![Other Palace Interior Other Palace Theatre Interior](/sites/default/files/2019-08/otherpalaceinterior.png)
12 Palace Street, Westminster, London SW1E 5JA 020 7087 7900
theotherpalace.co.uk is the venue website.
Booking operated by the venue.
Booking fees per ticket:
No booking fees.
Other Online Choices (with genuine S.T.A.R ticket agencies):
Ticket agencies offer an alternative way to buy tickets, with booking fees differing from those charged by the theatre box office itself. They may have seats available or special offers when theatres do not.
Ticket agency prices vary in response to theatres implementing “dynamic pricing” - which alters prices according to demand for a particular performance. Prices stated here were compiled as booking originally opened, current prices are advised at time of enquiry.
ALSO SEE Tickettree.com for great value "hotel and theatre ticket" packages.
Other Independent S.T.A.R. ticket agencies may also offer an alternative choice of seats.
Babies
When the theatre does not have the tickets you desire available, it is well worth trying the Theatremonkey Ticketshop agency, telephone 020 7420 9778 (0044 207 420 9778 if calling from outside the United Kingdom), charge £12 on £75, £11.20 on £70, £9.60 on £60, £8 on £50, £7.20 on £45, £4.80 on £30, £3.20 on £20 seats booking fee per ticket - moderate by agency standards, though higher than box office fees, worth trying as they often have an alternative choice of seats available! Note that this system will confirm exact seat numbers prior to purchase. A £1.95 per booking, not per ticket, handling fee may apply on some transactions by telephone. NO handling fee applies for online purchases.
Babies
Another alternative is www.seetickets.com which charge £12 on £75, £11.20 on £70, £9.60 on £60, £8 on £50, £7.20 on £45, £4.80 on £30, £3.20 on £20 seats booking fee per ticket, and £2.75 per booking (not per ticket) postal charge.
Babies
Alternatively, Ticketmaster charge £10.50 on £75, £10 on £70, £8.50 on £60, £7 on £50, £6.50 on £45, £4.25 on £30, £3 on £20 seats booking fee per ticket.
Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical
Encore Tickets charge £14 on £73, £14.50 on £71.50, £14 on £69, £10 on £50, £9.50 on £45.50, £7.50 on £38.50, £5.50 on £25.50 seats.
Discounts and "Meal and Show" packages may also be available.
Babies
Encore Tickets charge £15 on £75, £14 on £70, £12 on £60, £10 on £50, £9 on £45, £6 on £30, £4 on £20 seats per ticket booking fee.
Discounts and "Meal and Show" packages may also be available.
Babies
Londontheatredirect.com charge £15.75 on £75, £14.75 on £70, £12.75 on £60, £10.50 on £50, £9.50 on £45, £6.50 on £30, £4.25 on £20 seats booking fee per ticket. Optional Ticket Insurance is also available.
Discounts may also be available.
Telephone:
Online only at this time.
Operated by the venue.
Booking fees per ticket for telephone bookings:
No booking fees, when booking is available.
For personal callers or by post:
12 Palace Street, London SW1E 5JA.
No booking fee for personal callers. The venue box office normally opens each performance day at 10am for over-the-counter sales, but check by telephone before making a special journey.
Special Access Needs Customers:
Wheelchair users and other registered disabled theatregoers can book their seats and enquire about concessionary prices that may be available to them by email to tickets (put the @ symbol here) the other palacetheatre.co.uk. https://theotherpalace.co.uk/your-visit/accessibility/ has information.
www.theotherpalace.co.uk is the official venue website.
Please remember that cheaper seats often do not offer the same view / location quality as top price ones, and that ticket prices are designed to reflect this difference.
This venue is visually amazing. Under a block of apartments, the ground and first floors are glass affairs rather like an advanced version of the "Gillian Lynne" Theatre. A spectacular 28 tonne Italian marble staircase, shipped in 17 pieces to the theatre, is the highlight of a stunning foyer.
A single block of seats face the stage. They rise steeply upwards on steps from the stage. A reader feels it worth underlining just how steep the rise is. Not quite stadium, but very close to it.
Up to 8 seats in rows A to F, and 4 from row G back curve round towards the stage.
