Tipsy Hippo London Venue Guide

Inside the London Palladium

Welcome to the Tipsy Hippo Theatre Venue Reviews! Having been traipsing in and around London theatres for the last few months I have had both the time and the opportunity to notice a few things that I haven't been able to find covered anywhere else. There are a number of lists of what theatres there are in London, West End and beyond, but no two are alike. I know that adding another to the mix isn't that much of a help but it's still something I think will be good for people visiting this site. A number of the maps on the internet are unclear and the majority of the theatres have awful websites (if they have websites at all), which can make it difficult to find information on both the theatre and the current productions.


One of the larger problems I've had is trying to find the theatres in the maze that is central London. A handy map detailing theatre locations sounds like a good idea (mainly because it is a good idea) but again, because of the differing lists there are no maps that have a comprehensive list. I'm not offering a comprehensive list but one that covers the theatres that are worth knowing about if you want to see a show. If you want ballet or opera, stand-up or something different like that then I'm afraid you'll have to look elsewhere. 

Click map to enlarge.

Another thing that I have found to be near-as-dammit non-existent is a review of theatres themselves. This is another issue I am attempting to remedy here. Below I have written brief reviews and guides to the theatres that I have visited in London and hopefully it will help you work out whether or not the show you want to see is the best option for the evening you have planned. Often a particular show is not suited to a small venue and is playing in a small venue; knowing this may help your decisions. Taking a date to a show where you can barely see anything and you're sitting in small, uncomfortable seats is not ideal and thinking that Stalls C4 is a good seat when it is actually half way round to the side that the actors forget exists will likely tarnish the evening a bit.

There are other factors about the venues that do come into the process of building up a complete picture of what your visit will be like. Things like the theatre itself, the manner of their staff and the quality of their programmes are all things that I have found myself noticing throughout the last few months. I now, for example, never expect an any way decent programme at any Delfont Macintosh theatre. In any case, most of the information on this page will be designed to help you locate where you are going and what it will be like when you get there, with handy pictures to boot illustrating seating plans and the like. 

Below is a series of venue reviews for around 60 London spaces that I hope remedies at least in part some of these issues:

Adelphi

Capacity:        1500
Address:         409–412 The Strand, London
Postcode:        WC2R 0NS
Box Office:      02074929930
Website:         http://www.adelphitheatrelondon.com/
Review:          As far as the typical style goes, this is actually quite a nice venue. The seats are still comfortable and well cushioned, at least in the stalls. The back of the stalls feels more like a town hall than a theatre with a segregated ceiling and large tech area in the middle and the view of the top of the stage is obscured by the balcony. It's worth mentioning that a couple of the ushers were somewhat unpleasant and one even loudly unwrapped something in plastic at the back of the auditorium during the performance so standards can't be too high.

Aldwych

Aldwych

Capacity:        1200

Address:         49 Aldwych, London

Postcode:        WC2B 4DF

Box Office:      02078365537

Website:         http://www.aldwychtheatrelondon.info/

Review:           The space is a typical West End venue and differs sparingly from the norm. It’s a good place to be, though I wouldn’t recommend sitting too far back in the stalls. Seats are comfortable enough and have the binoculars for hire, though I dare say they are more for novelty than actual use. Londoner’s Secret – there’s a small food place called ‘Stickler’ right next to the theatre that sells a great fruit/muesli/ yoghurt for a couple of quid that is a perfect interval tipple.

Almeida

Capacity:        325

Address:         Almeida St, London

Postcode:        N1 1TA

Box Office:      02073594404

Website:         www.almeidatheatre.co.uk

Review:           A small and intimate venue, any seat in the stalls is worth paying for as even in the back row you are quite close to the stage and look down on it as opposed to looking up and straining your neck. I do seem to remember that they have bench seats, which can be annoying but not uncomfortable.

Ambassadors

Capacity:        408

Address:         West Street, London

Postcode:        WC2H 9ND

Box Office:      08448112334

Website:         https://www.theambassadorstheatre.co.uk/Online/default.asp

Review:          coming soon

Apollo

Apollo

Capacity:        796

Address:         31 Shaftesbury Avenue, London

Postcode:        W1D 7ES

Box Office:      08444829671

Website:         http://www.nimaxtheatres.com/apollo-theatre/

Review:           Another venue built in the standard mould for West End theatres. Sitting anywhere near the upper balcony isn’t worth it as your vision is obscured more than it should be by rigging and the roof of the theatre. The seats in the balcony (reached by a door round to the side on Rupert St) are falling apart, some even have splits in the woodwork, and they are both narrow and criminally short on leg room. Avoid if possible. One of the Shaftesbury Avenue theatres, it benefits from the presence of Rupert Supermarket just up on Rupert St, where one can buy relatively cheap sustenance until 11pm.

