Attending opera for the first time?

Booking your tickets

Where should I sit for my first opera?

The London Coliseum is 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.

London Coliseum Seating Plan

About the opera

Will I understand what is being sung?

Yes.

Most English National Opera 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 below 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…”

(There are some seats in the London Coliseum where the view of the surtitles is restricted so if this is your first time we don’t recommend these seats.)

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.

Watch more of our best-loved opera songs (arias) on YouTube

Attending the opera

Is there a dress code?

There is no set dress code at ENO.

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.

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.

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.

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“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!”