London Palladium

London Palladium

8 Argyll Street, London W1F 7TF

Getting here

Closest Tube Station

Oxford Circus Station (Oxford Street)

Closest Train Station

Charing Cross

The London Palladium is a 2,286 seat West End theatre located off Oxford Street in the City of Westminster, London. From the roster of stars who have played here and many televised performances, it is arguably the most famous theatre in London and the United Kingdom, especially for musical variety shows. 

The London Palladium Building

The grade II* listed building dates back to 1910, although the facade (originally that of Argyll House which is why the pub opposite is called The Argyll Arms) dates back to the 19th century. The London Palladium was originally a temporary wooden building called Corinthian Bazaar, which featured an aviary and aimed to attract customers from the recently closed Pantheon Bazaar on Oxford Street. The theatre was rebuilt a year later by Fredrick Hengler, the son of a tightrope walker, as a circus venue that included an aquatic display in a flooded ring. Next it became the National Skating Palace - a skating rink with real ice. However the rink failed and The London Palladium was redesigned by Frank Matcham, a famous theatrical architect who also designed the London Coliseum. The building now carries Heritage Foundation commemorative plaques honouring Lew Grade and Frankie Vaughan.

The theatre retains many of its original features and was Grade II* listed by English Heritage in September 1960. The Palladium had its own telephone system so the occupants of boxes could call one another. It also had a revolving stage.

The London Palladium History: Pre-war

The theatre started out as The Palladium, a premier venue for variety performances. It is especially linked to the Royal Variety Performances, where many were, and still are, held. From 1928 it was managed by George Black and was even a cinema for three months. During the 1930s, the theatre became the regular home for The Crazy Gang. The ‘London’ part of the name was added in 1934. Black controlled the large Moss Empires group of theatres. Responsible for bookings at the London Palladium was Val Parnell.

The London Palladium The Val Parnell era

Val Parnell took over as Managing Director in 1945. He adopted a controversial, but very successful, policy of presenting high-priced big-name acts. Among many, the list included Judy Garland, Sophie Tucker, Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Bob Hope, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Frankie Laine, Johnnie Ray, Petula Clark and Norman Vaughan.

From 1955-1967 the theatre was the setting for the top-rated ITV variety show Sunday Night at the London Palladium hosted first by Tommy Trinder, then by Bruce Forsyth. The programme was broadcast live every week by ATV, which was owned by the famous theatrical impresario Lew Grade. Production was by Val Parnell.

Val Parnell became associated with a property development company and began to sell Moss Empires' theatres for redevelopment. When it became known in 1966 that this fate awaited the London Palladium, The Victoria Palace and even the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, Prince Littler organised a take-over to save the theatres and Val Parnell retired to live in France. The new Managing Director of Stoll-Moss was Louis Benjamin, who took on the role while continuing as MD of Pye Records within the ATV Group.

In 1968, Sammy Davis, Jr. starred in Golden Boy, the first book musical to be produced in the venue.

The London Palladium Post-Parnell

In January 1973, glam rock band Slade played a gig in the London Palladium which resulted in the venue's balcony nearly collapsing. In 1976, and released in 1977 Marvin Gaye recorded his live concert on a Double LP Entitled Live at the London Palladium in which is considered Gaye at his finest while recording a live album, it also included his number one hit "Got to Give It Up".

During this time, the theatre was under the ownership of the Stoll Moss Theatres Group, and the management of both Margaret and David Locke, who both were major shareholders of Stoll Moss at the time.

The London Palladium Really Useful era

In 2000, ownership of the The London Palladium changed once again when it was acquired by Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group.

From May 3, 2000 to January 5, 2002, the Palladium played The King and I starring Elaine Paige and Jason Scott Lee. This production was a West End transfer of the hugely successful 1996 Broadway production. Before the opening, the box office had already taken in excess of £7 million in ticket sales. This version of the show was a lavish affair, with new dialogue and music added, while the original material was updated. During the run, Josie Lawrence played the role of Anna and Paul Nakauchi and Keo Woolford played the role of the King, respectively. After the production closed, the famous (but outdated) revolving stage was removed to make way for more modern technology.

From April 2002 to 4 September 2005, the Palladium played host to a theatrical version of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with song score by the Sherman Brothers as a successor to The King & I. Throughout its three and a half year run at the venue, the production starred many celebrities (see below). This show proved to be the most successful show to date, in the theatre's long history and reunited, 50 years later, the show's choreographer Gillian Lynne with the theatre in which she appeared as the Palladium's star dancer during the early 50s.

Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Ian's new production of The Sound of Music opened at The London Palladium in November 2006. The production ran for just over two years, before closing on 21 February 2009. The production starred Connie Fisher and Summer Strallen as Maria, Simon Shepherd, Alexander Hanson and Simon MacCorkindale as Captain Von Trapp and Lesley Garrett and Margaret Preece as the Mother Abbess.

A new production of Sister Act the Musical opened on 2nd June 2009. This production starred Patina Miller as Deloris, Sheila Hancock as Mother Superior, Ian Lavender as Monsignor Howard, Chris Jarman as Shank, Ako Mitchell as Eddie, Katie Rowley Jones as Sister Mary Robert, Claire Greenway as Sister Mary Patrick and Julia Sutton as Sister Mary Lazerus..

Rufus Wainwright held two sold out Judy Garland tribute concerts at The London Palladium on the 18th and 25th of February 2007.

On 20 May 2007, The Palladium was also the setting for the 2007 BAFTA awards, which were broadcast on BBC television.

 

The London Palladium Recent productions

 

1991: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring Jason Donovan, Linzi Hateley, Phillip Schofield
1994: Cameron Mackintosh revival of Oliver! directed by Sam Mendes, starring Jonathan Pryce, Jim Dale, Russ AbbotRobert Lindsay, George Layton, Barry Humphries, Sally Dexter, Sonia Swaby and Ruthie Henshall
1998: Saturday Night Fever directed and choreographed by Arlene Phillips, starring Adam Garcia and Ben Richards
2000: The King and I directed by Christopher Renshaw and choreographed by Jerome Robbins. This production was a West End transfer of the hugely successful 1996 Broadway production. The production starred Elaine Paige, Jason Scott Lee, Paul Nakauchi, Josie Lawrence and Keo Woolford.
2002: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang directed by Adrian Noble and choreographed by Gillian Lynne. This production starred Michael Ball, Emma Williams, Nichola McAuliffe, Brian Blessed, Gary Wilmot, Jason Donovan, Brian Conley, Christopher Biggins, Scarlett Strallen, Louise Gold, Richard O'Brien, Paul O'Grady, Caroline Sheen, Wayne Sleep, Lionel Blair, Stephen Gately, Derek Griffiths, Alvin Stardust and Jo Gibb.
2005: Scrooge - The Musical, by Leslie Bricusse, starring Tommy Steele
2006: Sinatra at the London Palladium
2006: The Sound of Music directed by Jeremy Sams, starring Connie Fisher, Alexander Hanson, Lesley Garrett and, later, Summer Strallen and Margaret Preece.
2008: MJP Showcase. A show by a young group of actors, dancers and singers, featuring music from many different musicals and movies.
2009: Sister Act the Musical - performances from 7th May 2009, produced by Whoopi Goldberg and Stage Entertainment with music by Alan Menken and Lyrics by Glenn Slater, starring Patina Miller, Sheila Hancock and Ian Lavender.
2010: Shrek the Musical

 

London Palladium Seating Plan

The London Palladium Seating Plan

The London Palladium has a capacity of 2,286 across 3 levels: Stalls, Royal Circle, and Upper Circle.

Hello, Dolly! is the current production at London Palladium. The latest booking period for Hello, Dolly! at London Palladium started 01/12/2020 19:30:00 and runs until 14/09/2024 19:30:00. Tickets for Hello, Dolly! start at £25 and are available to book now.

Taking Public transportation to the theatre is recommended. The nearest tube station to London Palladium is Oxford Circus Station (Bakerloo/Central/Victoria Lines). The London Palladium is serviced by bus lines 6, 13, 23, 94, 139, and 159 from Oxford Circus (Stop RG) just round the corner on Regent Street. If driving to the theatre the nearest car park to London Palladium is the Q-Park Soho.

Musical

Here Come The Boys

Here Come The Boys transfers to London Palladium for 10 day extravaganza

Musical

Death Note – The Musical

Unleash the power of the supernatural pen in Death Note, a thrilling battle of justice!

Experience

Rob Brydon – A Night of Songs & Laughter

Rob Brydon – A Night of Songs & Laughter comes to the London Palladium for two-nights-only!

Concert

Conchita!

