London Coliseum Theatre
Originally opened as a variety house in December 1904, the Coliseum is London's largest theatre and was designed by famed theatre architect Frank Matcham for Sir Oswald Stoll. Boasting the first revolving stage in Great Britain, the theatre was also the first in Europe to provide lifts to the upper parts of the building.
In 1931, as a result of the decline in popularity of vaudeville, the Coliseum turned to musical comedy and enjoyed much distinction for the the next 30 years until this form of entertainment also lost favour with the patrons.
After a brief and unsuccessful period as a cinema during the early 1960s, it reopened as a theatre in 1968 and in 1974 became the home of the English National Opera who bought the freehold in 1992.
In 2004, work was completed on a total restoration of the theatre and today the ENO continues to produce and stage old and new operas in English.
Address
Coliseum Theatre
8 St Martin's Lane
London
WC2N 4ES
Transport / Accessibility
Nearest Underground: Leicester Square
Nearest Rail: Charing Cross
Bus Routes: 1, 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 24, 29, 53, 77A, 88, 159, 170, 172, 176, 500
Wheelchair Access: Yes