The audience enter from the foyer to a rear cross-aisle aisle behind seat N1. Either walking behind row N (to the "high number seats") or using the adjacent aisle by seat N1, all then descend (3 steps between each row, except N) to their seats.
The stage area itself is fully adjustable. Walls can be pushed in or out to create "wing" space, and a removable floor can replace rows A and B to create a totally flat open space. Alternatively, a proper stage can be installed. The monkey has currently tested the "flat floor" format, and will add information as the new layouts are revealed by future productions.
Unlike other venues, where seats curve inwards, there is no "knees touching" in any seat - there is space for all to sit back and enjoy the show.
Narrow, short armrests are provided between all seats, further maintaining decorum.
In the front rows A to C, this varies by production, depending how the stage is arranged - see "Changes for the current production" below.
If row A is used, and there is a raised stage, it has an extra inch of legroom compared to other rows. The front row has unlimited legroom if the stage is not raised.
Elsewhere, what needs knowing is that all the theatre's seats are designed to keep the user sitting totally upright at all times. This is essential as legroom is otherwise limited in most seats. The row in front rises with "flat backs" putting the 5ft 7 monkey's legs and feet into the "Z" position when seated. Bolt-upright, with knees one inch from the seat in front and toes held back parallel with kneecaps. That is the position in almost all seats in the auditorium. Not uncomfortable in an empty "test" position for a few minutes, but not yet tested in a full auditorium requiring sitting for an hour or more per act. The monkey welcomes further feedback!
The only exceptions are seats G1 and 23. These have slightly more legroom (unlimited for the right leg in 1 and the left in 23) as the row in front curves towards the stage.
Seats E 1 and 23 have a centimetre or so of extra space too, on one side.
Row N, consisting of seats that are higher than the others, has extra space for legs to "dangle," but not very much over any other row, the monkey feels.
Seats themselves are adequate for the average width, the largest may (as always) be far less comfortable - though all are kept cool as most seats have individual cooling vents under them.
A reader also noticed that where the row curves, there is a "double armrest" giving extra width.
Rows A to F curve at the ends to surround the stage. Further back, the ends of the other rows also angle in slightly. All focus on the stage and the monkey thinks (but has not tested over time yet) that when "wings" are in place, no seat will have less than a perfect view.
Interestingly, seats to the sides have an equal, if not slightly better than average, view of the stage. The feeling of "looking inwards" is heightened, providing slightly more intimacy than those seats "face on" to the stage. From the stage, the actor easily engages even the furthest seats, thanks to the simplicity of the design.
Centrally, there is a reason that the middle of rows D and E are at "premium" prices for views. The perfect height - just above actors' eye level, and taking in the whole stage with ease.
Further back, around row J, a technical gallery spans the auditorium. Not really noticeable, just interesting, feels the monkey. The aim of the venue is "classy, off-Broadway" feel, which (never having been "off-Broadway") the monkey thinks is about right.
More interesting still, rear rows don't feel that far from the stage.
A particular revelation is row N. The back row is raised on a plinth to maintain the "rake" of the auditorium. A sound desk can replace seats 11 and 12 if required. Beyond this, seats numbered from 13 upwards will go on sale 20 minutes before the production, once wheelchair users have been settled. This part of row N can be adjusted to provide up to 6 wheelchair users or up to 3 users and 3 friends with views comparable to anywhere else in the auditorium.
As the staff noted to the monkey, the only reason row N is cheaper is that it gives visitors a choice. The difference in view is negligible. Monkey buying advice (based on very first impressions) is that front rows are simply closer to the stage, and that aisle seats provide a little "wriggle space" and are less claustrophobic for those who dislike long rows.
For views, take rows C, F then G at top price first (or "premium" seats in rows D and E - E first, then D), then simply go forward or back, and inwards or outwards (hokey-cokey style, the monkey cheers), as personal preference dictates - there's little difference, it feels.
The only issue the monkey highlights with the entire venue is actual seat comfort - for which (along with other general views of course) it welcomes feedback.
That legroom really is an issue for many.
Handrails at the end of each row back to D won't affect sightlines but may irritate purists.
Row A to C extreme end seats may find an actor’s back to them, depending on staging.
Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical
The front row is A.
