London Coliseum, Opera house in Westminster, London, United Kingdom
This venue is an opera house in Westminster and holds 2,558 seats arranged across multiple tiers inside a wide auditorium. The interior displays plasterwork, gilded ornament, and red plush seating, while a glazed dome above the foyer admits natural light into the entrance hall.
Frank Matcham designed the building in the early 20th century as a venue for variety performances and light stage entertainment. The English National Opera moved into the hall permanently in the late 1960s and has used it for its lyric programme since then.
The company performs its repertoire in English translation, allowing audiences unfamiliar with Italian or German to follow the action on stage directly. This approach draws a wide spectrum of visitors and attracts younger listeners through targeted concessions.
The location near Leicester Square station makes arrival from across the city straightforward. Lifts, wheelchair positions, and reduced admission for guests under 21 are available.
The stage area incorporates a triple revolve mechanism dating from the early 20th century that remains in place today. Though the machinery is seldom engaged, it reflects the technical ambition of the construction period.
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