Palace Theatre, London
A grand West End theatre since 1891, now home to the magical Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the heart of London’s theatreland.
Standing proudly at the junction of Shaftesbury Avenue and Cambridge Circus, the Palace Theatre is one of London’s grandest West End venues. Opened in 1891 as the Royal English Opera House, this Grade II–listed theatre has hosted everything from grand opera to blockbuster musicals. Today, it’s best known as the London home of the record-breaking stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. With its striking red-brick façade, elegant interior, and 1,400-seat auditorium, the Palace offers a classic West End experience in the heart of the city.
A brief summary to Palace Theatre
- 113 Shaftesbury Ave, London, W1D 5AY, GB
- +443303334813
- Visit website
- Duration: 2.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- For the best view, choose central seats in the Stalls (rows B–K) or the front of the Dress Circle; avoid end seats and rows with known pillar or overhang restrictions.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance to collect tickets, use the restrooms, and enjoy a drink in the elegant foyer without rushing.
- Check the theatre’s accessibility information in advance if you or anyone in your party has mobility needs; the Palace offers step-free access and dedicated seating.
- Dress smart-casual for a West End show; while there’s no strict dress code, most theatregoers opt for something more formal than everyday casual wear.
- Combine your visit with dinner nearby; Shaftesbury Avenue and the surrounding streets offer a wide range of restaurants, from quick bites to fine dining.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Underground (Tube)
The nearest tube stations are Tottenham Court Road (Central and Elizabeth lines) and Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines), both about a 5-minute walk away. From either station, follow signs for Shaftesbury Avenue and Cambridge Circus; the theatre is clearly visible at the junction with Charing Cross Road.
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Bus
Several bus routes stop near the theatre, including the 1, 8, 14, 19, 24, 29, 38, 55, 73, 98, 134, 176, 242 and 390. Stops are located on Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road, within a 2–5 minute walk of the theatre entrance.
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Walking
From central London landmarks, the Palace Theatre is an easy walk: about 10 minutes from Covent Garden, 15 minutes from Piccadilly Circus, and 20 minutes from King’s Cross St Pancras. Follow signs for Shaftesbury Avenue or Cambridge Circus.
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Taxi / Ride‑hailing
Most taxi and ride‑hailing services can drop you directly outside the theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. Allow extra time during peak evening hours when traffic around the West End can be heavy.
Palace Theatre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Palace Theatre
A Grand Opera House Born
Built in 1891 for impresario Richard D’Oyly Carte, the Palace Theatre began life as the Royal English Opera House, designed by architect Thomas Edward Collcutt as a home for English grand opera. Its opening production was Arthur Sullivan’s lavish opera Ivanhoe, a spectacular event attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales. The building’s design was revolutionary for its time: heavy steel cantilevers support the tiers, eliminating obstructive pillars and giving almost every seat a clear view of the stage. Much of the structure is built in concrete, a deliberate fire-safety measure that also contributes to its solid, enduring presence on Shaftesbury Avenue.From Opera to Variety and Beyond
Though conceived as an opera house, the theatre struggled to sustain that vision and was converted into a variety theatre in 1892, becoming the Palace Theatre of Varieties. Over the decades, it has hosted a dazzling array of shows, from music hall and revue to long-running musicals and major plays. The auditorium, with its four levels – Stalls, Dress Circle, Grand Circle and Balcony – retains much of its late-Victorian character, with ornate plasterwork, rich colours and a sense of theatrical grandeur. In the 1960s, the interior was famously painted a deep “Victoria plum” shade, a bold choice that became part of the theatre’s distinctive identity.Home of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
In recent years, the Palace Theatre has become internationally famous as the London home of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the stage play that continues the story of Harry, Ron and Hermione’s children. This spellbinding production, with its innovative staging and magical effects, has drawn audiences from around the world and cemented the theatre’s place as a must-visit destination in the West End. The show’s success has also led to careful refurbishment and upgrades, ensuring that the historic building continues to meet modern standards of comfort, accessibility and technical excellence while preserving its heritage character.Architecture and Atmosphere
The theatre’s exterior is a striking red-brick and terracotta façade in a bold Renaissance style, standing out among the surrounding buildings at Cambridge Circus. Inside, the auditorium soars upwards, creating an intimate yet grand atmosphere that is typical of the best West End houses. The steep rake of the balconies, particularly the Balcony level, gives many seats excellent sightlines, though some end seats and lower rows can have restricted views. The foyer and public areas are elegant and well maintained, with marble and decorative details that reflect the theatre’s long history as a place of spectacle and entertainment.Planning Your Visit
The Palace Theatre is one of the larger venues in the West End, with a capacity of around 1,400 seats spread across four levels. The Stalls offer a close, immersive experience, while the Dress Circle and Grand Circle provide excellent value and good views for those willing to sit a little higher. The theatre is fully accessible, with facilities for wheelchair users and those with mobility needs, and its central location makes it easy to reach by tube, bus or on foot. Whether you’re seeing a long-running hit or a new production, the Palace Theatre delivers a classic London theatre experience in a building that has been at the heart of British stage life for well over a century.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Shaftesbury Ave
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Self-Guided Audio Tour - London's Soho, Theatreland and Chinatown
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Historic Seven Dials
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Agatha Christie memorial
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Plaque: Tin Pan Alley & La Giaconda cafe
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Denmark St
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Mercer Walk
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Neal’s Yard (Courtyard)
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Slingsby Place
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Harry Potter Statue
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#O hello sunshine Public Art Sculpture
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Cecil Court
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Soho Square Gardens
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Mr Bean Statue
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Soho Square
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A Georgian jewel where aristocrats, artists, and revolutionaries shaped three centuries of London's vibrant cultural history.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Spice Of Life
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The Coach & Horses, Soho
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Henry Pordes Books Ltd
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Curzon Soho
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Prince Edward Theatre
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London Pub Crawl
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Bar Soho
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The Ambassadors Theatre
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Foyles
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Phoenix Arts Club
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Club49Soho
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ODEON Covent Garden
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Phoenix Theatre
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Ronnie Scott's
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Essential places to dine
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Gauthier Soho
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New Loon Fung Restaurant
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Hoppers Soho
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Noble Rot Soho
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Sussex Bar & Restaurant
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Quo Vadis
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Hawksmoor Seven Dials
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Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
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J Sheekey
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Evelyn's Table
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Circus
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Clos Maggiore
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Inamo
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Charing Cross Rd
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House of Spells
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La Boutik
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Goldsmith Vintage
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St Martin's Courtyard
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Swift Soho
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Thirst Bar Soho
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Covent Garden Social Club
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Henson's Bar and Social
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Oriole
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Mr Fogg's Tavern
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All Bar One Leicester Square
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
