English National Opera

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English National Opera
London Coliseum
St. Martin's Lane
London WC2N 4ES

1898

Lilian Baylis, at the age of 23, presents a series of opera recitals at the Old Vic theatre.

1912

She goes to establish a theatre company at the Old Vic, initially performing cut-down versions of Shakespeare.

1928

Lilian Baylis takes on a small group of dancers (the ballet company later separated from Vic-Wells and eventually renamed: The Royal Ballet).

1931

Sadler's Wells Theatre opens and the Vic-Wells Opera Company is formed. Initially the Company performs at both the Old Vic and Sadlers' Wells.

1937

Lilian Baylis dies.

World War II

During World War II Sadler's Wells is requisitioned and the Company moves to Burnley, touring the Country to raise war-time spirits.

1945

Sadler's Wells re-opens with Britten's Peter Grimes, introducing the first English opera composer since Purcell to receive international acclaim.

1968

Managing Director Stephen Arlen moves Sadler's Wells Opera from Sadler's Wells Theatre to the London Coliseum.

1974

Sadler's Wells Opera becomes English National Opera (ENO).

1984

ENO is the first British opera company to tour the United States.

1990

ENO is the first major foreign opera company to tour the former Soviet Union.

1992

ENO acquires the freehold to the London Coliseum.

2000

The Company embarks on a four year restoration programme on its home the London Coliseum.