The London Coliseum, commissioned by the great theatrical impressario Oswald Stoll and designed by the flamboyant theatre architect Frank Matcham, opened as a Music Hall in 1904. It is considered to be Matcham's masterpiece and is a sensational example of Edwardian architecture in the grand style. It quickly became known as ‘The Peoples Palace’; a theatre that was affordable to enter but which would also inspire a sense of wonder and excitement.

Our friendly and informal guided tours include a great deal of this extraordinary building, taking in the old Gentleman‘s Baronial Smoking Hall, Stoll‘s Balcony, some Private Rooms, the Upper Glassed Terraces, the fabulous auditorium as well as the warren of staircases backstage including beneath the vast revolving stage and orchestra pit (when possible).

Guided tours are priced at £10 per person with concessionary places priced at £8 per person. Each tour lasts approximately 1 hour and includes quite a lot of walking so please be aware that there are quite a few stairs to climb! All tours start at 11:30am.

Please note that places on the Guided Tours MUST be booked in advance. Places fill very quickly and are therefore not usually available on the day of the tour. Please do not arrive for a guided tour unless you have written confirmation via your online booking, or confirmation of a place by telephone.

Private Tours

Alternatively, we are sometimes able to arrange private tours upon request. We try to accomodate your group around rehearsals or technical rehearsals that may be taking place. Please contact the Box Office on 020 7845 9300 to discuss your tour, or email bomanagers@eno.org with your request.

Guided tours are priced at £10 per person with concessionary places priced at £8 per person.

Each tour lasts approximately 1 hour and includes quite a lot of walking so please be aware that there are quite a few stairs to climb!

Scheduled Tours

The following tours are scheduled to coincide with productions - this means that you can spend a memorable day discovering the theatre, before seeing it in action by enjoying one of our performances!

2013
Sat 18 May - Wozzeck
Sat 15 May - La bohème
Sat 22 Jun - La bohème
Sat 29 Jun - La bohème

You can book these tours online, in person at the London Coliseum foyer box office, or by phone on 020 7845 9300.