London Coliseum
38 St. Martin's Lane,
London,
WC2N 4ES
38 St. Martin's Lane,
London,
WC2N 4ES
4 people
favorited this theater
Opened on 24th December 1904 as the London Coliseum Theatre of Varieties, it was built for Sir Oswald Stoll and designed by famed theatre architect Frank Matcham. It was the largest and most luxurious ‘family’ variety theatre in London. Seating was in three tiers. orchestra stalls, dress circle, grand tier and balcony. It was the only theatre in Europe that provided lifts (elevators) taking patrons to the upper parts of the theatre. The Coliseum was the first theatre in England to have a triple revolve installed on its stage.
Variety shows continued until 1931 when it became home to big musicals and was known as the Coliseum Theatre. From 1947 it staged big American musicals such as “Annie Get Your Gun” (which ran for three years), “Kiss Me Kate”, “Guys and Dolls”, “Pajama Game”, “Damn Yankees”, “Bells are Ringing” and “Most Happy Fella”.
From 16th 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 22nd May 1968 when it screened its final movie.
The theatre was then purchased by the English National Opera company, who produce opera, sung in English. In 2004, work was completed on a total restoration of the theatre.
The London Coliseum is designated a Grade II* Listed building by English Heritage.
Contributed by
KenRoe
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Recent comments (view all 12 comments)
A recent photograph of the Baroque styled tower over the entrance to the Coliseum. Note the name on top that revolves:
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A recent photograph of the facade of the London Coliseum Theatre:
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I saw the late June Bronhill on stage in “The Merry Widow” at the London Coliseum in Sept. 1959. What a beautiful, glamourous, huge theatre. It must have made a great Cinerama house. I have attended several ENO performances there over the years. A wonderful theatre, even the outside walls are interesting— the facade, for sure; plus the north sidewall, and the rear stage wall. An outstanding theatre.
Two views of the London Coliseum auditorium and proscenium, taken before the recent 2004 refurbishment. (When a Cinerama theatre, the screen extended in-front of the eight stage boxes):
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Two exterior photos taken in September 2008 here:–
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Two vintage views of the auditorium, as seen from the stage:
In the 1930’s:
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In the 1970’s:
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Very, Very, Nice.
Ken do you have any photos of The Astoria Cinerama Screen? I see plenty of info on the cinema itself, and early pics of the auditorium, but nothing on the Cinerama/todd AO days? thanks
Ken Roe, What memories you stirred in me, I can remember seeing all the Cinerama films you mentioned. Do you by any chance have any photos or info on the travelling Cinerama theatre that toured the UK in the mid 1960’s?
There is some information about this traveling Cinerama theatre here.