Right in the middle of Cambridge Circus, the Palace Theatre is a real West End icon. With its grand red-brick facade and stunning Victorian look, you really can’t miss it when wandering through Theatreland.
These days, it’s most famous as the home of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child—easily one of the biggest smash hits in London. Whether you’ve read every single book or just fancy a magic night out at the theatre, it’s a spot that always delivers. Best of all, you’ve got Soho and Covent Garden right on your doorstep, making it super easy to pair your theatre tickets with a bite to eat or a stroll around town.
A Bit Of History
The Palace Theatre first opened back in 1891, and it’s been a massive fixture of London’s West End ever since. Designed by famous architect Thomas Edward Collcutt, the stage has seen pretty much everything over the decades—from grand opera and live concerts to huge musical hits. It got a proper refurb a few years back to get ready for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, giving the venue a fresh modern feel while keeping all that gorgeous Victorian character intact. Today, it continues to draw huge crowds as one of Central London’s top theatrical destinations.
Theatre Location
You really couldn’t ask for a better spot—the Palace Theatre sits right on Cambridge Circus, where Shaftesbury Avenue meets Charing Cross Road. You’re literally a few minutes’ walk from Soho, Chinatown, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden, making it dead easy to make a proper day of it with some exploring and dinner before heading in for the show. It’s the perfect place for you to enjoy West End show with a full day out in Central London.
Theatre Address
113 Shaftesbury Avenue
London WC2H 8AF
Getting There
To reaching at Palace Theatre is quick with several tube stations nearby.
Nearest Tube Stations
- Leicester Square
- Tottenham Court Road
- Covent Garden
- Piccadilly Circus
Each Underground station is within a short walking distance from the Theatre.
By Bus
You’ve got tons of buses dropping off right on Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road, making it super easy to hop on from wherever you are in town.
By Train
Charing Cross Station is around a 15-minute walk away, while Tottenham Court Road delivers wonderful connections via the Elizabeth line.
Seating Plan
Get the full details of Palace Theatre seating layout, The theatre has seating capacity for around 1,400 guests, spread across four levels.
- Stalls
- Dress Circle
- Grand Circle
- Balcony
For the best views and to be closest to the action, the Stalls and Dress Circle are definitely your best bet. If you’re looking to keep costs down, the Grand Circle and Balcony up top give you a great show experience without breaking the bank.
Because it’s a gorgeous old historic building, a few seats do have overhangs or pillars slightly in the way—so it’s always smart to double-check the seating map before you lock in your tickets.
Accessibility
They’ve put plenty of thoughtful features in place so every guest feels properly looked after, including:
- Wheelchair spaces
- Accessible toilets
- Hearing support systems
- Step-free entry to specific parts of the venue
- Accessible performances on selected dates
Got specific requirements? Dropping the box office a quick line beforehand is the easiest way to make sure everything’s set up smoothly for your night out.
Current Show
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child have been running at the Palace Theatre London in since July 2016. “Since 2016, the Palace Theatre has been home to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child—easily one of the biggest West End smash hits in history.”
If you’re planning to come over a Weekend or holiday shows usually sell out fast, so locking in your tickets well ahead of time is a must.
Nearby Attractions
Visiting the Palace Theatre? You’re just a short walk from lots of London’s top sights. Here you can explore Tons of famous London places are just a quick stroll away.
Popular places nearby include:
- Soho
- Chinatown
- Leicester Square
- Covent Garden
- Piccadilly Circus
- Trafalgar Square
You’ll also catch plenty of restaurants, cafés and bars nearby, making it easy to enjoy a meal before or after the show.
Hotels Near Palace Theatre
If you’re planning to stay overnight, don’t worry—you’ll find plenty of hotels just a short walk from the Palace Theatre.
Some of Popular nearby choices include:
- The Resident Soho
- Hub by Premier Inn London Covent Garden
- The Clermont Charing Cross
- Z Hotel Soho
- Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street
From high-end stays to budget places, you’ll find plenty of choices just a short walk away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Palace Theatre famous for?
Palace Theatre is famous worldwide for hosting the hit show Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
When did Palace Theatre open?
The theatre first opened in 1891 and it is one of the most iconic historic venues in the West End.
Which Underground station is closest?
Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road are the nearest tube stations.
How long is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child?
It’s a two-part play runs around 3.5 hours in total, with interval breaks in between.
Is there a dress code?
No dress code required!