Outermost pairs of seats on the ends of both rows A and B are cheapest in the house well worth it if legroom isn't an issue. You won't miss anything and if stage smoke doesn't bother you, it's a pretty great place to be - up close at times to the on-stage events.
Rest of A, is one price up which is a big jump. If you don't mind the legroom, it is a lot closer than row N at the same price but without the 'overall' view of action. Up to you, feels the monkey.
Behind it, all but those cheap end two seats of row B are another price up above central A. Closer than the alternative of the ends of rows K and L, plus row M, with the same legroom but again less "overall" view of action. Once more your call, feels the monkey.
Row C centre is second price, as are the outer parts of row D and central L Friday to Sunday. Take aisle seat on D for legroom at the price, and C or D over L for being closer to the stage at Friday to Sunday performances.
Ends of E to J are top non-premium price - monkey would take extra legroom seats G1 and G23 before anything else. Top non-premium also covers central D, E, J to L Friday to Sunday. If you must, but the monkey would go for cheaper seats in A to D over anything past H.
Central seats in F to H / D to K Friday to Sunday - are premium price, with a few in the centre of F and G ( E to J Friday to Sunday) at super-premium. Nothing wrong with the view from any of them, but the monkey would take closest far cheaper seats to premium ones first, as it says above.
At the back, take central M before central L at all times - same view, cheaper. However, take N before M anyway - same view, cheaper price than the row in front.
Row N 18 to 23 are not on sale until the last moment as they can be replaced by space for a wheelchair user. Not the ideal view for a user without a choice, as it is a long way back, but there sadly isn't a closer alternative in this venue at the moment.
A sound desk beside N12 and 18 will not bother anybody, the monkey feels. N13 is present but has screens protruding over it. This means the lucky person in N12 gets double legroom / luggage space worth having.
Babies
The front row is A.
Outermost pairs of seats on the ends of rows A to C are cheapest in the house well worth it if legroom isn't an issue. The alternative is row N, which has a tiny bit more legroom but is at the back.
Rest of A, is one price up which is a big jump. If you don't mind the legroom, it is a lot closer than row L ends and row M, at the same price. Up to you, feels the monkey, but if you are going for row M, then take N behind it at Sunday to Thursday Evening performances as it is cheaper for the same view.
Behind row A, all but those cheap end two seats of rows B and C are another price up above central A. Sunday to Thursday Evenings you can also go for the ends of row D at the same prices. All three are a little higher for an overall view of the stage and are decent enough if you can tolerate the legroom.
The end four seats in rows E to K are second price at all times. Row G 1 and 23 have maximum legroom and are easily the best pick in this theatre, feels the monkey. Otherwise, go as forward as you wish from F to K in that order.
Sunday to Thursday Evenings, central F to H are "premium" price, with J and K at top non-premium price, L at third price, M at fourth. No good reason to pay more for F over E, or J over H. The view is the same and E and J are cheaper. As already mentioned, if considering L and M, N has the same view at fewer bananas too.
Other performances have central L at "premium plus" price, which can be skipped in favour of cheaper central J behind it at top non-premium price. Central C is the same price as central L. The monkey would take C first at third price. If considering L, take row M instead as it has the same view, cheaper.
Row N 18 to 23 are not on sale until the last moment as they can be replaced by space for a wheelchair user. Not the ideal view for a user without a choice, as it is a long way back, but there sadly isn't a closer alternative in this venue at the moment.
A sound desk beside N13 and 18 will not bother anybody, the monkey feels.
For the first two previews where all seats are the same price, if able to ignore legroom, the monkey would suggest that central E to H are first to aim for if wanting an overall view of the stage.
312 seats.
Air Conditioned. Individual vents under most seats in the main auditorium particularly help cooling here - don't put your coats over them, though!
Sennheiser infrared. Wheelchair access is flat: slope or 1 step from street into foyer. Flat from foyer to main auditorium through 2 sets of heavy soundproof doors. Up to 6 wheelchairs, or 3 wheelchairs plus 3 companions can take spaces in row N, replacing seats 13 to 23 as required - seats break down in units of 2. 3 small steps between all other rows. Access to the foyer bar is flat. Access to the main restaurant is via a lift from the foyer or up 17 steps. Adapted unisex toilets on foyer and "The Studio" Gallery level. For performers, there is a massive, state of the art adapted bathroom / shower room available, flat access from dressing rooms to main stage and a chair carrying lift to "The Studio" stage level. To book tickets or for information, call the box office on 020 7087 7966 or see www.lwtheatres.co.uk for details.
