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.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is making a return to the London Palladium in the summer of 2019. If you're interested in watching the show, our London Palladium seating plan guide is what you need. From the best seats in the house to restaurants nearby, we have all the information you need.
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.
Now Playing at The London Palladium
Joseph
Almost 20 years after its debut on the West End stage, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is making its way to the London Palladium for a truly special run. The 11-week limited engagement is scheduled to begin from 27th June and features BAFTA and Olivier Award-winning actress Sheridan Smith in the role of The Narrator. The musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice has been updated to suit modern sensibilities but still boasts the same madcap energy and humour that made the original stand out. Laurence Connor, the Tony-nominated director of shows like School of Rock, Miss Saigon, and others, will direct the show. Joining her on the team will be Choreographer JoAnn M Hunter, Set and Costume Designer Morgan Large, Lighting Designer Ben Cracknell, and Sound Designer Gareth Owen.
Headlining the cast in the role of the narrator is British treasure, Sheridan Smith. The young actress debuted in 1999 in the show Dark Ages and followed it up with the equally popular Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. On West End, Sheridan is famous for taking on the iconic role of Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, a role last played by the legendary Barbara Streisand.
The Story
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is the story of Joseph, Jacob's favourite son and his eleven brothers. The show picks up steam after Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers and impresses an Egyptian noble, Potiphar. After refusing Potiphar's wife's advances, Joseph lands up in jail. During his time in jail, Joseph discovers his power to interpret dreams. His special talent lands him in the presence of the complicated showman, the Pharaoh. The rest of the plot follows Joseph's attempts to fix Egypt's famine problem and reunite with his family.
Director
TBA
Leading roles
Sheridan Smith as The Narrator
Jason Donovan as Pharaoh
Jac Yarrow as Joseph
Music by
Show Timings
Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri - 7:30 PM
Wed & Sat - 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Running Time
2 hours and 20 minutes
Practical Information
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.
Available Facilities
Wheelchair: 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.
Restroom: 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.
Bar: 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.
Cloakroom: Cloakroom facility is available at the London Palladium. Each item can be checked for £2.
Assistive Listening System: 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.
Handy Tips
- 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.
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:
Tube: The nearest tube station to the theatre is Oxford Circus Station which can be reached via the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines.
Bus: If you prefer a bus, the following bus lines service the London Palladium from Oxford Circus: 6, 13, 23, 94, 139, and 159.
Vehicle Parking: If you do end up getting your car, the nearest car park to the theatre is the Q-Park Soho.
Restaurants near The 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.
More West End Guides
For more West End information, here are some helpful quick links!
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