Palace Theatre

The Palace Theatre, opened in 1891 as the Royal English Opera House, is a magnificent Grade II* listed building designed by Thomas Edward Collcutt. Its distinctive red brick and terracotta facade makes it an iconic landmark on Shaftesbury Avenue. Over its history, it has hosted numerous celebrated musicals and plays, maintaining a grand, opulent Victorian atmosphere that transports audiences.

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Seating

Stalls

The Stalls are located on the ground floor, offering direct access to the stage level. The section features a good rake, which generally provides clear sightlines over the heads of those in front, particularly from rows F backwards.

Front rows (A-C) are very close to the stage, requiring an upward gaze which can be uncomfortable for some and may result in missing action at the very back of the stage. Mid-stalls (rows D-M) are often considered excellent for their immersive view.

Legroom is standard for a historic theatre, which can be tight for taller people, though aisle seats offer more space. The overhang from the Dress Circle begins around row P/Q, potentially cutting off the very top of the stage for seats in the rear rows of the Stalls.

Dress Circle

Many seasoned theatregoers consider the Dress Circle, on the first floor, the ideal spot for appreciating the full set design and every nuance of the stage action. You'll enjoy an elevated and comprehensive view of the entire stage, with front rows (A-C) offering particularly strong, unobstructed perspectives.

Do note that a safety rail in front of Row A can cause a minor obstruction for shorter individuals, especially if you're seated at the extreme sides. Legroom is comparable to the Stalls, with aisle seats providing a little extra comfort.

A good rake ensures clear views over heads, and thankfully, the Grand Circle overhang doesn't typically impact views here, making this a highly sought-after tier.

Grand Circle

Up on the second floor, the Grand Circle offers a higher perspective of the stage. While you'll get a good overall view, the increased distance can make it challenging to discern fine details like facial expressions.

The rake is generally effective in maintaining clear sightlines over heads. Legroom can be tighter than in the lower levels, particularly in the central rows.

Be aware that the Balcony overhang can partially obscure the very top of the stage for seats in the rear rows (e.g., rows H-K). Additionally, some seats at the extreme sides may experience minor architectural obstructions or offer a more angled view of the stage.

Balcony

The Balcony, the highest tier on the third floor, typically offers the most affordable tickets, but be prepared for significant view restrictions. Its considerable height and very steep rake can make the stage feel very distant, and discerning facial expressions is generally difficult.

The safety rail in the front row (Row A) can be a substantial obstruction for many people due to the steep angle and height. Legroom here is generally the most restrictive in the theatre.

Views can also be partially obscured by pillars or other architectural features, especially at the sides. This section is not recommended if you experience vertigo or have significant mobility issues, due to the steep stairs and considerable height above the stage.

See the view from your seat

SeatPlan has photographs taken from individual seats at the Palace Theatre, alongside a full seating plan and reviews from people who sat there. Worth a look before you commit to a restricted-view seat.

View seat photos and plan

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Staying nearby

The nearest hotels to the Palace Theatre, for anyone travelling in for a show rather than heading home after it.

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Facilities

Toilets

GentsLadiesAccess.
StallsGents on StallsLadies on StallsAccessible on Stalls
Dress CircleGents on Dress CircleLadies on Dress CircleNo Accessible on Dress Circle
Grand CircleGents on Grand CircleLadies on Grand CircleNo Accessible on Grand Circle
BalconyGents on BalconyLadies on BalconyNo Accessible on Balcony

Bars

4

Stalls · Dress Circle · Grand Circle · Balcony

Cloakroom

£1

Stalls foyer and Dress Circle

Box office

12:00 – 20:00

performance days

per item

for in-person ticket collection

Stage door

Corner of the theatre, Greek Street / Shaftesbury Avenue side. From main entrance, go past the box office and around the corner.

Location

Open in Maps

Palace Theatre, 109-113 Shaftesbury Avenue, Cambridge Circus, London, W1D 5AY

Getting there

nearest first

  • 5–10 min

    Leicester Square

    PiccadillyNorthern
  • 5–10 min

    Tottenham Court Road

    CentralNorthernElizabeth
  • 5–10 min

    Covent Garden

    Piccadilly
Step-by-step walking directions

The Palace Theatre is located in Cambridge Circus. The nearest Tube stations are Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern lines), Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern, and Elizabeth lines), and Covent Garden (Piccadilly line). All are within a 5-10 minute walk.

At this venue