Food: Ice cream and confectionary. Main foyer: A large bar area. A full service restaurant occupies the first floor. See their website for details.
The theatre has public WIFI access in foyer areas.
Cloakroom: On "The Studio" Gallery Level. Roaming hosts will take guests coats to this cloakroom if required.
4 toilets: foyer - 1 gents 1 cubicles / 4 urinals, 1 ladies 5 cubicles, 1 unisex disabled; lower level - 1 gents 3 cubicles / 4 urinals, 1 ladies 10 cubicles. 1 unisex disabled.
The monkey gratefully thanks the original owners for their help in compiling this information.
Theatres use "dynamic pricing." Seat prices change according to demand for a particular performance. Prices below were compiled as booking originally opened. Current prices are advised at time of enquiry.
Based on paying FULL PRICE (no discount!) for tickets, site writers and contributing guests have ALSO created the colour-coded plans for "value for money," considering factors like views, comfort and value-for-money compared with other same-priced seats available.
For a full discussion, opinions, reviews, notes, tips, hints and advice on all the seats in this theatre, click on "BEST SEAT ADVICE" (on the left of your screen).
On the plans below:
Seats in GREEN many feel may offer either noticeable value, or something to compensate for a problem; for example, being a well-priced restricted view ticket. Any seats coloured LIGHT GREEN are sold at "premium" prices because the show producer thinks they are the best. The monkey says "you are only getting what you pay for" but uses this colour to highlight the ones it feels best at the price, and help everybody else find equally good seats nearby at lower prices.
Seats in WHITE, many feel, provided about what they pay for. Generally unremarkable.
Seats in RED are coloured to draw attention. Not necessarily to be avoided - maybe nothing specific is wrong with them, other than opinions that there are better seats at the same price. Other times there may be something to consider before buying – perhaps overpricing, obstructed views, less comfort etc.
Please remember that cheaper seats often do not offer the same view / location quality as top price ones, and that ticket prices are designed to reflect this difference.
Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical
Babies
Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical
Babies
31st May and 1st June 2024: All seats £20.
Some details may change, the monkey will update as available.
Click "Best Seat Advice" (left) for more information about legroom and seating in this auditorium.
Please note: The seating plans are not accurate representations of the auditorium. While we try to ensure they are as close to the actual theatre plan as possible we cannot guarantee they are a true representation. Customers with specific requirements are advised to discuss these with the theatre prior to booking to avoid any confusion.
Victoria - Victoria (light blue) and Circle (yellow) and District (green) lines. Also Main rail network terminus.
From the Victoria line ticket barriers, turn to your left. Follow the curve of the barriers around until you see an exit sign for "Wilton Road". Go under this sign and up the stairs.
From the District and Circle line ticket barriers, you have two choices.
Either you can turn left on leaving the underground ticket barriers, go up the stairs and exit the station. Follow the street to your right, and the Victoria Palace Theatre appears ahead of you, across the road to your left.
Alternatively, on leaving the underground ticket barriers, turn to your right, and look along diagonally for a tunnel sign marked "National Rail". Walk under it and down a gentle slope. This will bring you into the Victoria line hall. Follow the curve of the ticket barriers around until you see an exit sign for "Wilton Road". Go under this sign and up the stairs.
Alternatively, on leaving the underground ticket barriers, turn to your right, and look along diagonally for a tunnel sign marked "National Rail". Walk under it and down a gentle slope. This will bring you into the Victoria line hall. Follow the curve of the ticket barriers around until you see an exit sign for "Wilton Road". Go under this sign and up the stairs.
The Victoria Palace theatre is in front of you, across a busy road.
It is possible to access the theatre from Buckingham Palace Road, straight down Palace Street. From the station, turn left onto Victoria Street, right onto Buckingham Palace Road, cross Bressenden Place, continue down to Palace Place, turning left into it. That is a far longer walk, though.
Another Alternative
Inside Victoria Underground Station, follow the signs for the "CARDINAL PLACE EXIT." At the top of the stairs, look to your left and walk down the space between "Browns" and "Costa." Ahead, you will see "Marks and Spencer."