Conchita! The phenomenal Conchita Wurst comes to BBC Radio 2’s ‘Friday Night Is Music Night’

Concert

John Bishop: Winging It

Comedy superstar John Bishop is extending his sell out UK tour and coming to the London Palladium

Concert

Todrick Hall

Broadway Actor and Streamy Award Winner Todrick Hall announces his new world tour

Dance

Kevin & Joanne Clifton in Burn the Floor

Kevin Clifton and his sister Joanne tread the boards in Burn the Floor!

Concert

Ariana DeBose

The triple-threat entertainer Ariana DeBose comes to London Palladium for one night only!

Play

Stephen Fry Mythos a Trilogy: Men

As the last part in Stephen Fry's Mythos trilogy, Men gets down and dirty at the height of the Trojan War and in Homer's Odyssey.

Concert

Brit Floyd: Eclipse World Tour 2018

45 Years of The Dark Side of the Moon

Concert

Christopher Cross in Concert

Christopher Cross 1 night only with Take Me As I Am

Musical

Snow White

Dawn French and Julian Clary to star in 2018 Christmas Panto!

Concert

YES: 50th Anniversary

The year 2018 marks half a century since the formation of the legendary group YES

Concert

The Mavericks

See The Mavericks on the Brand New Day Tour

Concert

Turin Brakes

The estimable London 4-piece Turin Brakes will play at the Palladium

Musical

Dick Whittington at the London Palladium

Pantomime returns to the iconic London Palladium with an enchanting new production of Dick Whittington.

Musical

Cats

The legendary musical returns to the West End

Concert

Silent Comedy Spectacular Hosted By Barry Humphries

Barry Humphries hosts a hilarious night on the town with a trio of comedic talents from yesteryear special guest stars and a live orchestra.

Musical

I Can't Sing! The X Factor Musical

Concert

The Greatest Love of All

The Greatest Love of All Whitney Houston tribute concert starring Belinda Davids

Play

Stephen Fry Mythos a Trilogy: Heroes

Stephen Fry's Mythos a Trilogy continues with Heroes, which follows Perseus, Heracles, and Theseus on their quests.

Concert

Dawn French Is A Huge Twat!

Dawn French Is A Huge Twat at London Palladium, a night of hilarious self-mortification!

Play

Stephen Fry Mythos a Trilogy: Gods

As part of Stephen Fry's epic Mythos trilogy, Gods explores the deities of Greek myth. Tickets on sale now.

Concert

Boyzone

Boyzone say farewell after 25 years!

Musical

At Last, It's Summer

A cast of stage and screen icons lead At Last, It's Summer, the gala concert of the year!

Musical

Jordan Gray: Is It A Bird?

Jordan Gray: Is It A Bird? comes to the London Palladium for a night of laughter and songs

Musical

Wizard of Oz

Musical

Sister Act

Concert

Bellowhead

Concert

An Evening with Liza Minnelli

Liza Minnelli Live and in conversation at the London Palladium on 20th September 2015

Musical

Scrooge: The Musical

Concert

Symphonic Floyd featuring the En Suite Electric Band

Concert

Paul Carrack

This much-loved blue-eyed soul singer shows no signs of slowing down.

Musical

Dream On

Concert

Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs

Expect everything: an evening of jokes, anecdotes, and many, many songs.

Concert

Alexandre Astier L'Exoconference

Concert

The Waterboys

See this amazing band playing London Palladium following their successful world tour in 2016.

Concert

Alison Moyet

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Concert

Des O’Connor and Jimmy Tarbuck

Concert

Kenny Rogers - "The Gambler’s Last Deal" Tour

Concert

Keaton Henson

Concert

An Evening with Eric Cantona

The enigmatic Frenchman surely has a lot to say - come and see for yourself!

Concert

The Godfather Live With 60 Piece Orchestra

Concert

Kathy Griffin: Laugh Your Head Off

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Concert

Whoopi Goldberg – Stand Up Live!

The one and only Whoopi Goldberg coming to the West End for one evening only!

Concert

Dr John Cooper Clarke

Britain’s best loved poet Dr John Cooper Clarke is heading to the London Palladium

Concert

Paul Carrack

Concert

Randy Newman In Concert

concert

Concert

Celtic Woman

Concert

Suzanne Vega

Concert

Leona Lewis

Concert

Joan Collins Unscripted

Dame Joan will share stories and secrets from her celebrated life and career as one of the world’s most glamorous and intriguing actresses

Concert

Miles Jupp

Miles Jupp, an actor, comedian, writer, TV presenter and much more - an evening not to forget!

