What to Expect
Here are the answers to some of the most often asked questions to help you plan your visit.
What time should I arrive?
Is there a lift at the theatre?
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 interval drinks in advance?
Are there toilets at the theatre?
Will my bag be checked when I arrive?
Do you have a cloakroom?
What if I’m late?
Can I buy a programme or merchandise at the theatre?
What happens if I feel unwell during my visit?
The London Coliseum is open from 75 minutes before your show. 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 merchandise, 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.
If you’d like a drink or a bite to eat when you get here, you’ll find our bars open from 75 minutes before the show. You’ll be able to take your seat in the theatre auditorium from 30 minutes before the performance begins.
Is there a lift at the theatre?
Yes. We have a lift for all levels. It can be found in the foyer by the Box Office.
Where do I collect my tickets?
You do not need to collect your tickets. You can print your e-ticekts 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 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.
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?
We have some delicious options available
You can book dining options for your show
- Book for English National Opera
- Book for Nutcracker and Giselle
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.
Ice creams are available on every level during the interval, and our selection includes vegan options.
Can I order my interval drinks in advance?
Yes, absolutely. We encourage you to order your refreshments in advance so you do not have to queue at the bar.
Are there toilets at the theatre?
Yes. Toilets are available on all levels of the theatre. Toilets will be cleaned throughout the day, before, during and after shows. We understand that some people have invisible disabilities that mean they have special requirements. Accessible toilets are available on most levels. Please speak to a member of staff for directions.
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.
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.
Should our cloakroom be full, or if you have items we cannot accept, a left luggage facility is available at Charing Cross Station run by Excess Baggage Company. 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.
We cannot accept the following
- large bags or suitcases
- perishable goods
- ebike, escooters or similar and their batteries.
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.
Can I buy a programme or merchandise at the theatre?
Programmes and merchandise are available on all levels and from our shop on the ground floor. Selected items are available from our online shop.
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.