Look to the left of "Marks and Spencer" and see the escalators and staircase. See the path beside them. Walk down this path, passing "Coffee Geek."
Ahead you will see the back wall of "The Phoenix" Pub, promising "Good Food" in signs painted on the wall. Walk towards the pub and follow its wall around to the left, to its front doors. The theatre is straight ahead of you.
Alternate Route Suggested by a Reader:
A Local resident writes, "I live in the area and suggest a route that's certainly no longer (maybe shorter!), that's less complex, and that I think is more pleasant. Here it is:
-- Leave the front of the station and cross Victoria Street (as in your directions);
-- Turn right on Victoria Street, follow it across Bressenden Place and go straight on for maybe another 50 metres;
-- Turn left into Cardinal Place shopping centre (just past the Moulton Brown shop and before Goldsmiths);
-- Walk straight back through Cardinal Place, which is an outside space (with a glass roof in spots) and is open to the public 24/7;
-- Walk past the M&S on the right and straight through to Palace Street;
-- At Palace Street, look to the left and the theatre is right there.
So -- in essence: out of the Station onto Victoria Street; left turn into Cardinal Place; Theatre is on the left at Palace Street.
You can save a few steps by going through Cardinal Place immediately after crossing Bressenden Place, on a diagonal from the street corner (going between the Lloyds on the right and the Browns on the left) and then turning left at the centre of Cardinal Place -- but that seems a bit more complex to explain.
Sounds like a good choice, thinks the monkey. Reader Dannie agrees, saying,
"I used the alternative route suggested by one of your readers, and had no trouble finding the theatre, even with the construction work going on around Victoria Station."
Either way, it's around 15 minutes to walk from the station to the theatre, feels the monkey - who is a fast walker...
16, 38, 42, 52, 73, 82, 148 stop nearby on Buckingham Palace Road. Walk down Palace Street. The theatre is the large pale coloured building ahead of you, after crossing Palace Place.
8, 11, 24, 36, 38, 73, 211, 511 To Victoria Bus Station. See directions from "Nearest Underground Station" above.
Can be hailed outside, but more easily on Buckingham Palace Road. Leave the theatre, turn right if leaving the main entrance, keeping the foyer glass windows to your right. Walk straight on to the end of Palace Street, crossing Palace Place. At the end of the road, across the street ahead is a brick wall - the Royal Mews. You have reached Buckingham Palace Road.
Taxis can also be hailed from the rank at Victoria Station. See directions from "Nearest Underground Station" above.
None are close. The theatre suggest Eccleston Bridge Place (walk down Bridge Place to Wilton Road, pass the Apollo Victoria Theatre, cross towards the Victoria Palace Theatre and follow directions from "Nearest Underground Station" above.
On street parking may be available after 6.30pm (all day Sunday) but is limited - even more so by building work in the area.
This venue does not participate in any discount parking scheme.
© 2000-2024 "Theatremonkey," "Theatermonkey," "Chip" and "Sammy" are registered trademarks. Buy your tickets with confidence here. Theatremonkey is an Affiliate Member of STAR. All rights reserved.
Readers comments
"Theatre: Why didn’t the powers that be make the seats more comfortable when they had the luxury of a new build? There is no legroom, except for seats G1 and G23 where the end seats of row F curve inward. Admittedly, the view is exceptional from every seat, but I don’t want to be thinking about my knees during such a wonderful performance. We’ve seen some great productions, but the legroom is always a problem."
"A7: "You Can't Succeed" (September 2015), (thespyinthestalls). Right next to stage but low stage in this performance was fine. This seat is sort of where the row curves around so can feel a little tight in leg room."
"A12: "Frank and Percy" (September 2023), (Josepha). It is great to be in the front row until the scenery gets shifted three times and totally blocks your view! This applies to several seats adjacent to mine. Worth pointing out on your website. It is only for a short time but is irritating."
"A13: "The Wild Party" (March 2017). Stage is quite low so this is a great seat! Good clear view of everything although did need to look up."
"A25: "Bully Boy" (October 2012), (David Hurrell). I had seat A25 at the end of the angle that rounds the stage. In addition to insufficient leg-room there are two other disadvantages: 1) The seat is very side on and so close to the stage that one's view of the action can be obscured by staring at a character's back and 2) one suffers from the glare of the lights. The management would do well to shorten the angles."
