What to Expect
In London, ENO perform at the London Coliseum. This is a theatre designed to give a clear view of the stage from every seat. It’s an architectural and engineering masterpiece, as you’ll see. However, please check our seating plan for any access requirements, restricted legroom or restricted view of the surtitles.
If you would like some friendly and helpful advice then please feel free to contact our friendly Box Office team on [email protected] (we’re open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm). We’d be delighted to help in any way we can.
Booking your tickets
We believe opera should be accessible to all, so our opera tickets start at just £15 including all fees.
No, really!
To see an ENO opera at the London Coliseum for a fraction of the price, you can take advantage of one of our many schemes such as Under 35s, where 21-34 year olds can book discounted opera tickets and Under 21s where 5-20 year olds can claim free opera tickets.
Will I understand what is being sung?
Yes.
Most ENO performances are sung in English, with the sung text projected above the stage (surtitles).
Soprano Nadine Benjamin, who sings ‘Musetta’s Waltz’ from Puccini’s La bohème in the video says
“…because we sing these stories in English, they’re for everyone and they meet everybody’s emotional state. There’s no one that goes untouched in an opera when it’s sung in English…”
(In many venues, there are seats where the view of the surtitles is restricted so if this is your first time we don’t recommend these seats.)
Opera songs you know
Where the opera was written in another language, we translate it into English.
We believe that singing in English enhances the emotional connection between performers and audiences.
You can certainly do some reading using our plot outlines and guides to each opera but it’s not essential. Our guides will also give you a short overview of the opera, the composer and the music. It can also be helpful to watch our production trailers before hand, to get a taste of what you can expect! Just watch out for spoilers!
- Opera’s Greatest Soprano Roles
- Beginners Guide to Opera
- Beginner’s Guide to Gilbert & Sullivan
- Beginner’s Guide to Mozart
Is there a dress code?
Wherever we perform, there is no set dress code with ENO.
Smart casual to high end couture, it’s your night and we want you to have a great time – all we ask is that if you have large headwear that you remove it for the performance. We only have a small cloakroom so please leave your luggage at home.
Many people dress up for our opening nights (the first performance of each opera), or for Gala performances and award ceremonies, when it is often black-tie. But for regular performances you can wear what you like.
Is there an operatic etiquette I need to follow?
There are no set rules about how and when you should show your enthusiasm for the performance, though most people wait until the end of a beautiful solo or duet, or a pause in the action, before clapping.
Our productions aim to be different – more theatrical, more movement, more choreography, and it’s great when audiences love that as much as we do.
Can I take photos?
Like all other theatres we ask that you do not use your mobile phone to photograph or record the performance though we positively encourage photography beforehand, in the auditorium, the foyers, bars – everywhere and you can film our curtain calls as the end of the opera. Just remember to tag us on your wonderful photos so we can share your evening.
- Instagram: EnglishNationalOpera
- Facebook: @EnglishNationalOpera
- X: E_N_O
- TikTok EnglishNationalOpera
Hear from our new opera goers...
“This was my first ever opera. I was absolutely blown away. We enjoyed the whole evening and liked the fact the ENO was welcoming and informal. Thank you for a wonderful experience.”
“Really loved the sets and lighting, felt very immersed in the story despite it being our first opera. The performance was very inclusive being translated and also having subtitles above so that all the audience could follow. Would definitely recommend to a friend.”
“We didn’t 100% know what to expect, and were blown away – the whole experience was lovely! It was a wonderful performance, easy to follow and the quality of the orchestra, singers, background, and setting overall was exceptional. We will be coming back!”
We hope that we have answered the questions you may have and we can’t wait to welcome you to English National Opera.
If you have any further questions, contact our Box Office team at [email protected].
