The Perfect American
London Coliseum
London Coliseum, St Martin's Lane, London, London, WC2N 4ES
Venue Information
Approx. capacity: 2358
The London Coliseum (also known as the Coliseum Theatre) is a theatre on St. Martin's Lane, central London. It is one of London's largest and best-equipped theatres and opened in 1904, designed by theatrical architect Frank Matcham (designer of the London Palladium), for impresario Oswald Stoll. Their ambition was to build the largest and finest music hall, describe as the 'People's palace of entertainment' of its age. It is currently the home of the English National Opera. The inaugural performance was a variety bill on 24 December 1904. In 1911, dramatist W. S. Gilbert produced his last play here, The Hooligan. The theatre changed its name from the London Coliseum to the Coliseum Theatre between 1931 and 1968 when a run of 651 performances of the musical comedy White Horse Inn began on 8 April 1931. It reverted to the original name when the Sadler's Wells Opera Company moved there in 1968. The Company changed its name to the English National Opera in 1974 and bought the freehold of the building for 12.8m pounds. From 16 June 1963 it became the second of London's three Cinerama Theatres, first showing the 3-strip version for the first 5 months, then 70mm single strip film was shown until 22 May 1968 when it screened its final movie. It has the widest proscenium arch in London and was one of the first to have electric lighting. It was built with a revolving stage although this was rarely used. The theatre retains many of its original features and was Grade II listed by English Heritage in September 1960. The design team for the refurbishment was RHWL (architects), Arup Acoustics (acousticians) and Arup (building engineers). The theatre hosted both the 2004 and 2006 Royal Variety Performances, in the presence of HRH the Prince of Wales.
Transport
By Tube
The nearest tube station is Leicester Square.
By Train
The nearest train station is Charing Cross.
By Car
Located in the heart of the West End, the London Coliseum is situated on St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4ES. It is advised to use public transport where possible.
By Bus
Buses 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 53, 77a, 88, 91, 139, 159 and 176.
Parking
There is limited on street parking. The nearest NCP is Bedfordbury.
Accessibility
Wheelchair Access
There are two wheelchair spaces in the Stalls, two wheelchair spaces in the Dress Circle and four wheelchair space in the Stalls Boxes. Also, transfer seats for those who are able to transfer out of their wheelchairs, comprising four in the Dress Circle and six in the Balcony.
Hearing Systems
They offer an enhanced sound system via headphones. To request this, please visit the Information Desk in the London Coliseum foyer.
Guide Dogs
Blind patrons may not take their guide dogs into the auditorium, but the theatre management staff will be more than happy to look after them during the performance.
General Access Info
For access information and to book, please contact the venue on 020 7845 9300.
Doors Open: 7:00PM
Starts: 7:30PM
More Information about The Perfect American Tickets
A £2.75 transaction fee applies (this will be added to your order on the payment page)
THE PERFECT AMERICAN
Booking period Saturday 1st June to Friday 28th June 2013
Philip Glass
New Production
#ENOAmerican
Based on Peter Stephan Jungk's novel and written by Philip Glass, one of the world's most important composers, The Perfect American imagines the final years of Walt Disney's life, including mythical imaginings of Abraham Lincoln and Andy Warhol. This latest opera from Glass, his 24th, was commissioned by ENO and Teatro Real Madrid to mark his 75th birthday.
British theatre director Phelim McDermott returns following his spectacular production of Satyagraha for ENO and the Metropolitan Opera, New York, described as 'transfixing musically and visually' (The Guardian). The design is by leading international designer Dan Potra, whose work on the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games ceremony was widely acclaimed.
Fresh from his exceptional performance as Mephistopheles in Terry Gilliam's 2011 Damnation of Faust, acclaimed British baritone Christopher Purves is Walt Disney, while soprano Janis Kelly creates the role of Disney's studio nurse and confidante.
Access performances
Signed performance Monday 17th June 2013
Seating Plan
Where we provide a seating plan for events, every effort is made to show you correct information. However, we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of our seating plans in case of short term or venue specific changes due to production requirements. Seating plans are generally provided as a guide only and are not an exact representation of the seating layout at the venue.
What people are saying about The Perfect American
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