Palace Theatre

The Palace Theatre faces Cambridge Circus, at the junction of Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road. Its red-brick building is Grade II* listed, and the auditorium seats 1,434 people across the Stalls, Dress Circle, Grand Circle and Balcony.

Operated by Nimax Theatres, it has been the London home of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child since 2016. Its stage has also hosted major musicals including Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Misérables, The Woman in White, Spamalot and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. This long association with musical theatre followed its original use as an opera house.

Wheelchair access to the Stalls is through the side entrance on Shaftesbury Avenue. There is a 3 cm step, for which staff can provide a ramp. Make yourself known at the main entrance on Cambridge Circus and arrive around 45 minutes before the performance for assistance.

The main entrance has two steps to the foyer. The usual stair routes involve 20 steps down to the Stalls, 30 up to the Dress Circle, 56 to the Grand Circle and 77 to the Balcony. Confirm a suitable wheelchair space or transfer seat with the Access Team before booking.

An accessible unisex toilet is in the Stalls. The bars have no level access, but staff can bring refreshments to your seat. Sennheiser radio-frequency hearing equipment is available on a first-come basis; it is not Bluetooth compatible. Assistance dogs are welcome by advance arrangement, with dog-sitting for up to two dogs per performance.

Contact 0330 333 4815 or access@nimaxtheatres.com to discuss your requirements. Check the current production’s access schedule for audio-described, captioned, BSL-interpreted and relaxed performances.

The Palace Theatre is at Cambridge Circus, 113 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 5AY.

Nearby stations include Leicester Square on the Northern and Piccadilly lines, Tottenham Court Road on the Central, Northern and Elizabeth lines, and Piccadilly Circus on the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines. Charing Cross is the closest mainline railway station.

Use TfL’s journey planner for current routes, nearby bus stops, service changes and accessible travel options. If step-free travel is essential, check the complete route from platform to street before setting off.

Urban Parking on Shelton Street is one off-street parking option. Check current opening hours, availability and charges directly. Blue Badge users should consult Westminster’s disabled-parking information and the signs at the chosen bay, including any suspensions.

The Palace Theatre opened in January 1891 as the Royal English Opera House. Designed by Thomas Edward Collcutt for Richard D’Oyly Carte, it was intended as a home for English grand opera. The venture was short-lived: in 1892 the building became the Palace Theatre of Varieties, with the shorter Palace Theatre name following in 1911.

In 1912, it hosted the first Royal Variety Performance, attended by King George V and Queen Mary. Musical comedy became an important part of the programme with No, No, Nanette in 1925. Later productions included Jesus Christ Superstar and Les Misérables, which played here from 1985 to 2004.

The theatre was listed Grade II* on 29 June 1960. It joined Nimax Theatres in 2012, when Nica Burns and Max Weitzenhoffer acquired the building from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group.

The theatre and bars usually open approximately one hour before the performance. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes early for security checks and finding your seat; allow around 45 minutes if you need assistance at the access entrance. Check your ticket confirmation for any production-specific instructions.

Bags are searched on arrival. A small cloakroom stores larger items for a charge during performance times; travel light where possible. Bars sell drinks and snacks. Outside food and drink are not permitted, apart from sealed bottles of water. Contact the theatre in advance about special dietary requirements.

There is no formal dress code. Photography, filming and audio recording are prohibited during performances unless explicitly permitted. Late admission and re-entry depend on a suitable break and are not guaranteed.

Children aged 14 and under must sit beside an accompanying adult aged 18 or over. Check the production’s own age guidance and content information before booking. The current visitor policies cover security, refreshments and other arrangements.