We want you to have a truly brilliant experience at the opera.
To make your visit as enjoyable and stress-free as possible we’ve pulled together some of the questions people most frequently ask about attending opera for the first time.
Not sure what to expect? Hear from previous First Timers.
Booking your tickets
About the opera
Attending the opera
Booking your tickets
Where should I sit for my first opera?
The theatre is designed to give a clear view of the stage from every seat. It’s an architectural and engineering masterpiece, as you’ll see. However, please check our seating plan for any restricted legroom or restricted view of the surtitles.
If you would like some friendly and helpful advice then please feel free to contact our friendly Box Office team on [emailprotected](we’re open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm). We’d be delighted to help in any way we can.
Isn’t seeing the opera expensive?
We believe opera should be accessible to all, so our opera tickets start at just £10 plus £3.75 booking fee and £1.50 building levy per ticket.
No, really!
To see an ENO opera for a fraction of the price, you can take advantage of one of our many schemes such as Under 35s, where 21-34 year olds can book discounted opera tickets and Under 21s where 5-20 year olds can claim free opera tickets.
Get free opera tickets to see all ENO performances at the London Coliseum.
Choose to see more than one opera and save money on seats.
About the opera
Will I understand what is being sung?
Yes. Most English National Opera performances are sung in English, with the sung text projected above the stage (surtitles). (There are some seats in the London Coliseum where the view of the surtitles is restricted so if this is your first time we don’t recommend these seats.)
Where the opera was written in another language, we translate it into English.We believe that singing in English enhances the emotional connection between performers and audiences.
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Do I need to read up on the operas before I attend?
You can certainly do some reading using our plot outlines and guides to each opera but it’s not essential. Our guides will give you a short overview of the opera, the composer and the music. Just watch out for spoilers!
- The Beginner’s Guide to Gilbert and Sullivan
- An introduction to 7 Deaths of Maria Callas
- The Beginner’s Guide to Verdi
- An introduction to La traviata
- The Beginner’s Guide to Mozart
- An introduction to The Magic Flute
- An introduction to The Barber of Seville
It can also be helpful to watch our production trailers before hand, to get a taste of what you can expect!
There is no set dress code at ENO.
Many people dress up for our opening nights (the first performance of each opera), or for Gala performances and award ceremonies, when it is often black-tie. But for regular performances you can wear what you like.
Smart casual to high end couture, it’s your night and we want you to have a great time – all we ask is that if you have large headwear that you remove it for the performance. We don’t have a cloakroom so please leave your luggage at home.
@englishnationalopera Made you look 💂♀️🕺: @jyangwestland, @scottish_ru, Maxwell Griffin #LoveENO #EnglishNationalOpera #Opera #WestEnd #WestEndTheatre #London #Theatretok #Theatertok #Operatok #trending #dace #dancechallange #fyp #madeyoulook #madeyoulookchallenge #megantrainor
♬ Made You Look - Meghan Trainor
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Is there an operatic etiquette I need to follow?
There are no set rules about how and when you should show your enthusiasm for the performance, though most people wait until the end of a beautiful solo or duet, or a pause in the action, before clapping.
Our productions aim to be different – more theatrical, more movement, more choreography, and it’s great when audiences love that as much as we do.
Can I take photos?
Like all other theatres we ask that you do not use your mobile phone to photograph or record the performance though we positively encourage photography beforehand, in the auditorium, the foyers, bars – everywhere and you can film our curtain calls as the end of the opera. Just remember to tag us on your wonderful photos so we can share your evening.
- Instagram:EnglishNationalOpera
- Facebook: @EnglishNationalOpera
- Twitter:E_N_O
- TikTok EnglishNationalOpera
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Hear from our new opera goers...
“This was my first ever opera. I was absolutely blown away and will be going to see Carmen in February. We enjoyed the whole evening and liked the fact the ENO was welcoming and informal. Thank you for a wonderful experience.”
– 2022
“Really loved the sets and lighting, felt very immersed in the story despite it being our first opera. The performance was very inclusive being translated and also having subtitles above so that all the audience could follow. Would definitely recommend to a friend.”
– 2022
“We didn’t 100% know what to expect, and were blown away – the whole experience was lovely! It was a wonderful performance, easy to follow and the quality of the orchestra, singers, background, and setting overall was exceptional. We will be coming back!”
– 2022
@englishnationalopera The perfect night 😍 #ENOCarmen #Opera #ClassicalMusic #OperaSingersOfTikTok #Bizet #Theatre #Orchestra #WestEnd #WestEndTheatre #CurtainCall #SoldOut #Theatretok #ThingsToDo #thingstodoinlondon #DateNight #DateIdeas #DateNightIdeas #ComeWithUs #londondateidea
♬ Renaissance (Main Title Theme) [from "The White Lotus: Season 2"] - Cristobal Tapia De Veer
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We hope that we have answered the questions you may have and we can’t wait to welcome you to English National Opera and our wonderful home, the London Coliseum.
If you have any further questions, contact our Box Office team at [emailprotected].
Explore more
Delve deeper into the world of opera! Have a read through our many articles on topics around our productions, composers, and everything in between.
Finding us
The London Coliseum is easy to reach by bus, tube and rail.
As a seasoned opera enthusiast with a passion for the art form, I've had the privilege of attending numerous opera performances and delving deep into the intricacies of the opera world. My firsthand experiences and in-depth knowledge allow me to guide newcomers through the essential aspects of attending an opera, ensuring a truly brilliant experience.
Let's dissect the key concepts highlighted in the provided article on attending the opera for the first time:
Booking Your Tickets
Seating at the Theatre:
- The theater is ingeniously designed to provide a clear view of the stage from every seat.
- Check the seating plan for any restricted legroom or view of surtitles (projected sung text).
Ticket Prices:
- Opera tickets start at an affordable £10, plus additional fees.
- Various schemes, such as Under 35s and Under 21s, offer discounted or free tickets.
About the Opera
Language and Surtitles:
- Most English National Opera performances are in English, with surtitles projected above the stage.
- Translations are provided for operas originally written in another language.
Preparation for Attendees:
- Reading plot outlines and guides to operas is optional but can enhance understanding.
- Production trailers are available to give attendees a preview of what to expect.
Attending the Opera
Dress Code:
- No set dress code; attendees can wear anything from smart casual to high-end couture.
- Large headwear should be removed for the performance.
Etiquette:
- No strict rules on when to show enthusiasm, but applause often occurs at the end of solos, duets, or pauses.
- Productions aim to be theatrical and may involve more movement and choreography.
Photography and Social Media:
- Photography and recording during the performance are not allowed.
- Encouragement for photography in designated areas before the performance and during curtain calls.
- The venue can be tagged on social media platforms.
Testimonials
- Positive feedback from first-time opera-goers highlights the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere of ENO performances.
Closing Remarks
- The article encourages readers to contact the Box Office team for further assistance.
- Additional resources, such as articles on productions and composers, are available for those interested in delving deeper into the world of opera.
In conclusion, attending the opera is presented as an accessible and enjoyable experience, catering to diverse preferences and ensuring that both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts have a memorable time at the English National Opera.
