London Palladium
Sections:
Theatre build date:
The current theatre was built in 1910, although the façade is that of Argyll House which dates to the late nineteenth century.
History:
Originally the site of the Argyll House, the London Palladium, built in 1910, retains the late nineteenth century façade of the home of the Dukes of Argyll. Ten years after Argyll House was demolished in 1860, the Corinthian Bazaar was built in its place, a peculiar attraction featuring an aviary. It was taken over in 1871 was renamed the Hengler’s Grand Cirque. Hengler’s enterprise was a great success and there was a circus on the site for over twenty years.
After a ten year stint as an ice rink and a short spell as a combined circus and music hall, expensive council-enforced improvements resulted in conversion of the building into a full time music hall, the London Palladium. The new attraction boasted a box to box telephone and an area toward the back of the stalls where audience members could be served tea. Despite a brief period in 1928 when the theatre was used as a cinema, the London Palladium has had an enormous amount of success as a variety theatre and with its more recent large-scale productions.
Notable shows have included Barrnum (1981), Steven Pimlott’s iconic production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (1991) and Oliver! (1994). The London Palladium was of course the venue for the TV variety shows Sunday Night At The London Palladium and Live From The Palladium from the 1950’s to the 1980’s.
The London Palladium is one of only two theatres in the West End to have a row I, with the other one being the Palace. The fact that most theatres in the country discount I in their seating isn't due to any kind of superstition; it's just to avoid confusion because when printed on a ticket, it can look like a 1.
Hauntings:
The London Palladium’s Crimson Staircase, which leads up to the Royal Circle, is frequented by the apparition of a woman in a crinoline dress, who often appears to members of the theatre staff on quiet days.
Previously called:
Hengler’s Grand Cirque
The Palladium
Previously showing:
Sinatra at the London Palladium (2006)
Scrooge: The Musical (2005)
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (2002)
Close to:
Oxford Street
Soho
Contact Details
London Palladium
Argyll Street
W1A 3AB
For all ticket enquiries, call:
0871 789 1004
Map
Facilities
Theatre capacity:
2,286
Stage door location:
The London Palladium’s stage door is situated on Great Marlborough Street, beside the Courthouse Kempinski hotel. Just walk to the bottom of Argyll Street and turn left.
Theatre layout:
A huge theatre, the London Palladium’s auditorium is arranged over three levels, stalls, Royal Circle and Upper Circle.
The stalls consist of predominantly top price with clear, unobstructed views all the way across with no sidelined views. The last six rows (T to XX) suffer from an overhang restriction form the Dress Circle above, although in rows T and U, this is minimal and you won’t miss many of show so these seats offer great value for money. The Royal Circle offers clear, unobstructed views throughout.
In the Upper Circle, the issue of height is reflected in all seat prices, as they are high up and set back. Rows A and B suffer a little from a handrail restriction. These may require some leaning and are priced as such. The views from the last two rows (L and M) suffer quite severe restrictions because of the height and distance from the stage, but again, this is reflected in the price.
Air conditioned:
Yes
