Best Seats in London Palladium

Introduction

The London Palladium on Argyll Street is arguably the most famous variety theatre in the world. Since 1910, it has hosted the Royal Variety Performance, legendary performers from Judy Garland to Lady Gaga, and blockbuster musicals. With 2,286 seats across three levels, the Palladium combines theatrical grandeur with surprisingly good sightlines throughout. Finding the best seats in the London Palladium depends largely on what you're seeing—this versatile venue hosts everything from intimate concerts to full-scale musical productions.

The good news: the Palladium was designed by Frank Matcham, perhaps the greatest theatre architect of all time. His expertise means there are very few genuinely bad seats.

Quick Reference

Best overall: Royal Circle rows A-E centre

Best Stalls: Rows E-L centre

Best budget: Grand Circle front rows centre

Avoid: Stalls rear (under overhang), Grand Circle extreme sides, boxes (restricted views)

The Stalls

The Palladium Stalls are spacious and well-raked, with approximately 850 seats. The width of the auditorium means position within the row matters as much as row number.

Front Stalls (Rows A-D)

The verdict: Excellent for concerts, variable for musicals.

For concerts and variety shows, front Stalls seats deliver intimacy and energy. You're close to performers, feel the music, and often have opportunities for interaction. For large-scale musicals with elaborate staging, you may be too close to appreciate the full picture.

Best seats: Rows B-D centre (seats 15-30). Row A can feel exposed, with your feet visible to performers.

Concert tip: For standing performers (comedy, solo concerts), these are premium seats. For musicals with dancing and staging, consider moving back.

Mid Stalls (Rows E-L)

The verdict: The Stalls sweet spot for most productions.

This central section offers an ideal blend of proximity and perspective. You're close enough to see facial expressions while far enough to appreciate staging, choreography, and set design. The famous Palladium stage fills your field of vision perfectly.

Best seats: Rows G-J, seats 13-32 (centre block). This zone offers what many consider the definitive Palladium experience.

Legroom note: The Palladium has reasonable legroom throughout, better than many West End theatres of similar age.

Rear Stalls (Rows M-V)

The verdict: Compromised by the Royal Circle overhang.

Like many traditional theatres, the rear Stalls suffer from the circle above cutting into your view. From approximately row P backwards, you start losing the top of the stage. For productions with significant upper-stage action or tall sets, this matters.

Acceptable: Rows M-O centre, especially if discounted.

Avoid: Rows P-V, where the overhang significantly impacts your experience.

The Royal Circle

The Palladium's Royal Circle is a jewel—comfortable, well-positioned, and offering views that many consider the best in the house.

Royal Circle Front (Rows A-E)

The verdict: The best seats in the London Palladium.

The front of the Royal Circle provides a commanding view of the entire stage. You're elevated enough to see choreography and staging patterns, close enough to connect with performers, and positioned where the sound mix is typically optimized.

Best seats: Rows B-D, seats 11-26. Row A is at the rail, which some find creates a psychological barrier. Rows B-D feel more enveloped by the theatre.

VIP note: For Royal Variety Performances and similar galas, the Royal Box is on this level—you're sitting where royalty sits.

Royal Circle Rear (Rows F-J)

The verdict: Still excellent, with increasing distance.

These rows maintain the elevation advantages of the Royal Circle with a slightly wider perspective. You're trading some intimacy for a more "whole theatre" experience.

Best seats: Rows F-G centre. Beyond row G, you're at a noticeable distance, though sightlines remain clear.

Royal Circle Sides

The verdict: Good value if you accept the angle.

The ends of Royal Circle rows have angled views—you'll see the full stage but from a diagonal perspective. For variety shows and concerts, this barely matters. For musicals with symmetrical staging, you may miss some nuances.

Acceptable: Seats 1-6 and 31-36, especially if discounted.

The Grand Circle

The Grand Circle (upper level) offers the most affordable tickets with a genuine theatrical experience.

Grand Circle Front (Rows A-C)

The verdict: Excellent value—the Palladium's best-kept secret.

Many regular theatregoers consider front Grand Circle the sweet spot between price and experience. You're high up, yes, but the Palladium's design means you still feel connected to the action. The acoustics are excellent up here, and you see everything.