Apollo Victoria

Apollo Victoria

Capacity:        2292

Address:         17 Wilton Road, Westminster, London

Postcode:        SW1V 1LG

Box Office:      08448268000

Website:         http://www.apollovictorialondon.org.uk/index.asp?VenueID=88

Review:          coming soon

Arcola

Capacity:        240

Address:         24 Ashwin St, Dalston, London

Postcode:        E8 3DL

Box Office:      02075031646

Website:         http://www.arcolatheatre.com/

Review:          coming soon

Arcola Tent

Capacity:        400

Address:         2 Ashwin St, Dalston, London

Postcode:        E8 3DL

Box Office:      02075031646

Website:         http://www.arcolatheatre.com/

Review:          coming soon

Arts

Arts

Capacity:        350

Address:         6-7 Great Newport St, City of London, Greater London

Postcode:        WC2H 7JB

Box Office:      02079077092

Website:         http://www.artstheatrewestend.co.uk/

Review:          coming soon

Barbican

Address:         Silk Street, London

Postcode:        EC2Y 8DS

Box Office:      02076388891

Website:         http://www.barbican.org.uk/

Review:          coming soon

Bush

Capacity:        140

Address:         7 Uxbridge Rd, London

Postcode:        W12 8LJ

Box Office:      02087435050

Website:         http://www.bushtheatre.co.uk/

Review:          The Bush Theatre's new space in the old Shepherds Bush library space is a quaint and effective performance space. It has the feel of a student venue and it works very well for them. Seats aren't assigned here so the sooner you make it in, the more likely you are to nab a nice spot - be sure to check with the staff where they think the best spots are because the stage is a versatile, in the round space that has a lot to offer. There are pillars in the corners but they don't obstruct view and there is a comfortable amount of legroom for even those verging on the tall side. 

Cambridge

Cambridge

Capacity:        1231

Address:         32-34 Earlham Street, City of London

Postcode:        WC2 9HU

Box Office:      08444124652

Website:         http://www.cambridgetheatrelondon.org/

Review:          The Cambridge is very easy to find, sitting right on Seven Dials in the heart of the West End. Even if you don't know where it is if you go wandering around the West End you're bound to end up there sooner or later. The theatre itself is another in the standard mould. The seats right up at the back aren't too bad for the money they're asking for but sitting up at the upper balcony means you lose a lot of the action being so far away from the stage. It's worth trying to find a place closer to the front.

Criterion

Criterion

Capacity:        588

Address:         2 Jermyn St, London

Postcode:        SW1Y 4XA

Box Office:      02078398811

Website:         http://www.criterion-theatre.co.uk/home

Review:          coming soon

Dominion

Dominion

Capacity:        2163

Address:         268-269 Tottenham Court Rd, London

Postcode:        W1T 7AQ

Box Office:      02079270941

Website:         http://dominiontheatrelondon.com/

Review:          coming soon

Donmar Warehouse

Donmar

Capacity:        250

Address:         41 Earlham St, Seven Dials, City of London

Postcode:        WC2H 9LX

Box Office:      08448717624

Website:         http://www.donmarwarehouse.com/

Review:           A small venue that has a partially thrust stage. I would strongly advise avoiding seats around the sides of the stage as they’re not in the best position. Balcony seems accommodating.

Duchess

Duchess

Capacity:        479

Address:         3-5 Catherine St, City of London

Postcode:        WC2B 5LA

Box Office:      08444829672

Website:         http://www.nimaxtheatres.com/duchess-theatre/

Review:           If the production uses the wings of the stage a lot and you’re sitting towards the sides of the auditorium you won’t see a thing. Sitting central is far preferred in this space, especially in the stalls else you'll lose anything happening in the wings. Also only a short walk from ‘Stickler’ food next to the Aldwych theatre.

