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Palace Theatre

London, United Kingdom•4.6(10.6k)•Theatre

Experience world-class theatrical productions including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at this iconic West End theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue.

The Palace Theatre is a historic West End venue located on Shaftesbury Avenue in London's theatre district, near Leicester Square. Originally designed by Thomas Edward Collcutt and opened in January 1891 as the Royal English Opera House, the theatre has a rich heritage as a premier entertainment destination. The venue became known as the Palace Theatre of Varieties and evolved into a musical house, hosting notable productions including Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Misérables, The Woman in White, Spamalot, and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Today, the Palace Theatre is home to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, available in both the original two-part production and the new one-part format. The theatre is part of the Nimax Theatres group and offers accessible, family-friendly theatrical experiences. The venue is conveniently located near Leicester Square tube station (Northern and Piccadilly lines), making it easily accessible for London visitors. The theatre opens one hour before each performance, with dedicated box office hours to assist with bookings and enquiries.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 18:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 18:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 18:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 18:00
Friday: 10:00 – 18:00
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Book in advance

Recommended ages

8 years+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly
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Google Reviews

4.6(10.6k reviews)
J
Jeremy Boutaric

Jeremy Boutaric

a month ago

An absolutely unforgettable experience. We went in with high expectations for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and still came out completely blown away. The visual effects and stagecraft are unlike anything I've seen in a theatre before, with moments that genuinely made the whole audience gasp. It's the kind of show you talk about for months after. Yes, it's a commitment: two parts, each around two and a half hours with a break, so plan your day accordingly. But every minute is worth it. The Palace Theatre itself is stunning, with gorgeous Victorian architecture that sets the mood before the curtain even goes up. Seats are comfortable too, which matters a lot for a show this long. The staff deserve a special mention. They're very present, friendly, and strict about phones and noise during the performance. Some might find that intense but honestly it's the right call. It keeps the magic intact for everyone in the room. A truly rare experience.

R
Rai R

Rai R

a month ago

It was a truly exceptional and unforgettable experience. I was thoroughly impressed and astonished by the performances of all the actors, the special effects, and indeed, every aspect was absolutely perfect. It is one of the best experiences for Harry Potter fans out there. It is highly recommended to visit before October, as they are consolidating it into a single show instead of two parts, which promises an immersive experience without cutting any scenes. Especially if you have read the play, you will not feel that anything is missing. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

M
Michael Hocke

Michael Hocke

a month ago

We had the pleasure to enjoy the magical experience of Harry Potter and the cursed child yet with the two part production. Though we are glad we did not miss any details, as we imagine the shorter version will have to cut out a few scenes, we were pretty exhausted by the end of the day. The effects brilliant. The interiors of the theatre were stunningly beautiful.

D
David Khan

David Khan

4 months ago

Myself and the family recently watched the 2 part Harry Potter and the cursed child show at the Palace Theatre. Overall, we had a great experience and the cast and show were incredible. Of course, its an old theatre so seating is tight and it could do with updating (not modernising). Also the price for ice cream at £4.50 for a single scoop or double £8, I felt was extortionate. Overall we had a great day out and would recommend to any one who loves the Harry Potter series to go and watch.

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Neha Gandhi

Neha Gandhi

4 months ago

Just watched Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in London and it was phenomenal. Absolutely worth a watch. We used today’s tix to book the tickets. Definitely try the lottery which is released every week. We managed to secure two tickets for both parts and ended up with front row seats! The magic on stage is genuinely mind-blowing and had the whole audience in awe. From clever stage illusions to powerful emotional moments, it truly feels like the wizarding world brought to life. The acting was superb across the board, and the storytelling kept us hooked the entire time. If you’re even remotely a Harry Potter fan, this is an unforgettable theatre experience. Highly recommend seeing it if you get the chance!

Reviews last updated: 6 October 2026

Events at Palace Theatre

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 6 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about Palace Theatre

Is Palace Theatre free to visit?

Palace Theatre is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is Palace Theatre suitable for?

Palace Theatre is best for children aged 8 and up.

Is Palace Theatre dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Palace Theatre.

Is there parking at Palace Theatre?

Palace Theatre doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at Palace Theatre?

Palace Theatre doesn't have food on site — bring snacks or grab something nearby.

Is Palace Theatre pushchair-friendly?

Palace Theatre isn't the easiest for pushchairs, prams or buggies — stairs or uneven terrain may make a baby carrier a better option.

How long should we plan to spend at Palace Theatre?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to Palace Theatre.

How do I get to Palace Theatre by public transport?

Palace Theatre is well-served by public transport.

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