Best seats: Rows A-B, seats 10-26. Front row Grand Circle at the Palladium is genuinely good, not a compromise.

Grand Circle Rear (Rows D-H)

The verdict: Budget option with noticeable distance.

Further back in the Grand Circle, you're quite far from the stage. The experience becomes more observational—you're watching a show rather than being immersed in it. Still enjoyable, but you'll miss subtleties.

Acceptable: Row D centre if significantly cheaper than alternatives.

Grand Circle Sides

The verdict: Approach with caution.

The Grand Circle's extreme sides combine height with angle, creating challenging sightlines. You'll see the stage but miss portions of it, and the distance makes it harder to compensate.

Avoid unless: Tickets are heavily discounted and you simply want to be in the room.

The Boxes

The London Palladium has ornate boxes on multiple levels. They look magnificent but present practical challenges.

The verdict: For occasion rather than optimal viewing.

Box seats are side-on to the stage, giving partial views. You'll miss significant portions of the action on your side of the stage. However, boxes offer privacy, space, and the glamour of sitting in a historic theatrical box.

Consider if: You're celebrating a special occasion and prioritize atmosphere over sightlines, or you've seen the production before.

Sound Quality

The Palladium's acoustics are excellent throughout:

Best sound: Royal Circle centre (rows A-E). The mix is typically optimized for this zone.

Excellent sound: Mid Stalls centre, Grand Circle front.

Good sound: Most of the theatre. Matcham designed for sound as much as sightlines.

Note: For amplified concerts, sound is consistent throughout. For acoustic or semi-acoustic performances, Royal Circle has the edge.

By Event Type

Musicals

For full-scale musicals, Royal Circle front offers the ideal perspective—you see the choreography, appreciate the sets, and feel the story. Mid Stalls is the alternative for those preferring floor-level immersion.

Concerts

For concerts, front Stalls becomes more attractive. The energy of proximity, the connection with performers, and the atmosphere of the crowd make up for any lost perspective. Royal Circle remains excellent for those who prefer seated comfort.

Comedy

For stand-up comedy, Stalls centre is unbeatable—you want to see the comedian's expressions and feel part of the room's energy. Royal Circle is perfectly good but slightly more detached.

Royal Variety Performance

If you're fortunate enough to attend, Royal Circle is the prestige section. You're on the same level as the Royal Box, and the experience feels appropriately special.

Accessibility

The London Palladium offers:

- Wheelchair spaces in the Stalls

- Transfer seating from wheelchairs

- Infrared hearing system

- Accessible toilets

- Step-free access to Stalls level

Booking: Contact the box office access line for specific requirements. The Palladium staff are experienced with accessibility needs.

Practical Tips

Arriving

The main entrance is on Argyll Street, just off Oxford Circus. The area is busy with shoppers and tourists—allow extra time, especially for evening performances.

Bars

Bars on each level, with the Cinderella Bar in the basement being the largest. Pre-ordering interval drinks is highly recommended—the Palladium draws large crowds.

Dress Code

No formal dress code, but audiences tend toward smart casual. For galas and special performances, dress standards rise accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Grand Circle too far away?

At the Palladium, no. The theatre's design keeps the Grand Circle feeling connected. Front row Grand Circle is genuinely good seating, not a compromise.

Are the boxes worth it?

For viewing, no—you'll have restricted sightlines. For occasion, potentially yes. They're memorable spaces for celebrations.

Which is better: Stalls or Royal Circle?

For most productions, Royal Circle. The elevation helps you appreciate the full staging. For concerts where energy and proximity matter, Stalls front may be preferable.

The Bottom Line

The best seats in the London Palladium are in the Royal Circle rows A-E centre. This section offers the ideal balance of elevation, proximity, and acoustics that Frank Matcham intended.

For floor-level immersion, Stalls rows E-L centre deliver an excellent experience. For value, Grand Circle front rows centre are surprisingly good.

Avoid rear Stalls under the overhang, Grand Circle extreme sides, and boxes unless you're prioritizing occasion over viewing.

The Palladium is a masterpiece of theatre design. With good seat selection, you'll experience why it's remained the home of British entertainment for over a century.