London Coliseum
/ About
The London Coliseum opened on Christmas Eve 1904 and is still the largest theatre in the West End, seating 2,359 across the Stalls, Dress Circle, Upper Circle and Balcony. It is the home of English National Opera and the London home of English National Ballet, and the hire business runs inside a working opera house: London Coliseum Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of ENO, and its profits go back into ENO's work.
Nine hospitality rooms are scattered through the building. The American Bar keeps its original Edwardian oak panelling, antique mirrors and private bar, with its own access from the main entrance. The Sky Bar was designed as a tea room and takes its name from the glass ceiling that frames the theatre's rooftop globe; it combines with the Balcony Bar for receptions of 300, and the Balcony Bar opens straight onto the top level of the auditorium. Below them the rooms get smaller and more particular, down to the Royal Retiring Room behind the Royal Box, built for the Royal Family, and the Harewood Room, which dines four.
The stage and auditorium hire separately, for award ceremonies, concerts, talks, conferences and filming. The usable stage runs 17.5 metres wide by 17.6 deep behind a proscenium 15.1 metres across, with a pit for up to 75 musicians, 24 dressing rooms and step-free access to the stage. Sound, video, lighting and rigging packages come with the room. Catering across the building is by Benugo.
/ Rooms Available
Balcony Bar
PrivateThe largest and most flexible of the hospitality rooms, on the top floor, opening directly onto the upper level of the auditorium. Hire includes the Clore Space and the Trafalgar Room, and it can be taken with the Sky Bar for a reception of 300. Available for exclusive hire when the theatre is dark.
Sky Bar
PrivateBuilt as a tea room and named for the glass ceiling that looks up at the Coliseum's rooftop globe. A wide, light bar floor with views over the skyline, used for receptions on performance nights and for private dinners; combines with the Sky Bar Boardroom and the Balcony Bar for larger events.
The American Bar
PrivateOriginal Edwardian oak panelling, antique mirrors and a private bar, with its own access from the main entrance. Warmly lit and flexible, and the room the theatre points larger drinks receptions towards.
Trafalgar Room & Clore Space
PrivateTwo adjoining rooms looking out over Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column, flooded with daylight and lit by the cityscape after dark. The Trafalgar Room holds a grand piano; the Clore Space has a Juliette balcony over the Sky Bar and bi-fold doors that close it off from the Balcony Bar.
Adelaide's Bar
PrivateA two-level room tucked away at Stalls level, with a private bar, soft lighting and deep upholstered seating. Suited to smaller drinks receptions, particularly alongside Stalls tickets.
The Ellis Room
PrivateA red damask room between the Stalls and the Dress Circle, with a piano and artwork drawn from the history of ENO and the Coliseum. Used for daytime meetings, canape receptions and private dining. No step-free access.
Sky Bar Boardroom
PrivateA partitioned room off the Sky Bar, overlooking St Martin's Lane through French doors, with the theatre's original antique lift gate still in place. Seats 25 boardroom-style, or 16 for dinner.
Royal Retiring Room
PrivateBuilt for the Royal Family behind the Royal Box, and still reached directly from it. Edwardian detailing throughout, from the floor to the mirrored ceiling, with a private washroom and easy access to the Stalls. No step-free access.
The Harewood Room
PrivateThe smallest room in the building, also designed for royal use, with an ornate plaster ceiling, a snug alongside and its own washroom. Dines four, with direct access to the Stalls.
Stage & Auditorium
Exclusive HireThe main house: a four-level Edwardian auditorium seating 2,359 in front of a proscenium 15.1 metres wide and 8.5 metres high. The usable stage measures 17.5 metres by 17.6, with step-free access, a pit for up to 75 musicians and 24 dressing rooms behind it. Hired for concerts, award ceremonies, talks, conferences and filming, with sound, video, lighting and rigging packages available.
/ Perfect For
/ Features
AV Equipment
- – Sound System
- – PA System
- – Projector
- – Lighting Rig
- – Stage
Catering
- – In-House Luxury Dining
- – Private Bar
- – Canape Service
Venue Specs
- – Dedicated Events Team
- – Green Room
- – Private Entrance
/ Getting Here
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