jonathan Miller’s classic production of The Barber of Seville is a feast of frivolous fun.

Opera

Duke Bluebeard's Castle

Unlock the secrets of Duke Bluebeard's Castle in this haunting journey into darkness...

Opera

The Magic Flute

4.3(62)

Simon McBurney’s five-star production of Mozart classic The Magic Flute returns to ENO.

Opera

The Merry Widow

4.1(38)

The Merry Widow is Franz Lehár‘s comic masterpiece, played out in a stream of memorable melodies.

Musical

My Fair Lady

4.5(1,002)

My Fair Lady returns to London's West End!

Musical

Sweeney Todd

Starring Emma Thompson and Bryn Terfel

Musical

We Will Rock You

4.5(1,008)

We Will Rock You the musical by Queen and Ben Elton returns to London!

Musical

Hairspray

You just can't stop the beat! Hairspray is still coming to London's West End in 2021.

Opera

The Magic Flute

4.6(15)

Magical comedy and spellbinding adventure – ENO’s five-star production returns

Opera

Satyagraha

3.5(8)

Satyagraha comes to the London Coliseum this autumn

Opera

Madam Butterfly

4.1(143)

Giacomo Puccini's world-famous opera Madam Butterfly is set to make its way to London's Coliseum in 2020!

Opera

Rigoletto

3.7(19)

Has Rigoletto taken his jesting too far?

Dance

Le Corsaire

4.7(38)

English National Ballet performs this swashbuckling classic for a limited engagement at the Coliseum.

Opera

The Mikado

4.5(50)

Wit, charm and catchy tunes in Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera The Mikado

Opera

La Traviata

3.4(11)

The ENO season presents one of the greatest operatic love stories of all time, La traviata

Dance

Swan Lake

4.8(204)

See the famed State Ballet of Georgia's production of a timeless ballet classic this summer.

Opera

The Marriage of Figaro

4.1(15)

Scandal, drama and betrayal ensue in Mozart’s timeless opera.

Opera

La boheme

4.3(57)

A captivating story of young love set amidst the rooftops of Paris.

Opera

The Pirates of Penzance

4.2(22)

Set sail for some swash-buckling, plank-walking, toe-tapping fun.

Opera

Akhnaten

4.6(15)

Phelim McDermott's Olivier Award-winning production of Glass's Akhnaten returns to the ENO

Dance

Ardani 25 Dance Gala

Ardani 25 Dance Gala features an all-star line-up which includes Natalia Osipova, Edward Watson, Ivan Vasiliev and Marcelo Gomes

Opera

Tristan and Isolde

3.0(1)

Dance

Carlos Acosta - A Classical Selection

Opera

Shanghai Opera House: Thunderstorm

4.3(3)

Dance

Shanghai Ballet Company: Echoes of Eternity

5.0(1)

Dance

Up & Down

4.5(15)

One of the top ballet events of this year, Up & Down brings Francis Scott Fitzgerald's prose on stage - with unmissable charm

Dance

Giselle

Giselle, the haunting tale of innocence and betrayal, returns to the London Coliseum

Dance

Her Name Was Carmen

3.8(10)

Opera

Marvellous Miller

Come and help support a good cause - 40th Anniversary of Jonathan Miller at the ENO!

Musical

Carousel

4.6(311)

Superstars Katherine Jenkins and Alfie Boe lead the cast of the brand new West End production of ENO's Carousel!

Dance

Amore / Svetlana Zakharova

4.7(22)

Prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia and étoile of La Scala, Svetlana Zakharova brings her new project Amore to the West End

Opera

The Winter’s Tale

When jealousy tears a family apart, can love redeem all? Perhaps, when winter turns to spring.

Dance

In The Steps Of Ballet Russes

'Ballets Russes… the most sensual, daring and fashionable dance company in the world…' -- The Daily Telegraph

Dance

Le Jeune Homme et la Mort / La Sylphide

4.7(15)

Hope turns to despair, love to betrayal and infatuation to tragedy in English National Ballet’s new double bill.

Dance

Song of the Earth / La Sylphide

4.4(18)

ENO presents a magical double bill Song of the Earth/La Sylphide, performed for the first time in the UK.

Dance

Men in Motion

2.1(8)

Ivan Putrov’s celebration of the male dancer returns for one night only.

Opera

Iolanthe

4.6(11)

The peers are getting restless and the fairies are in a frenzy. Can the Fairy Queen call Parliament to order?