"Row B: 'Daddy Long Legs' (November 2012), (David Hurrell). I noted that the seats at either end of Row A that stood at an angle to the stage and about which I adversely commented to you in my review of 'Bully Boy' in October 2012' have now been removed, leaving just the 10 seats facing the stage. Needless to say the seats at either end of row B now have marvellous leg-room - just waiting for a daddy long legs in fact! (May of course not happen for every show, editor)."
B15: "Eugenius!" (January 2018). Got for £10 (via London Theatre January Sale). I had to walk down a rather steep staircase to get to my seat. The seat is central and gives a unobstructed view of the stage. I found the seat uncomfortable due to very limited leg room (I'm 6ft /1.8m tall) as the tips of my toes rested against the back of the chair in front (i.e. the "Z" position as mentioned by the monkey) but there was about 2cm-3cm of space in front of my knees at least. Good view of the stage but I did get a neck ache from looking up all the time. Also, the stage lights did hit me in the eyes often. I noticed a lot of people complaining about how hot it is in the back rows whereas in row B it's was just warm whenever the lights hit me. Note: There is a gap in the floor where the chair in front starts and this is where my bottle of water fell through (but was easy enough to recover at the interval)."
"Row C: "Frank and Percy" (September 2023). With the steep rake the sightlines are amazing for everyone and the intimacy with the performers was exciting. But the legroom - or lack of it - is horrendous. Was the seat pitch tested on anyone over 5'2"? I'm 6'2" with a long femur; I had to sit in the awful 'manspreading' position - after 2 hours 15 of this excellent play I was 'locked' and could have done with a crane to get me out of my seat. I would only ever book this theatre again in the tiny number of seats you have flagged up which are 'on the curve'..."
"C3 and 4: "Heathers The Musical" (June 2018), (Paul Nicholls). Close to the stage with a side view. While I don't feel we missed anything, we were looking at the backs of the casts heads for a large portion of the show so maybe we'll go more central if we visit again.
"C 6 and 7: "“My Mother said I Never Should" (May 2016). I went with my daughter to “My Mother said I Never Should” as my first visit to this theatre. We both really loved the theatre. I rather like smaller open theatres with low stage such as this, the Charing Cross (just seen Titanic) and others. We were in seats C6 and 7 just on the side and had a great uninterrupted view of the stage, the rake is such you see over the heads of those in front from memory, so no issues there. I liked these seats very much and I don’t usually like seats this close to a stage.
You pass comment that the seating is steep – perhaps you should emphasise that a bit more – it definitely looked steep from where we were – not 02 steep, but steep enough. My wife doesn’t like being in steep seating she feels dizzy and I don’t think I’d risk seats beyond row F if taking her.
You asked about seat comfort, I thought the seat comfort was fine as far as I can remember. They are upright as you say but it didn’t make it uncomfortable. I do tend to sit far back in theatre seats and upright anyway though. I also didn’t find the legroom a problem at all, perhaps again because I tend to sit back in the seat. It’s not generous but my knees/legs weren’t touching the seat in front sitting straight forward – I’m 5ft 10."
"D21 and 22: "Cruel Intentions" (February 2024). Theatre looks very modern, seats were a perfect view, although I'm glad we were not front row as it would have felt too close to the performers as the stage is flat rather than raised."
"D21 to 25: "Big Fish" (November 2017). As you note, poor legroom throughout. But worth noting (for ladies/gentlemen-of-a-certain-age) that you are right by an exit leading to the toilets. For some/many patrons, swift and easy access to toilets is a great selling point. As one of my party needs this access, I would always make sure I sat on this side of the auditorium for this reason."
"D22 and 23 "Miss Atomic Bomb" (March 2016). We were in the second row and at an angle to the stage but the view was brilliant and we were very pleased. The rake was good so my daughter had no problem seeing."
"Row E: "Daddy Long Legs" (November 2012). "Went to this new theatre for the first time last night to see "Daddy Long Legs" - ironic title since the seating is the most uncomfortable I've ever experienced. I'm not unusually tall but found it impossible to move my legs which ended up bent back under the seat, this is the only time I've almost left a show part-way through due to discomfort. Luckily at the interval I was able to move to an aisle seat which gave me room to spread out sideways. Seems incredible to get this so wrong in a brand new theatre."
