Nice theatre
Sir: Rupert Christiansen would have ENO leave the London Coliseum (`this hideous old Edwardian barn'), abandon Puccini and Verdi, and decamp to a smaller theatre in Hammersmith to perform Handel (Arts, 30 April).
During this season, the Coliseum has been packed to the rafters for La Boheme, Lohengrin, Der Rosenkavalier and The Pearl Fishers. Where else does Mr Christiansen expect the general public to enjoy large- scale opera at an average price of £25?
Despite needing repairs and restoration, the Coliseum emerged as a favourite in a recent survey of public attitudes to the major arts venues in London (Millward Brown International 1992), leading in these categories: nice theatre; reasonably priced; easy to book into, and courteous staff. Rupert Christiansen may not like the Coli- seum, but the public does.
John Nickson
English National Opera, The Coliseum, St Martin's Lane, London WC2
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