Access

At the ENO we are proud to create extraordinary encounters with opera on stage and beyond and we are committed to making those encounters available to everyone.

For every performance we have a dedicated Access Supervisor who is on hand to provide additional assistance to customers with access needs.

Should you require assistance please ask a member of staff upon arrival or contact the Box Office prior to attending to let us know how we can help you have the best experience possible.

Join our Access scheme

We run an access scheme which gives audiences with a disability, a health condition, or different access needs the following:

  • half price tickets (subject to availability)
  • priority booking
  • Braille and large print versions of cast lists and synopses

To join the ENO’s access scheme please complete the Registration Form

Fill out the registration form online

For more information, or if you need assistance completing the registration form, please email: [email protected]

Accessibility in the London Coliseum

Access for people who use a wheelchair or a mobility scooter

We have the following provisions for wheelchair users:

  • If you would like to transfer from your chair, there is step-free access to eight stalls boxes; Row O in the Stalls; Row K in the Dress Circle and Row K in the Balcony.
  • If you would like to stay in your chair there are three wheelchair spaces in Row O in the Stalls, Row K in the Dress Circle. There are also eight Stalls boxes that are wheelchair accessible.
  • Adapted accessible unisex toilets on four out of five levels of the London Coliseum: Lower Ground, Stalls, Dress Circle and Balcony (not Upper Circle)
  • We have a lift which provide access to all levels of the auditorium and to all bars and restaurants. Please note: there is no level access seating in the upper circle.

Wheelchair spaces and transfer seats can be booked by calling the Box Office on 020 7845 9300.

Take a look at our seating plan.

For people who are Deaf or have a hearing impairment

Enhanced sound systems

We offer a free enhanced sound system via headphones.

We use a Sennheiser radio frequency system for assisted listening and audio description. Devices are available with outer ear headphones or induction neck loops for hearing aid users. You can also bring your own headphones which must have a 3.5mm jack to work with our devices.

Please speak to a member of staff upon arrival should you require a device and we will bring it to you.

Signed performances

ENO offers British sign language-interpreted performances and in our 2024/25 London Coliseum season they are

For people who are Blind or have a visual impairment

Audio introduction

We offer an audio introduction each opera performance which describes the show and begins 15 minutes before curtain up. This audio introduction is available via a headset that is supplied free of charge. To pick up your headset, visit the information desk in the London Coliseum foyer. If you prefer, we can send you this in advance, either by CD in the post, or as an audio link via email. Simply email [email protected] with your preference.

Large print and Braille

The cast list and synopsis for the opera is also available in Braille and large print on the night. Alternatively, we can send you this material in advance in the following formats: Braille, large print, CD or an email containing an audio link.

Guide dogs and assistance dogs

Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome inside the auditorium, although we are always delighted to look after your guide or assistance dog during the show – the choice is yours. We provide all dogs with a water bowl, and can take them for walks during the show.

Surtitles at the London Coliseum

For all our performances at the London Coliseum, there will be one screen above the stage to project English surtitles (not to be confused with subtitles, although they are more or less the same thing) so that your eyes can pick up what your ears might have missed. There are some seats in the London Coliseum where the view of the surtitles screen is restricted.

The screens used at the London Coliseum are black with yellow writing.

Relaxed Programme

Relaxed performances are for everyone, and they may particularly benefit those who might normally find it challenging to access theatre.

This might include anyone with dementia, learning disabilities, an autistic spectrum condition, Tourette’s syndrome, sensory disorders, anxiety, bladder and bowel conditions.

In our 2024/25 London Coliseum, we have two relaxed performances

  • The Elixir of Love Thursday 5 December 2024, 12.30pm
  • The Pirates of Penzance Thursday 30 January 2025, 1pm

Book your tickets by calling our box office team on 020 7845 9300. Large groups and schools should book tickets by email [email protected], we aim to respond within 3 working days. Please provide all access requirements for your party so we can make your visit as smooth as possible.

Parking and Drop-off Points

There are a couple of disabled bays in St Martin’s Lane and in Charing Cross Road. However, these do get snapped up very quickly so we don’t recommend that you rely solely on them.

Parking near London Coliseum

More information about disabled parking in the area is available on the Westminster Council website.

Website accessibility

Our website font is scalable and its size is determined by the settings of your browser. To adjust your text size,you can use the following keyboard shortcuts:

  • Windows, Linux and Chrome OS: Ctrl and +
  • Mac: ⌘ and +

Get in touch

If you would like to find out more about access at the London Coliseum, please get in touch with our box office: