Central London Activities

The London Coliseum, St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4ES

Manon is arguably Kenneth MacMillan's masterpiece, a tragic love story and an epic adventure with infidelities, escapes, abductions and murders. Jules Massenet's fascinating melodies accompany Manon as she weaves her way through decadence and darkness, indulging in love, luxury and pleasure.

This thrilling tragedy brings to life the French classic novel Manon Lescaut by Abbé Prevost - a tragic love story and an epic adventure with infidelities, escapes, abductions and murders. Jules Massenet's fascinating melodies accompany Manon as she weaves her way through the decadence and darkness of enlightened eighteenth century Paris, indulging in love, luxury and pleasure. Although she finally chooses love for Des Grieux over the material pleasures offered by Monsieur GM, Manon pays the ultimate price for her corruption.

This production of Manon was premiered by the Royal Danish Ballet in 2003, and is given its London premiere by English National Ballet's 67 dancers and symphony orchestra in 2009.

Critics' choice

... There seems no end to the public's enthusiasm for MacMillan's steamy tale of the gold-digging courtesan who ends up dying ignominiously in the swamps of Louisiana. With its overheated emotions and fabulous furs, ballerinas love it too… and those luscious melodies will stick with you long after the curtain has dropped.

The Times

Manon [is] staged around the world, to continuing acclaim, with ballerinas forming eager queues to try their artistry and their emotions as the irresistible, infuriating heroine.

Financial Times

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Essential information

• Nearest station: Leicester Square
• This venue has disabled access - please contact the venue directly for specific details
• Balcony seats normally £10 per person
• Performance running time: 2hrs 40mins (including two intervals)

116 St. Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4BF

The International's first floor restaurant, Katana, delivers a minimalist design approach with a maximum menu experience. A contemporary dining space, lighted with tea light candles gives this small and beautifully decorated restaurant a relaxed, yet intimate atmosphere.

Under the supervision of Executive chef Anthony Morrison (Conran), the restaurant offers a delicious Pan Asian and Oriental menu, carefully reflecting the delicate styles and flavours of the Far East. All connoisseurs will be relieved to know that these are all delightfully complimented by a great selection of quality wines and fine champagnes.

Ingredients are selected daily from the highest quality suppliers which is clearly reflected in the flavours and presentation of each dish. Service is swift and consistently polite, so don't feel that just because you're getting a fabulous offer you'll be treated any differently.

And once your feast is over, simply head to the relaxing bar just downstairs and settle into one of the leather sofas with an after dinner cocktail. Cheers!

Click on the picture to enlarge it

Staff pick

If you enjoy far-eastern cuisine then Katana is a must. The decor is clean and minimal and the staff makes you feel instantly welcome... And then there is the food, which is superb. There is a massive choice on the menu with plenty of main dishes and smaller choices too. Luckily we got to taste a few different dishes, which was good, as I don't think that I could have ever chosen from the amazing menu. I would recommend the lamb shoulder spiced with cinnamon and cumin served with pumpkin puree which was divine, there is a tasty and original choice of different Thai curries including a yummy red curry with butternut squash, sweet potato and baby corn. For starters, you definitely have to check out the lamb satay, which was a very tasty twist on that old favourite dish. And if you fancy a little drinky afterwards then there is also an extensive and imaginative cocktail menu in the downstairs bar.

Claire - Editor

Your meal is two course from a selected pre-theatre menu. Any additional items such as additional courses or drinks are not included.

Essential information

• Nearest station: Charing Cross/Leicester Square
• Please contact the venue directly for information about disabled access