On the day - it's showtime
Here are the answers to some of the most often asked questions to help you plan your visit.
What time should I arrive?
Can I take photos?
I have access requirements, how can you help?
Where do I collect my tickets?
Can I use my card to make payments at the theatre?
Can I bring my own food into the theatre?
What food and drink options are available?
Can I order my pre-performance and interval drinks in advance?
Will my bag be checked when I arrive?
Do you have a cloakroom?
What if I’m late?
Do I need to wear a face covering?
What happens if I feel unwell during my visit?
What time should I arrive?
We recommend arriving as early as possible and no later than 15 minutes before the performance starts so that you have plenty of time to collect your tickets, buy a programme, and find your seat.
The London Coliseum is an incredible building – and many people arrive early to soak up the atmosphere and take a look round.
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. Just remember to tag us on your wonderful photos so we can share your evening.
- Instagram: EnglishNationalOpera
- Twitter: E_N_O
- TikTok EnglishNationalOpera
I have access requirements, how can you help?
Our staff are on hand to make your visit as smooth as possible.
For every performance we have a dedicated Access Supervisor who is on hand to provide additional assistance if you have access needs. Just ask a member of staff when you arrive or contact the Box Office beforehand to let us know how we can help you have the best experience possible.
Where do I collect my tickets?
If you selected an e-ticket you can print these at home or access them via your phone or tablet – they will be attached to your confirmation email and so you can go directly to your seats when you get here.
If you have your confirmation email on your phone you can just open the e-ticket attachment and show that to our staff.
If you’ve chosen to collect your tickets, you’ll need to go to our box office in the theatre foyer where one of the team will be happy to help.
If you have any questions, contact our Box Office team at [email protected].
Can I use my card to make payments at the theatre?
The London Coliseum is a cashless venue. All catering and shop purchases must be made by credit or debit card.
Can I bring my own food into the theatre?
We don’t allow any hot drinks, food or alcohol purchased from outside the theatre to be brought into the building, and due to licensing any alcohol will be confiscated.
If any confectionery or bottled drinks are brought inside, we kindly ask that you do no open them inside the auditorium as the noise created can be distracting for other customers.
We have water stations across all main levels of our theatre and welcome you to bring in and refill any reusable bottles you may have.
What food and drink options are available?
If you’d like a drink or a bite to eat when you get here, you’ll find our bars open from 90 minutes before the show. You’ll be able to take your seat in the theatre auditorium from 60 minutes before the performance begins.
Alternatively, if you are looking for something lighter than dinner, we have four bars on every level of the auditorium selling a range of hot and cold drinks and snacks.
Can I order my pre-performance and interval drinks in advance?
Yes, absolutely. We encourage you to order your refreshments in advance so our team can make them available to you on arrival.
Will my bag be checked when I arrive?
The safety and security of our staff and customers is of the upmost importance to us, which is why there are security checks at the entrance to the theatre, so please ensure you arrive in good time before the performance.
We have a zero-tolerance policy approach to abuse of any kind towards our staff. We ask that all audience members respect our team as they carry out their checks.
Do you have a cloakroom?
Yes, we have a small cloakroom in the foyer next to the main staircase. Our cloakroom opens 75 minutes before the performance. It remains open for 30 minutes following the show. Items can be stored only during these times.
The venue assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of personal belongings.
Our cloakroom fee is £2 per item, whether it’s a bag or a coat. We can accommodate small bags, coats, and other small items. We class a small bag as standard rucksack size or smaller or a standard handbag.
There are left luggage facilities run by Excess Baggage Company at Charing Cross station. You can pre-book and pay online or drop off your bag on the day.
There are also other left luggage facilities nearby where you need to pre-book and pay online.
What if I’m late?
Don’t worry, if you are late, you will be able to view the performance on a TV monitor whilst our staff wait for an appropriate point in the performance to allow you to enter the auditorium and take your seat. Our staff will try to do this as early as they can within the performance but this isn’t always possible and in some cases you may be asked to wait until the interval.
Do I need to wear a face covering?
Wearing a face covering is now a personal choice, however, we encourage all customers to be mindful and respectful of others and their decision about wearing a face covering.
Please do not attend the performance if you have cold, flu or COVID symptoms ( People with symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19 – GOV.UK). The safety of audiences, staff and performers remains our priority.
What happens if I feel unwell during my visit?
If for any reason you feel unwell during a performance please speak to a member of staff who will be happy to assist.