Duke of York's

Duke of York’s

Capacity:        640

Address:         45 St Martin’s Lane, City of London

Postcode:        WC2N 4BG

Box Office:      08448717627

Website:         http://www.atgtickets.com/Duke-Of-York's/Information

Review:          coming soon

Finborough

Capacity:        50

Address:         118 Finborough Rd, Earls Court, London

Postcode:        SW10 9ED

Box Office:      08448471652

Website:         http://www.finboroughtheatre.co.uk/

Review:           A great intimate space that seats you close to the action. The stage is used with invention and innovation and the bench seats are quite comfortable. One of the smallest spaces in London, it remains one of the best and is worth a visit. The wine bar that they've recently opened downstairs is very nice indeed, albeit quite pricey. There’s not a good cashpoint close, though, and the one in the shop charges for withdrawals so make sure you've picked up some cash near the tube station.

Fortune

Fortune

Capacity:        431

Address:         Russell St, City of London

Postcode:        WC2B 5HH

Box Office:      08448717627

Website:         http://www.atgtickets.com/Fortune-Theatre/Information

Review:          coming soon

Garrick

Garrick

Capacity:        656

Address:         15 Garrick St, City of London

Postcode:        WC2E 9AY

Box Office:      08444829673

Website:         http://www.nimaxtheatres.com/garrick-theatre/

Review:           If you sit behind the first tier in the stalls you’ll struggle to see very much. The balcony above drops down quite low and obscures your view so rather sit there than at the back of the stalls. Other than that it’s a decent, typical West End theatre and is easily accessible around Leicester Square.

Gielgud

Capacity:        937

Address:         Shaftesbury Avenue, London

Postcode:        W1D 6AR

Box Office:      08444825130

Website:         http://www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/Theatres/gielgud_theatre.php

Review:           One of the larger theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue, it’s easily accessible from Piccadilly Circus and is easy to find. The space itself is good and the seats don’t bother you at all. Haven’t sat far back yet so can’t comment on state of vision from the balcony or rear of the stalls but seats near the front are worth it. Benefits include the Rupert Supermarket up towards Brewer St.

Globe

Globe

Capacity:        857 (+700)

Address:         21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London

Postcode:        SE1 9DT

Box Office:      02074019919

Website:         http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/

Review:          coming soon

Harold Pinter

Harold Pinter (formerly Comedy)

Capacity:        796

Address:         Panton St, London

Postcode:        SW1Y 4DN

Box Office:      08448717627

Website:         http://www.atgtickets.com/information.aspx?VId=667&cat=aboutus

Review:          coming soon

Her Majesty's

Her Majesty’s

Capacity:        1216

Address:         57 Haymarket, London

Postcode:        SW1Y 4QL

Box Office:      08444124653

Website:         http://www.hermajestystheatrelondon.com/

Review:          coming soon

London Palladium

London Palladium

Capacity:        2286

Address:         Argyll St, London

Postcode:        W1F 7TF

Box Office:      08444124655

Website:         http://www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/london-palladium/

Review:          coming soon

Lyceum

Lyceum

Capacity:        2100

Address:         21 Wellington St, London

Postcode:        WC2E 7DA

Box Office:      08445443830

Website:         http://www.lyceumtheatrelondon.com/

Review:          coming soon

Lyric

Lyric

Capacity:        967

Address:         29 Shaftesbury Avenue, London

Postcode:        W1D 7ES

Box Office:      08444829674

Website:         http://www.lyrictheatrelondon.com/
Review:          coming soon

Lyric Hammersmith

Capacity:        550

Address:         Lyric Square, King St, London

Postcode:        W6 0QL

Box Office:      08712211729

Website:         www.lyric.co.uk/

Review:           A great venue with fantastic bars and restaurants both inside and nearby and very close to Hammersmith tube stations. The space itself is good though the upholstery feels a bit worse for wear and could do with a wee bit of a spruce.

National (Cottesloe)

Capacity:        400

Address:         National Theatre, South Bank, London

Postcode:        SE1 9PX

Box Office:      02074523000

Website:         http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/

Review:          coming soon

Lyttleton

National (Lyttleton)

Capacity:        890

Address:         National Theatre, South Bank, London

Postcode:        SE1 9PX

Box Office:      02074523000

Website:         http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/

Review:          coming soon

Olivier

National (Olivier)

Capacity:        1160

Address:         National Theatre, South Bank, London

Postcode:        SE1 9PX

Box Office:      02074523000

Website:         http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/

Review:          coming soon

New London

New London

Capacity:        1100

Address:         166 Drury Lane, City of London

Postcode:        WC2B 5PW

Box Office:      08444124654

Website:         http://www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/new-london-theatre/

Review:          coming soon

Noel Coward

Capacity:        872

Address:         St Martin’s Lane, London

Postcode:        WC2N 4AU

Box Office:      08444825141

Website:         http://www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/Theatres/noel_coward.php

Review:          coming soon

Novello

Novello

Capacity:        1050

Address:         Aldwych, London

Postcode:        WC2B 4LD

Box Office:      08444825170

Website:         http://www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/Theatres/novello_theatre.php

Review:           Another typical West End venue that shares the virtue of being close to ‘Sticklers’ and their yoghurt snack.

