London Coliseum
The London Coliseum opened on Christmas Eve 1904. With an impressive capacity of 2,359 and an 80ft stage, it has been the home of a huge range of entertainment including variety shows, opera, ballets, musicals and plays. It has been the home of English National Opera and English National Ballet since 1968, and is perhaps best known for its annual production of The Nutcracker each Christmas.
In 2000, the Grade II listed venue had a four-year long refurbishment to restore some of its original Edwardian features and improve facilities for a modern audience. With its sparkling interiors and impressive decoration, the Coliseum is a fantastic place to enjoy a show.
Legally Blonde the Musical will be part of the Coliseum’s famous summer season, when opera is swapped for big-budget musicals.
Location
The London Coliseum can be found in the heart of the West End on Saint Martin’s Lane, close to Charing Cross, Covent Garden and Leicester Square. The West End is a famous tourist destination with lots of things to see, do and eat, while just at the end of the road, Trafalgar Square and the National Portrait Gallery are fantastic free sightseeing options.
Getting there
Rail
The closest National Rail station is Charing Cross, just five minutes’ walk away. The station is on the Southeastern line, which connects central London with southeast London and Kent, including Dartford and Hastings. Exit the station and head towards Duncannon Street, before turning right onto Adelaide Street. Turn left onto William IV Street until you reach Saint Martin’s Lane, then walk right along Saint Martin’s Lane until you reach the Coliseum.
Tube
The nearest tube station is Charing Cross, which is served by the Bakerloo and Northern lines. Other nearby stations – less than 10 minutes’ walk away – are Leicester Square, served by the Piccadilly and Northern lines, and Piccadilly Circus, on the Northern and Bakerloo lines.
Bus
Many London bus routes stop at nearby including the 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 87, 91, 139, and 176.
Car
Car Parking is available at Q Park Chinatown and Leicester Square, both 10 minutes or less from the Coliseum. Blue Badge spaces are available at both carparks, as well as in streets close to the venue. Drop-offs are available in front of the theatre.
Facilities
Food and Drink
There are several bars and a restaurant at the Coliseum. On the lower ground floor, the American Bar Restaurant has a pre-theatre dining menu including small plates. The bars include the Foyer Bar and the Sky Bar, which is on the Upper Circle level. At the bars, you can purchase cocktails, beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks, as well as snacks. Interval drinks can be pre-ordered, which is recommended because of long queues at the interval.
Toilets
The Coliseum has plenty of toilets on all levels of the building. Accessible toilets are also on all levels.
Cloakroom
Cloakroom facilities are not available at the London Coliseum. Visitors should bring bags that can comfortably fit on their lap or under their chair.