Apollo Theatre

The Apollo Theatre is a Grade II listed venue on Shaftesbury Avenue in London’s West End, close to Piccadilly Circus. It opened on 21 February 1901 and was the first theatre built in London during the Edwardian era (About the Apollo Theatre).

The building is the only complete theatre design by architect Lewin Sharp and is known for its Edwardian architecture and artistic heritage. The auditorium has four levels — Stalls, Dress Circle, Grand Circle and Balcony — and Nimax lists a seating capacity of 827 (official Apollo Theatre venue page).

Originally built for musical entertainment, the Apollo has since presented plays, musicals, dramas and comedies. Past productions named by the theatre include Rain Man, Jerusalem, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and the West End premiere of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (About the Apollo Theatre).

Step-free wheelchair access to the Apollo Theatre’s Stalls is provided by a platform stair lift. The platform measures 100 cm by 80 cm and has a maximum load of 300 kg, so wheelchairs and scooters must fit within those dimensions. Report to the main entrance on arrival and staff will assist you. Wheelchair positions are available in the Stalls, including removable seats at Q1 and Q22, and there is an accessible unisex toilet on this level (Apollo visitor information).

Nimax’s current access guidance lists 22 steps from the foyer to the Stalls, 12 to the Dress Circle, 41 from street level to the Grand Circle and 92 to the Balcony. The Stalls bar is 11 further steps below the Stalls. Visitors using the platform lift are advised to arrive around 45 minutes before the performance (Nimax accessibility information).

The theatre has a Sennheiser radio-frequency hearing system. HDE 2020-D-II stethoset and EK 2020-D-II belt-pack receivers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The EK receiver can connect to a personal neck loop for hearing aids set to the T position; the system is not Bluetooth compatible. Assistance dogs are welcome, and dog sitting can be requested in advance.

Audio-described, captioned, BSL-interpreted and relaxed performances are scheduled for selected productions. Check the current Nimax access schedule for Apollo dates. Access tickets for selected shows can be booked online, or you can contact the access team on 0330 333 4815 or access@nimaxtheatres.com to discuss seating and other requirements.

The Apollo Theatre is at 31 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7EZ, close to Piccadilly Circus in London’s West End (official Apollo Theatre venue page).

The nearest listed Underground stations are Piccadilly Circus, served by the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines, and Leicester Square, served by the Northern and Piccadilly lines. The closest mainline rail station is Charing Cross. Check Transport for London before travelling for live service information and step-free route planning.

The venue links to current nearby bus information rather than publishing a fixed route list. For drivers, its current page lists JustPark at Trafalgar Square, NCP Brewer Street and Titan Leicester Square as nearby parking options. Parking availability and restrictions can change, and Blue Badge holders should check current Westminster information before travelling.

The Apollo Theatre box office opens at 12pm on performance days and closes when the evening performance begins. The theatre and bars usually open around one hour before the show, with the auditorium opening approximately 45 minutes before. Nimax recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before the performance to allow time for security checks and finding your seat (official Apollo Theatre venue page; Nimax FAQs).

Bars are located in the Stalls, Grand Circle and Balcony. Programmes and ice creams are available in the auditorium, and drinks and confectionery can be ordered through the Nimax Theatres app on the day for collection. A small cloakroom is available for large bags and suitcases for a charge, and stored items are subject to search.

Photography, filming and audio recording are not allowed during performances unless stated otherwise. Latecomers may be admitted at a suitable break, but admission is not guaranteed. Children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over and seated together; any further age guidance is specific to the production. Outside food and drink are not permitted, although sealed bottles of water are allowed (Nimax FAQs).

If your ticket provider has sent online check-in or ticket-delivery instructions, follow the timing in that message. If you cannot access your ticket on the day, ask the box office for help when you arrive.