Guided Tours

The London Coliseum, commissioned by the great theatrical impressario Oswald Stoll and designed by the flamboyant theatre architect Frank Matcham, opened as a Music Hall in 1904. It is considered to be Matcham's masterpiece and is a sensational example of Edwardian architecture in the grand style. It quickly became known as ‘The Peoples Palace’; a theatre that was affordable to enter but which would also inspire a sense of wonder and excitement.

These friendly and informal guided tours include a great deal of this extraordinary building, taking in the old Gentleman‘s Baronial Smoking Hall, Stoll‘s Balcony, some Private Rooms, the Upper Glassed Terraces, the fabulous auditorium as well as the warren of staircases backstage including beneath the vast revolving stage and orchestra pit (when possible).

Tours last approximately one hour and include quite a lot of walking, as well as quite a few stairs to climb. Paces on the guided tours must be booked in advance and fill up very quickly so are not usually available on the day of the tour. Please do not arrive for a guided tour unless you have written confirmation via your online booking, or confirmation of a place by telephone.

Private tours are sometimes available on request. Call 020 7845 9300 or email bomanagers@eno.org for further information.