"E 6 and 7: "Rent" (December 2016). I commented last time that I thought the legroom was OK as I tend to sit quite upright anyway – I think we were in row C or D last time and a bit further round to the side - perhaps it was just the angle or I was in a particularly good mood because we were sitting in E 6 and 7 this time and I did notice the legroom being tight, but I wasn’t uncomfortable. I can see someone with long legs being so though."
“E 7 to 9: The best seats! Bought on the day seats offer - central, enough legroom, on a good level so not looking up at the stage, fantastic rake so no issues with the people in front.”
"E14: "Uncle Vanya" (October 2014). Great seat, central - but legroom poor."
"E20 and 21 "Be More Chill" (February 2020). Not much legroom but great close views."
"F20: "Miss Atomic Bomb" (March 2016). Good seat, with good view (close to the action, but a bit further back to get a good perspective overall). Legroom OK."
"F4: "Miss Atomic Bomb" (March 2016). A lovely little theatre, to me it looked like every seat in the theatre had a perfectly clear view of the stage. Only issue is the legroom – the seats have very upright backs and little legroom forcing you to sit up straight which isn’t the most comfortable position after 2 hours!"
“G1: “Cruel Intentions” (March 2024), (Broadway John). Fabulous view! Good legroom but seat was a little cramped.”
"G1 and 2: "Falsettos" (September 2019). We moved to G1 and 2 at the interval - G1 is blissful, as it has proper legroom."
"H20 and 21: "Big Fish" (November 2017). My first visit to The Other Palace. The seats - in terms of things to sit on - terrible. Have to sit bolt upright, with no legroom at all, they only get away with the rows being so close to each other because the rake is so "upper circle / cheap seats" steep, that it allows everyone's knees to overhang the row in front of them. In terms of view though, the steep rake means all seats can see the stage well. Worth mentioning that I overheard a lot of people complaining about how steep the access steps are; you don't really expect the steepness of an upper balcony, down in the premium seating area. Also note that there is a massive gap immediately behind each row, easy for dainty feet to get caught in when inching along a packed row.
We had seats H20 and H21, as mentioned the view was great but the structure of the venue ceiling is such that some lighting bars are quite close here. Not so that anything is in the way of the view, but I found the continuous noise of the fans on the lighting fixtures only a few feet above my head, to be distracting at times. One good feature about these high numbered ends of the middle alphabet rows is that they have great access to the set of toilets in the sub basement, and also to a direct to street exit, allowing one to miss the post-show foyer scrum.
Special mention for the awful in-wall house lights, I don't know if it was the particular shade they had them set to for Big Fish but they have a weird migraine-inducing strobe effect, where both my partner and I were seeing multiple flashing colours if we looked directly at them? Luckily those lights are off for the majority of the show.
My partner was particularly irritated by the toilets in this venue. For a relatively new build, there is shockingly little provision upstairs in the crowded foyer, and she said that many of the cubicles in the larger basement ladies didn't have working lights or flush buttons, rendering them unusable. Seems like maintenance is a bit lacking at the Other Palace."
“J7 and 8: “Heathers The Musical” (November 2021), (Bob Pickett). These are great seats. Unless you want to be practically on stage, I’d say these seats are ideally located. You look gently down at the stage (thus appreciating the full set) - fans of Heathers will understand when I say you can look straight at the balcony. Being a small theatre, you can see every expression. And you have no problem seeing over the rows in front."
As with all seats at The Other Palace, legroom is adequate, it did feel like there was a little more space than the rows behind. A spot more upholstery would be appreciated, but they’re nice and wide so it’s a comfortable experience seeing a show from here.”
"K18: "Daddy Long Legs" (November 2012), (Dannie). "I was in seat K18, and was pleased with the seat. I had a nice view of the whole stage and was able to clearly see the emotions on the actors’ faces. I’m 5’4”, and by the end of the show felt the legroom was adequate for me, but not amazing. There is an extra armrest between seats 18 and 17, due to the curve of the auditorium. This meant the person in seat 17 and I had our own armrest instead of jockeying to share one. From what I could tell the double armrest was present in all of the rows due to the curve, but I’m not sure if they were all 17 and 18 (and didn’t look at the numbers on the other side). The seats in front of mine for the next two rows were empty, so I can’t comment about heads in the way. Given the steep rake of the theatre I don’t think that would be much of a problem."