Old Vic

Capacity:        1067

Address:         The Old Vic, The Cut, London

Postcode:        SE1 8NB

Box Office:      08448717628

Website:         http://www.oldvictheatre.com

Review:           I think that the Old Vic is the best space in London. They say on tickets that poles may obscure your view but they are so slight that it’s not a concern. Balcony seats even in the upper levels are still good seats and all the seats are comfortable as well. There’s not a bad seat in the house and the bars are good as well as the programmes. It takes the standard West End design and takes it to a fantastic conclusion. Closest cashpoints are in the train station.

Open Air

Open Air, Regent’s Park

Capacity:        1200+

Address:         The Ironworks, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park

Postcode:        NW1 4NR

Box Office:      08448264242

Website:         http://openairtheatre.org/

Review:          coming soon

Palace

Palace

Capacity:        1400

Address:         109-113 Shaftesbury Avenue, London

Postcode:        W1D 8AY

Box Office:      08444124656

Website:         http://www.reallyuseful.com/theatres/palace-theatre/

Review:          coming soon

Piccadilly

Piccadilly

Capacity:        1232

Address:         16 Denman St, London

Postcode:        W1D 7DY

Box Office:      08448717627

Website:         http://www.atgtickets.com/Piccadilly-Theatre/Information

Review:          coming soon

Pheasantry

Capacity:        75

Address:         152-154 Kings Road, Chelsea, London

Postcode:        SW3 4UT

Box Office:      08456027017

Website:         http://pizzaexpresslive.co.uk/popList.aspx

Review:           For those of you familiar with the old ‘Pizza on the Park’ venue that was by Hyde Park Corner this isn’t anywhere near as good. The fittings are obviously temporary without being inbuilt and the space doesn’t naturally convert to performance with some seats being behind the stage in one corner. A decent performer should overcome this and you can eat good Pizza Express food while you’re there, though. Dinner and a show.

Phoenix

Phoenix

Capacity:        1012

Address:         Charing Cross Rd, London

Postcode:        WC2H 0JP

Box Office:      08448717617

Website:         http://www.phoenixtheatrelondon.co.uk/

Review:          coming soon

Playhouse

Playhouse

Capacity:        786

Address:         Northumberland Avenue, City of London

Postcode:        WC2N 5DE

Box Office:      08448717627

Website:         http://www.playhousetheatrelondon.com/

Review:          coming soon

Prince Edward

Capacity:        1618

Address:         Old Compton St, London

Postcode:        W1D 4HS

Box Office:      08444825151

Website:         http://www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/Theatres/prince_edward_theatre.php

Review:          coming soon

Prince of Wales

Prince of Wales

Capacity:        1160

Address:         Coventry St, London

Postcode:        W1D 6AS

Box Office:      08444825115

Website:         http://www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/Theatres/prince_wales_theatre.php

Review:          coming soon

Queen’s

Queen's

Capacity:        1100

Address:         Shaftesbury Avenue, London

Postcode:        W1D 6BA

Box Office:      08444825160

Website:         http://www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/Theatres/queens_theatre.php

Review:          coming soon

Rose, Kingston

Capacity:        900

Address:         24-26 High St, Kingston-upon-Thames

Postcode:        KT1 1HL

Box Office:      08444821556

Website:         http://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/

Review:           Although a fair bit off the beaten track it’s worth it to visit this theatre. Make sure you’ve left in plenty of time so you’re not rushing about Kingston trying to get there from the train station. It’s a great venue with open floor seating in front of fixed chairs that works well and makes it ideal for school trips. A good bar and good programmes supplement a great space.

