Venue Information

Approx. capacity: 1380

The Palace Theatre was originally built by impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte as The Royal English Opera House in 1891, but was soon renamed as The Palace Theatre of Varieties. In 1912, it was the venue for the first Royal (and only true 'command') Variety Performance.Throughout the 20th Century the theatre became a popular venue for musicals and revues including Gay Divorce in which Fred Astaire gave his last stage performance before going to Hollywood. The Palace hosted the original London productions of The Sound of Music and Jesus Christ Superstar which played for eight years. Other important musicals were Finian's Rainbow, King's Rhapsody, Cabaret, Song and Dance, The Woman in White, Spamalot and the Royal Shakespeare Company's Les Misérables (1985) which became the longest run in the building's history with 7602 performances before transferring to the Queen's Theatre in 2004.

Transport

By Tube

Nearest underground station is Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines)

By Bus

Bus routes: 29, 24, 176

Parking

The nearest car parks are in Chinatown and Soho. Masterpark at Gerard Place (off Shaftesbury Ave) in China Town NCP at Upper St Martin's Lane (5-7 minute walk) www.parkingforbluebadges.com (Comprehensive parking and interactive bus information for Blue Badge disabled drivers travelling around London)

Accessibility

Number of Steps

FOYER - 2 steps up STALLS - 20 steps down DRESS CIRCLE - 30 steps up (steps lead to the back of the Dress Circle only) UPPER CIRCLE - 56 steps up (steps lead to the back of the Upper Circle only) BALCONY - 80 steps up (very steep)

Step-free information

Step free access is available into the Stalls through an EXIT door on Shaftesbury Avenue and open 30 minutes before the performance. There is one 3cm step into the theatre and a slight incline to the Stalls. Please speak to a member of the front of house team at the main entrance and they will accompany through to your seats.

Wheelchair Access

There are 2 wheelchair spaces in row W26 & W27 of the Stalls with companion seats alongside. Wheelchair transfer seats are available to any end of row seat in the Stalls. Access into the auditorium is through a side EXIT door on Shaftesbury Avenue next to the theatre box office. Toilet Facilities There is an accessible toilet in the Stalls by the level access entrance.

Hearing Systems

The theatre uses the Sennheiser infra-red headset system and 6 headsets are available from the front of house staff in main foyer. These headsets are for people who are hard of hearing but please note there is no induction loop system in the auditorium. There is an induction loop at the Box Office to assist hearing aid users when booking tickets. For further information regarding hearing systems, please call the theatre stage door on 0207 434 0088.

Guide Dogs

The theatre management are happy to look after your Guide/Hearing dog during the performance. Please approach a member of the front of house team when you arrive at the theatre and they will make the necessary arrangements.

Autistic Spectrum Info

The theatre would be grateful for any additional information regarding your needs prior to going to the theatre, especially anything regarding sensory issues or matters relating to Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Please feel welcome to call the theatre management on 0207 434 0088 so they can offer you more assistance throughout your visit.