Access
At the ENO we are proud to create extraordinary encounters with opera on stage and beyond and we are committed to making those encounters available to everyone.
For every performance we have a dedicated Access Supervisor who is on hand to provide additional assistance to customers with access needs.
Should you require assistance please ask a member of staff upon arrival or contact the Box Office prior to attending to let us know how we can help you have the best experience possible.
Join our Access scheme
We run an access scheme which gives audiences with a disability, a health condition, or different access needs the following:
- half price tickets (subject to availability)
- priority booking
- Braille and large print versions of cast lists and synopses
To join the ENO’s access scheme please complete the Registration Form
Fill out the registration form online
For more information, or if you need assistance completing the registration form, please email: access@eno.org
We offer the following additional support to ensure everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable visit.
Accessibility at the London Coliseum
For people who are Deaf or have a hearing impairment
For people who are Blind or have a visual impairment
Relaxed performances
Parking and Drop-off Point
Contact our team
Accessibility in the London Coliseum
Access for people who use a wheelchair or a mobility scooter
We have the following provisions for wheelchair users:
- If you would like to transfer from your chair, there is step-free access to eight stalls boxes; Row O in the Stalls; Row K in the Dress Circle and Row K in the Balcony.
- If you would like to stay in your chair there are three wheelchair spaces in Row O in the Stalls, Row K in the Dress Circle. There are also eight Stalls boxes that are wheelchair accessible.
- Adapted accessible unisex toilets on four out of five levels of the London Coliseum: Lower Ground, Stalls, Dress Circle and Balcony (not Upper Circle)
- We have a lift which provide access to all levels of the auditorium and to all bars and restaurants. Please note: there is no level access seating in the upper circle.
Wheelchair spaces and transfer seats can be booked by calling the Box Office on 020 7845 9300.
Take a look at our seating plan.
For people who are Deaf or have a hearing impairment
Enhanced sound systems
We offer a free enhanced sound system via headphones.
We use a Sennheiser radio frequency system for assisted listening and audio description. Devices are available with outer ear headphones or induction neck loops for hearing aid users. You can also bring your own headphones which must have a 3.5mm jack to work with our devices.
Please speak to a member of staff upon arrival should you require a device and we will bring it to you.
Signed performances
ENO offers British sign language-interpreted performances.
It’s a Wonderful Life – Wednesday 7 December 2022, 7.30pm
Carmen – Monday 20 February 2023, 7.30pm
The Rhinegold – Wednesday 8 March 2023, 7.30pm
The Dead City – Monday 3 April 2023, 7.30pm
Blue – Tuesday 2 May 2023, 7.30pm
For people who are Blind or have a visual impairment
Audio introduction
We offer an audio introduction each opera performance which describes the show and begins 15 minutes before curtain up. This audio introduction is available via a headset that is supplied free of charge. To pick up your headset, visit the information desk in the London Coliseum foyer. If you prefer, we can send you this in advance, either by CD in the post, or as an audio link via email. Simply email access@eno.org with your preference.
Large print and Braille
The cast list and synopsis for the opera is also available in Braille and large print on the night. Alternatively, we can send you this material in advance in the following formats: Braille, large print, CD or an email containing an audio link.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome inside the auditorium, although we are always delighted to look after your guide or assistance dog during the show – the choice is yours. We provide all dogs with a water bowl, and can take them for walks during the show.
Relaxed performances
Relaxed performances are for everyone, and they may particularly benefit those who might normally find it challenging to access theatre.
This might include anyone with dementia, learning disabilities, an autistic spectrum condition, Tourette’s syndrome, sensory disorders, anxiety, bladder and bowel conditions, and those with young children or babies.
We have two Relaxed performances coming up this Season:
- It’s a Wonderful Life – Wednesday 7 December 2022, 11.00
- Akhnaten – Tuesday 4 April 2023, 14.30
Video
Parking and Drop-off Points
There are a couple of disabled bays in St Martin’s Lane and in Charing Cross Road. However, these do get snapped up very quickly so we don’t recommend that you rely solely on them.
Instead, we recommend getting dropped off at the theatre in time for the driver to get to Q-Park Trafalgar on Spring Gardens, which is on the other side of Trafalgar Square. Q-Park Trafalgar on Spring Gardens is approximately 0.3 miles or, a six-minute walk from the London Coliseum.
You can receive a 50% discount at this car park, as well as other nearby car parks. To redeem your discount, please ask the Box Office at the London Coliseum to validate your car parking ticket and present it to an attendant at your chosen car park. Please note: If you pre-book, we cannot offer the 50% discount.
More information about disabled parking in the area is available on the Westminster Council website.
Website accessibility
Our website font is scalable and its size is determined by the settings of your browser. To adjust your text size,you can use the following keyboard shortcuts:
- Windows, Linux and Chrome OS: Ctrl and +
- Mac: ⌘ and +
Get in touch
If you would like to find out more about access at the London Coliseum, please get in touch with our box office:
- call: 020 7845 9300
- minicom: 020 7836 7666
- email: access@eno.org