Royal Court (Jerwood Downstairs)

Capacity:        380

Address:         Sloane Square, London

Postcode:        SW1W 8AS

Box Office:      02075655000

Website:         http://royalcourttheatre.com/

Review:           A very comfortable space to sit in. The brown colour scheme is a bit worn but that only adds to the atmosphere of the Royal Court being a bit different. The seats are very comfortable and generally wide enough, though legroom can be an issue in the balcony – this isn’t unusual though. Balcony seats are still good seats with a good view of the stage.

Savoy

Savoy

Capacity:        1150

Address:         Savoy Court, Strand, City of London

Postcode:        WC2R 0ET

Box Office:      08448717627

Website:         http://www.atgtickets.com/Savoy-Theatre/Information

Review:          coming soon

Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury

Capacity:        1400

Address:         210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London

Postcode:        WC2H 8DP

Box Office:      02073795399

Website:         http://www.shaftesburytheatre.com/

Review:          coming soon

Soho

Capacity:        150

Address:         21 Dean St, Soho, London

Postcode:        W1D 3NE

Box Office:      02072780100

Website:         http://www.sohotheatre.com/

Review:          coming soon

St Martin's

St Martin’s

Capacity:        550

Address:         West St, Cambridge Circus, London

Postcode:        WC2H 9NZ

Box Office:      08444991515

Website:         https://www.the-mousetrap.co.uk/online/default.asp

Review:          coming soon

TRH

Theatre Royal, Haymarket

Capacity:        888

Address:         18 Suffolk St, London

Postcode:        SW1Y 4HT

Box Office:      02079308890

Website:         http://www.trh.co.uk/

Review:           Try and sit in the stalls if you can. Sitting in the upper balcony is a waste of time; you feel so far away from what’s going on that you may as well be watching it on television. Sitting in the stalls, however, shows what a wonderful space it can be and is well worth it. Good student deals are available as well. The nearest newsagents is a small one on the other side of the road up towards Piccadilly, which sells hot food as well.

Drury Lane

Theatre Royal, Drury Lane

Capacity:        2196

Address:         Drury Lane, Catherine St, London

Postcode:        WC2B 5JF

Box Office:      08708906002

Website:         http://www.royaldrurylanetheatrelondon.com/

Review:          coming soon

Trafalgar 1

Trafalgar Studio 1

Capacity:        380

Address:         14 Whitehall, Westminster, London

Postcode:        SW1A 2

Box Office:      08700606632

Website:         http://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/17/Trafalgar-Studios.aspx

Review:           As good a studio space as you’ll find anywhere. The seats rise back from the stage and up a steep incline that results in good eyelines for all. Overpriced bar, though. McDonald's is only over the road if you're desperately peckish.

Trafalgar Studio 2

Capacity:        100

Address:         14 Whitehall, Westminster, London

Postcode:        SW1A 2

Box Office:      08700606632

Website:         http://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/17/Trafalgar-Studios.aspx

Review:          coming soon

Vaudeville

Vaudeville

Capacity:        690

Address:         404 Strand, London

Postcode:        WC2R 0NH

Box Office:      08444829675

Website:         http://www.nimaxtheatres.com/vaudeville-theatre/

Review:           A fairly good, standard theatre in the West End. Balcony seats close to the front of the balcony are good. Not sure about stalls at this stage.

Victoria Palace

Capacity:        1550

Address:         Victoria St, London

Postcode:        SW1E 5EA

Box Office:      08442485000

Website:         https://www.victoriapalacetheatre.co.uk/Online/default.asp

Review:          coming soon

Wyndham’s

Capacity:        759

Address:         Charing Cross Rd, London

Postcode:        WC2H 0DA

Box Office:      08444825120

Website:         http://www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/Theatres/wyndhams_theatre.php

Review:           The faded cyan of the colour scheme is a bit off-putting but it’s not as bad as all that. The seats are fair and apart from that it’s no different to any other standard West End venue. Very easy to reach, being right next to Leicester Square tube station they also have very friendly and helpful box office staff.

Young Vic

Capacity:        420

Address:         66 The Cut, Waterloo, London

Postcode:        SE1 8LZ

Box Office:      02079222922

Website:         http://www.youngvic.org/

Review:           The Young Vic is a versatile space that features an exploratory stage and a raft of good seats. Even the cheap seats where you sit on stool in the rafters give a good connection to what’s going on. There’s a cashpoint just over the road and a newsagents as well, making it good for interval breaks. The bar looks good, too. It’s also very close to the Old Vic, being on the same street and all.

If you would like any more information to be included in this theatre directory then please comment on the page and we'll see what we can do. 

John Ord (19/10/2011)