"L1 "Eugenius" (February 2018), (Roger). Being an aisle seat, it really suited me. However the leg room was restricted, but the view of the stage was good."
"L21: "Big Fish" (October 2017). Good clear view from this seat, about the right distance back for a musical."
"N1 "Eugenius" (February 2018), (Roger). Seat was advertised as restricted view and cost £15.00. However view of the main stage was more than adequate and not worth paying the extra amount for a more expensive ticket. There is plenty of leg room and as it is right near the door makes it easy to get in and out."
“N5 and 6: “Heathers The Musical” (November 2021), (Bob Pickett). Being quite a new theatre, the seats have been built with modern audiences in mind. They’re quite spacious. The downside is legroom; it’s… sufficient, but as the seat backs go all the way to the floor you can’t slide your feet under the chair in front. And a little more padding would have been nice. Fidgets were minimal, but they did happen. Clearance over the rows in front is great, thanks to the rake (steep, yet it doesn’t feel it walking down to the ice-cream vendor).
The plus side of row N is nothing behind you so you can drape coats etc over the back. The downside depends on the production. If the show is on ground-level you’ll be fine. But if - like Heathers - there is an on-stage balcony, you lose the actors above the waist (at the interval we were kindly allocated closer seats). I think it would only take moving a couple of rows to get a full view, but bear in mind the production’s set when considering these seats.”
"N9 and 10: "Falsettos" (September 2019). I did find the overhang an issue - you have a duck a little when the actors are on the balcony. We moved to G1 and 2 at the interval - G1 is blissful, as it has proper legroom. So N is fine, but if there are discounts elsewhere, think about splashing the cash a little. If there are no discounts, you will still enjoy it from N. "
"N12 and 13: "Putting it Together" (January 2014). I was a little apprehensive having read that the seats were terribly uncomfortable, and having sat through "The Pride" at the Trafalgar Studios which has awful seating, I was a bit nervous. I am 6ft, as is my partner. We sat in row N in seats 12 and 13. Seat 13 was next to a sound man set up, so there was no one to my left. We had a great view of the stage and I have to say it was very comfortable. I didn't feel squashed and was able to sit very easily without hitting the seat in front of me. I did probably help that I had a little space next to me, but my partner who was sat between two people was absolutely fine."
"N20: "Eugenius" (February 2018). £15. Fairly good view of the stage, only the very top is cut off which isn't significant. The overhanging ceiling had decorative lights which are slightly in the way but after a while I didn't even notice them. There is a sound desk here and I could hear them whispering during the quieter moments which was distracting. I'm 6ft (1.8m) tall and was uncomfortable due to the limited leg space as my toes touched the back of the seat in front (however it's slightly more comfortable than when I sat in B15). It got very hot up here so make sure you can strip down to a thin layer and have some cool water. Finally, I noticed that N18 has some extra space between it and the sound desk where the occupant placed a rucksack and coat and was able to slightly stretch out their right leg (oh, and furthermore, you can leave the theatre from N18 due to the gap between it and the sound desk rather than walking to the end of the row)."
"N23: "Big Fish" (October 2017). This was my first visit to this theatre and i was not disappointed. My seat was in the back row. There is only one set of seats. I had a clear view of the stage and was able to see the actors faces very clearly. Leg room was perfectly adequate for someone of average height, like myself. This particularly seat was an aisle seat, which meant it was easy to get out in the interval. The seats are very steeply raked, which also helps, but beware of the steps they are very steep."
This is a truly amazing space, on 2 levels, with a stage that can be confined to a corner or extended along a wall. A sound desk / DJ booth puts out music, a bar will quietly (so no hissing coffee machine here) serve alcoholic and soft cold drinks during intervals when the performer isn't actually performing, and the atmosphere even as the rush is on to finish it, is amazing.
Think "secret club" for the glittering crowd, and you are about there. Perfect for anything from chamber music to burlesque - and equipped for either, with a grand piano for music or just a stage setting.