Standing proudly in St. Martin's Lane in London's West End, the London Coliseum represents one of the most ambitious theatrical ventures of the Edwardian era. With its distinctive tower crowned by a rotating globe and its opulent interiors, this magnificent theatre has witnessed over a century of entertainment history, transforming from a "people's palace" of variety shows to the prestigious home of English National Opera.
The Vision of Oswald Stoll
The story of the London Coliseum begins with Sir Oswald Stoll, an impresario who dreamed of creating the finest variety theatre in Central London. In 1902, Stoll began purchasing properties in St. Martin's Lane with the vision of building a luxurious family entertainment venue that would distance itself from the rowdy atmosphere of traditional music halls while remaining accessible to the public. His motto, "pro bono publico" (for the public good), encapsulated his democratic vision for entertainment.
Frank Matcham's Architectural Masterpiece
To realize his vision, Stoll commissioned Frank Matcham, the leading theatre architect of the turn of the century, to design the building. Matcham created an exuberant Free Baroque structure featuring an Italian Renaissance facade and a 145-foot tower topped with a remarkable 5-tonne rotating electric globe. The building covered approximately 1.25 acres of ground, making it a dominant presence in the theatrical landscape. The architectural features were revolutionary for their time. The Coliseum was the first theatre in Europe to have passenger lifts, allowing patrons to reach the upper levels with ease—a luxury previously unavailable in British theatres. The marble-faced foyer featured intricate mosaic floors and decorative plasterwork, while a lightwell with a stained glass dome flooded the interior with natural light.
Revolutionary Stage Technology
The auditorium itself was built on four levels—Stalls, Dress Circle, Grand Tier, and Balcony—with an original capacity of 2,939 seats. The stage measured an impressive 55 feet wide by 92 feet deep, equipped with the first revolving stage in British theatre history. This triple-concentric revolving stage system cost £70,000 and represented cutting-edge theatrical technology. The semi-circular proscenium arch became the widest in London, allowing for spectacular productions. Among the more unusual features was the "King's Car," a luxurious lounge on tracks designed to transport royalty directly to their box. However, this innovation proved short-lived when it broke down during King Edward VII's first visit and was subsequently abandoned.
Opening Night and Early Challenges
The London Coliseum opened its doors on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1904, with a Grand Variety Show featuring a musical spectacle called "Port Arthur." Despite the grandeur of the venue and the technological innovations, the theatre initially struggled to find its audience. The high ticket prices and the somewhat unclear positioning between music hall and legitimate theatre led to the venue closing in 1906, just two years after opening. Undeterred, Stoll regrouped and reopened the Coliseum in December 1907 with a revised approach. This time, the theatre found success with a mix of variety performances, circus acts, and spectacular productions that appealed to families seeking wholesome entertainment.
A Century of Memorable Moments
Throughout the early 20th century, the Coliseum hosted numerous remarkable events. In February 1908, it famously staged a cricket match between Middlesex and Surrey on its massive stage. In 1911, it premiered W.S. Gilbert's final play, "The Hooligan," bringing theatrical royalty to the venue. The theatre also became one of the first places in London to sell Coca-Cola, demonstrating its commitment to introducing modern American innovations to British audiences. During World War I, the Coliseum maintained its programming, providing vital morale-boosting entertainment for the public.
Transition to Musicals and Cinema
The 1930s marked a significant shift in the theatre's programming. In 1931, the Coliseum transitioned from variety performances to large-scale musicals and legitimate theatre. The production of "White Horse Inn" that same year became a massive success, running for 651 performances. A dramatic moment in Coliseum history occurred on the last night of "Casanova" in 1932, when lead actors Arthur Fear and Charles Mayhew engaged in a famous physical scuffle on stage. In 1933, the theatre screened the original "King Kong" film, attracting an astounding 10,000 viewers daily. Following World War II, the theatre enjoyed its longest-running production when "Annie Get Your Gun" opened in 1947 and ran for 1,304 performances. By 1961, the Coliseum's future as a live performance venue appeared uncertain. MGM leased the building and converted it into a cinema. From 1963 to 1968, it housed the largest cinema screen in London, featuring Cinerama presentations on a massive 80-foot wide curved screen.
Rebirth as an Opera House
The defining transformation in the Coliseum's history came in 1968 when the Sadler's Wells Opera Company took up residence in the building. The theatre underwent major renovations to adapt it for operatic performances, including the removal of the historic revolving stage in the 1970s. In 1974, the company renamed itself the English National Opera (ENO), and the Coliseum became synonymous with accessible, English-language opera performances. The English National Opera purchased the freehold of the building in 1992, cementing the Coliseum's status as Britain's premier opera house outside Covent Garden. The venue also became the London base for the English National Ballet, hosting spectacular dance productions.
Restoration and Modern Era
Between 2000 and 2004, the Coliseum underwent another major restoration to preserve its Edwardian splendor and modernize its facilities. The rotating globe atop the tower was restored to working order in 2004, once again becoming a rotating beacon above the London skyline. The building received Grade II* listed status, recognizing its exceptional architectural and historical importance. In 2004 and 2006, the theatre hosted the Royal Variety Performances, returning to its roots as a venue for spectacular entertainment while maintaining its operatic identity. The venue has also witnessed rock history, with The Who recording a concert there in 1969.
Legacy and Future
Today, with a current capacity of 2,359 seats, the London Coliseum remains the largest theatre in London's West End. Its vast auditorium, with its domed ceiling, intricate plasterwork, and gilding, continues to transport audiences back to the opulence of the Edwardian era. Sir Oswald Stoll's legacy extends beyond the theatre itself. His mother worked in the box office for 20 years, demonstrating his personal connection to the venue. After World War I, Stoll established the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation to provide housing for veterans, showing his commitment to public service matched his theatrical ambitions. Recent years have seen discussions about the future use of the Coliseum, with proposals to shift toward more commercial programming including musical theatre and dance, while potentially relocating the ENO's primary operations. These conversations echo the building's history of reinvention and adaptation. The London Coliseum stands as a monument to theatrical ambition and architectural excellence. From its revolutionary opening with the first revolving stage in Britain to its current status as a world-class opera house, the theatre has continually evolved while maintaining the grandeur and democratic spirit that Oswald Stoll envisioned over 120 years ago. Whether hosting variety acts, cricket matches, cinema spectacles, or grand operas, the Coliseum has remained true to its founding motto: "pro bono publico"—for the public good.