Opera

A Midsummer Night's Dream

2.0(3)

Confused couples, lopsided loyalties and a terrible case of mistaken identity. Falling in love can make you lose your head.

Opera

Marnie

Daughter. Liar. Wife. Thief. She has been running for so long, no one knows the real Marnie, least of all herself.

Concert

Phantom of the Opera - The Roy Budd score

4.8(4)

“Roy Budd’s Phantom Of The Opera score is a masterpiece of film scoring.” John Mansell

Concert

Symphonic Beatles

2.7(3)

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Dance

The Sleeping Beauty

4.5(45)

Kenneth MacMillan’s fairy tale classic The Sleeping Beauty presented by the English National Ballet

Opera

Lucia di Lammermoor

4.4(10)

Love. Honour. Obey. Lucia di Lammermoor returns to the ENO after 8 years.

Musical

The Glenn Miller Story

4.6(164)

Tommy Steele returns to the London Stage

Musical

On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan

4.6(583)

On Your Feet! congas its way to London's West End for a fun-filled summer of Gloria Estefan's greatest hits!

Dance

Manon

4.9(61)

Kenneth MacMillan’s full-blooded ballet of love, decadence and passion.

Musical

Man of La Mancha

4.3(400)

Michael Linnit and Michael Grade in collaboration with English National Opera presents Kelsey Grammer in Man of La Mancha

Concert

Friday Night is Music Night Celebrates David Bowie

5.0(3)

Broadway superstar Tony Vincent pays tribute to the late pop idol David Bowie live on the London Coliseum stage

Dance

Against the Stream

5.0(4)

A Gala Night performance presented by Ivan Putrov

Opera

The Mask of Orpheus

3.2(6)

Harrison Birtwistle's The Mask of Orpheus opera returns to London's West End after over 30 years.

Opera

It's A Wonderful Life

3.5(19)

Your favourite Christmas film comes to life in this new family friendly opera!

Dance

Scheherazade & Chopiniana

3.7(7)

The Abay Kazakh State Opera and Ballet Theatre present Scheherazade and Chopiniana.

Concert

Friday Night is Music Night: 80's Classical

4.5(2)

The best of the 80s and the BBC Concert Orchestra come together

Play

Comedy at the Coliseum

Four popular comedians take to the stage at London's Coliseum for a one-off late-night comic spectacular!

Dance

Radio & Juliet | Faun | MсGregor + Mugler

4.6(5)

A thrilling triple bill featuring a groundbreaking collaboration between McGregor and Mugler.

Dance

English National Ballet 70th Anniversary Gala

4.8(16)

Help the ENB celebrate 70 years!

Dance

The Ballet Icons Gala

4.2(5)

World class dancers from the best companies in a yearly one-night-only gala performance!

Musical

The Pirate Queen: A Charity Concert

4.0(6)

An epic and timeless story from the creators of Les Miserables and Miss Saigon.

Concert

Drag! Live at the London Coliseum

For the first time in West End herstory, drag is taking over the London Coliseum for one night only!

Opera

Peace at Last

OperaUpClose and ENO present Peace at Last at the London Coliseum.

Dance

Oti Mabuse - I Am Here

World renowned dancer Oti Mabuse brings her new show I Am Here to the London Coliseum for one night only!

Opera

Mozart's Requiem

Mozart's Requiem at the London Coliseum

Dance

Ballet Icons Gala 2022 celebrating the 150th anniversary of Sergei Diaghilev

One of the World's most impressive dance events.

Musical

Rumi: The Musical

Rumi: The Musical at the London Coliseum

Opera

Gloriana

ENO to stage special concert of Benjamin Britten’s Gloriana for the Platinum Jubilee.

Opera

Blue

5.0(1)

The UK premiere of this award-winning contemporary opera.

Musical

The Mongol Khan

Discover the captivating culture of Mongolia with the immersive experience The Mongol Khan

Musical

Spirited Away

Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away is getting its European premiere at the London Coliseum 

Opera

The Elixir of Love

4.0(2)

Captivating audience’s hearts, The Elixir of Love returns in this new adaptation.

Opera

Mary, Queen of Scots

Don't miss this enchanting journey through love, betrayal, and political intrigue.

Dance

Lazgi - Dance of Soul and Love

A captivating journey through time

Concert

Suor Angelica

The heart-wrenching opera makes its debut at the London Coliseum.

Opera

The Turn of the Screw

4.0(1)

Nothing is quite as it seems in this haunting opera.

Concert

Kirill Richter & Richter Trio : Sands of Time

A unique, dazzling and deeply immersive one-night-only multi-media event.