West End Theatre Guide
London Coliseum
An enormous St Martin’s Lane landmark whose sheer scale and ornate grandeur make it one of the West End’s most spectacular interiors.
The London Coliseum stands apart even in a district full of notable theatres. Vast, decorative and visually imposing, it is one of the great theatrical landmarks of central London and a venue whose scale is part of the experience from the moment you approach it.
AddressSt Martin's Lane, London
Nearest TubeLeicester Square
PostcodeWC2N 4ES
AreaSt Martin’s Lane / Covent Garden
Capacity2359
Built1904
Listed StatusGrade II* listed
What’s On at London Coliseum
Other Upcoming Productions
History
The London Coliseum is one of the West End’s grandest theatrical monuments, built on a scale few other venues can rival.
Opened in 1904, the London Coliseum was conceived as a palace of entertainment and remains one of the largest theatres in London. Its architecture is exuberant, ornate and ambitious, reflecting a period when theatre buildings were expected to impress before a performance had even begun. Over the years it has become especially associated with opera, dance and major large-scale productions, with a room that can absorb grandeur without losing theatrical atmosphere. It remains one of the most distinctive and visually impressive venues in the capital.
Getting Here
Leicester Square and Charing Cross are both convenient, and the theatre’s St Martin’s Lane location places it close to restaurants, bars and Trafalgar Square. Because it is such a major venue, it is wise to give yourself a little extra time for arrival, especially on busy nights.
Grand Circle Tips
Part of the joy of the Coliseum is simply its scale, so try not to rush. It is one of the few theatres where arriving early genuinely adds to the experience because the building itself is such a spectacle.
Restaurant Recommendation
The Delaunay
The Delaunay is a polished and atmospheric nearby restaurant that suits the grandeur and formality of a Coliseum evening beautifully.
View Restaurant