Located on Argyll Street in Westminster, the London Palladium is a premier performing-arts space and generally considered amongst the most popular theatres in the United Kingdom. The West End theatre has hosted tons of stars over the years and also some of the most iconic musical variety shows of our times. The Palladium also holds the special honour of having hosted the most number of Royal Variety Performances, bringing the count to 42 in 2018.
Constructed in 1910, under the supervision of Walter Gibbons, a moving pictures manager, the London Palladium retains many of its original features and was officially listed as a Grade II building in 1960. The theatre has been around for almost 108 years and has had a truly colourful history, having been passed around different owners and used for a variety of different purposes. Given that the Palladium has hosted some of the most iconic performances and productions in the world, performing at its stage is considered the mark of a true artist and a great honour. In 2000, the London Palladium became a part of LW Theatres and underwent a major renovation in 2002.
Considered one of the biggest performance art venues in the world, the London Palladium has hosted some truly groundbreaking and notable performances. These include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 1991, Oliver!, Saturday Night Fever, The King and I, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Scrooge - The Musical, The Sound of Music, Sister Act the Musical, The Wizard of Oz, Cats, Eugenius, The Wind in the Willows, Dick Whittington, Snow White, and many others.
Venue Details
Address: 8 Argyll St, Soho, London W1F 7LA, UK
Opened: 26 December 1910
Seating Capacity: 2,286
Stalls : 1,043
Royal Circle: 597
Grand Circle: 654
Gallery: 131
Seating Chart
Check out the London Palladium Seating Plan here.
Good to Know: Accessibility & Facilities
Section Accessibility
Stalls: From the main foyer, the Stalls can be reached via a mere 12 steps. For wheelchair users, a customer lift is available which will take them from the foyer to their seats in the stalls. Given the limited steps and customer lift, this section is recommended for patrons with limited mobility.
Royal Circle: This section can be reached from the foyer by climbing 20 steps. This section is not recommended for patrons with limited mobility.
Grand Circle: The Grand Circle can be accessed by climbing 50 steps up from the main foyer. Again, patrons with limited mobility should avoid this section.
Facilities Inside London Palladium
Wheelchair-accessible seats are located on the left side of the stalls. These accessible seats can be reached by taking the level access door which is next to the main entrance. The theatre staff will be available at all times to aid wheelchair-accessible patrons and assist them in reaching their seats.
All three sections of the London Palladium are equipped with a male and female toilet. Since the stalls houses more seats, it has one extra toilet for females and also an access-adapted toilet. A second accessible toilet is located in the Var Parnell Bar.
Cloakroom facility is available at the London Palladium. Each item can be checked for £2.
Induction loops are located in the box offices in the main foyer. Infrared audio enhancement systems are also available for deaf or hearing impaired patrons. Please check with the theatre management upon arrival.
The London Palladium boasts four bars; the Val Parnell Suite, the Variety Bar in the Stalls, the Cinderella Bar in the Grand Circle and the Long Bar in the Upper Circle. The Variety Bar and the Val Parnell Bar are wheelchair-accessible.
Things to Know Before Your Visit
- The London Palladium allows assistance dogs to the theatre. While you enjoy the show, the dogs will be looked after by the theatre staff.
- Smoking inside the Palladium is not allowed. If you have to smoke, the theatre's level access host will help you find the way out the main entrance.
- There are a limited number of booster cushions available for children. If you need a booster cushion for your child, make sure they are shorter than 4 ft. Also, booster cushions are allowed for children seated in the Stalls section.
- You can buy show merchandise at the shop located inside the London Palladium. From programmes and brochures to magnets and mugs, there are plenty of options to choose from.
- Food and drinks can only be taken inside the theatre in plastic containers. If you have purchased drinks from the bar, please remember to transfer them to a plastic cup before taking them inside. Also, hot food, no matter the container, won't be allowed inside.
- If you're looking for ample leg space, avoid the middle seats, especially in the grand circle section. Opt for aisle seats for extra legroom.
Plan Your Visit: Getting There
The London Palladium is located on 8, Argyll Street in the city of Westminster. We would recommend opting for public transport to get to the theatre since there are a lot of options at your disposal. Here are the most popular ones:
The nearest tube station to the theatre is Oxford Circus Station which can be reached via the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines.
If you prefer a bus, the following bus lines service the London Palladium from Oxford Circus: 6, 13, 23, 94, 139, and 159.
If you do end up getting your car, the nearest car park to the theatre is the Q-Park Soho.
Restaurants Around London Palladium
There's no dearth of great dine-out options in London and the same is true for the area around the London Palladium. If you're looking for a pre or post-performance meal, here are some of our recommended options:
1. Mildreds Restaurant: This international-themed vegetarian eatery is famous for its organic, seasonal produce and a fine selection of wine.
2. Wagamama: Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at this chain restaurant where noodles and steamed rice are served in long communal tables.
3. Bill's Soho Restaurant:: Visit this modern European restaurant and try their special breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch, and dinner menus.
4. Sketch London: This offbeat and eccentric 18th-century townhouse tea room magically transforms into a cocktail lounge every evening.
5. Goodman: With low hanging pendant lamps, leather booths, and dark wood paneling, this steakhouse is worth visiting just for the ambience alone.
6. Hawksmoor: Featuring an art deco interior, this fine-dining restaurant features Devonshire market fish and prime cuts of finely matured beef.
FAQs: London Palladium
Where is London Palladium, London located?
What is the seating capacity of London Palladium, London?
Does London Palladium, London have accessible seating?
What are the facilities available at London Palladium, London?
Which is the nearest tube station to London Palladium, London?
More West End Guides
For more West End information, here are some helpful quick links!
