London Coliseum, London

A splendid example of Edwardian architecture, this baroque-style theater, designed in 1904, boasts an impressive 2,350-seat auditorium and a rooftop glass dome housing a bar that offers stunning panoramic views. It made history by introducing London's inaugural revolving stage and by being the pioneer of theater lifts in Europe. To this day, it remains the quintessential "People's Palace" for entertainment.

The expansive auditorium was built on four levels: Stalls, Dress Circle, Grand Tier, and Balcony. Notably, it lacked a pit, a departure from the norms of the late Victorian era when pits were reserved for lower-class patrons. Oswald Stoll, the visionary behind the theater, envisioned a family-friendly establishment, eschewing class distinctions. Astonishingly, during World War II, the Coliseum served as a canteen for the Air Raid Patrol, and even Winston Churchill delivered a speech from its stage. Post-1945, it predominantly featured American musicals, and in 1961, it transformed into a Cinerama Theatre.

Presently, the Coliseum stands as one of the city's most esteemed venues, primarily serving as the home of the English National Opera. This institution is renowned for its groundbreaking opera productions, which are performed in English and come at more affordable rates than those at the nearby Royal Opera House. In recent times, the company has also ventured into musicals, occasionally featuring renowned opera singers. During the opera's offseason, which includes the summer and winter holiday periods, the venue welcomes the English National Ballet and other performing troupes.

For those eager to delve into the building's architectural marvels and rich history, guided tours are available on selected dates at 11am, providing captivating insights into the theater's past and design.