London Coliseum: Largest Theatre in the West End
The London Coliseum, located on St Martin’s Lane in the West End of London, is a Grade II-listed building with a rich history. With 2,359 seats, it holds the title of the largest theatre in the West End.
Opened on Christmas Eve 1904, the theatre was designed by renowned architect Frank Matcham, who created over 90 iconic theatres across the UK. Since its opening, the Coliseum has undergone several renovations, the most recent in 2004.
Seating Options at the London Coliseum
The theatre offers seating across four levels, ensuring excellent views of the stage:
- Stalls (ground level)
- Dress Circle (first balcony)
- Upper Circle (second balcony)
- Balcony (top level)
English National Opera
The English National Opera (ENO) is both the main user and owner of the London Coliseum.
History of the English National Opera
Lilian Baylis, who managed the Old Vic Theatre in the early 20th century, sought a better venue for opera. In 1931, she rebuilt the empty Sadler’s Wells Theatre and launched the Sadler’s Wells Opera Company. The company relocated to the London Coliseum in 1968 and rebranded as the English National Opera in 1974.
Performances at the London Coliseum
The ENO presents a variety of operas throughout the year. Performances are available for a limited time, so visitors should check the ENO website for up-to-date schedules and ticket prices.
English National Ballet
The English National Ballet, based in London, is a leading ballet company with a rich history and a commitment to making ballet accessible to a broad audience.
History of English National Ballet
Founded in 1950 by renowned dancers Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, the company was initially named Festival Ballet. Its mission was to bring classical ballet to audiences across the United Kingdom. Over the years, the company underwent several name changes, becoming London Festival Ballet and, in June 1989, adopting its current name, English National Ballet.
Performances by English National Ballet
The ENB’s repertoire includes classics like Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Giselle, as well as contemporary works by modern choreographers. Known for its national and international touring, ENB consistently brings high-quality ballet performances to a broad audience, cementing its status as a key cultural institution.
Where to See the English National Ballet
In 2019, the ENB moved to the Mulryan Centre for Dance in East London. However, performances continue at Central London venues like the London Coliseum and Sadler’s Wells Theatre, both conveniently located near major tourist attractions.
Tips for Visitors
Tickets to the operas can be booked on the ENO website. There, you’ll find each performance’s dates and prices. There are several ticket categories to choose from. The seats closest to the stage are more costly, while the cheapest tickets are further away. For some performances, tickets are available for just £10. Discounted tickets are available for 21-34-year-olds, and free tickets are available for 5-20-year-olds.
As a summary:
- Book Tickets Online: Tickets for the English National Opera and Ballet can be purchased on their respective websites.
- Affordable Options: Se1ats start from just £10, with discounts available for 21–34-year-olds and free tickets for 5–20-year-olds.
- Plan Ahead: Check show dates and times online to avoid disappointment.
FAQs
What is the seating capacity of the London Coliseum?
- The theatre seats 2,359 people.
Where can I buy tickets for the English National Ballet?
- Tickets are available on the English National Ballet’s official website.
What are the best seats in the London Coliseum?
- The Stalls and Dress Circle provide the closest views to the stage.