Concert

The Zombies Odyssey and Oracle Finale Tour

Do not miss The Zombies Odyssey and Oracle 50th Anniversary Finale Tour!

Concert

Led Zeppelin Masters

Australia’s celebrated live concert event Stairway To Heaven: Led Zeppelin Masters coming to the UK in April 2017.

Concert

Steve Vai - Passion & Warfare 25 Tour

Concert

Ramin Karimloo

Concert

Broadway in Concert

One night only: West End will be hosting the best musical tunes of all times

Concert

Marrillion

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Concert

Daniel O'Donnell Live at the London Palladium

Daniel O'Donnell Live at London Palladium for 2 nights only!

Concert

Judy Garland

One of the 20th Century most celebrated icons back in London Palladium!

Concert

An Evening with Opeth

Concert

A Celebration of the Music from Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings, and The Hobbit

Fans will have to be quick to snap up the precious tickets, as Winter is coming!

Concert

Rodrigo Y Gabriela

Musical

Sinatra at the London Palladium

Sinatra: The Man & His Music

Concert

Jerry Lee Lewis

Concert

Brian Wilson Presents Pet Sounds

Concert

Marina and the Diamonds

Concert

Jonathan Pie: Live!

“A devastating critique of the state of the nation delivered via an electrifying performance – grab yourself a slice of Pie” - Chortle

Concert

Alison Moyet

Once half of the duo Yazoo, now a very successful solo artist, Alison Moyet comes to London Palladium!

Concert

Lisa Stansfield

Lisa Stansfield will perform at the Palladium!

Concert

Norah Jones

Concert

Magic Soul

Join Magic Radio at the iconic London Palladium

Concert

Marina and the Diamonds

Concert

10cc

One of the most inventive and influential bands in the history of popular music, 10cc, have announced a show at the London Palladium!

Concert

Beverly Knight

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Play

Eat Pray Laugh! Barry Humphries' Farewell Show

Dame Edna takes her final bow at the London Palladium

Musical

An Evening with Matt Goss and Friends

Concert

The Shires Live

Smash hit UK Country Music duo The Shires are playing one night only at the London Palladium.

Dance

Dancer

Come and see the UK premiere of Dancer, followed by a Q&A and live performance by Sergei Polunin!

Concert

Nathan Carter

Ireland's top country star comes to the West End.

Concert

The Invisible Dot's Palladium Party!

Concert

Nathan Carter

A fresh faced young man who has now captivated audiences all over Ireland, The UK and beyond since he burst on to the scene in 2009.

Concert

Paul Carrack

Musical

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Concert

Paul Carrack

Paul Carrack returns to the London Palladium!

Play

Making a Murderer

Concert

Don McLean

America’s legendary singer-songwriter Don McLean returns to the UK

Concert

Stanley Clarke and Hiromi Duo

Concert

Attraction Present THE BOX

Dance

The Nutcracker On Ice

Concert

Shane Filan

Concert

The Wizard Of Oz: Film with Live Orchestra

A movie that has touched millions around the world.

Concert

An Evening with Collabro

A return to the London Palladium

Concert

Mashina Vremeni

Musical

Beyond Bollywood

Concert

An Intimate Evening with Kristin Chenoweth

An intimate show, up close and personal, this is a rare chance to see and hear one of Broadway’s greatest on the London stage.

Concert

Miz Cracker

American Woman Miz Cracker takes the London Palladium by storm

Concert

Aimee Mann – Mental Illness Tour

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Concert

Ahlam

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Concert

Alexander Armstrong

Concert

Jake Bugg

Monday 26th February will see Jake Bugg return to London

Concert

Marti Pellow Live

One of the UK’s biggest pop icons will take to the stage at the London Palladium on Sunday 26 March!

Musical

Scooby Doo Live - Musical Mysteries

Concert

Gareth Malone

Join us for this one-off musical extravaganza this Autumn.

Concert

Melody Gardot

Concert

Rain : 50 Years of SGT Pepper

Concert

Dr Hook Starring Dennis Locorriere

Dr Hook!

Concert

Roger Hodgson formerly of Supertramp

Dance

Sergei Polunin

Ukrainian ballerino Sergei Polunin prances his way to the West End with a new mixed programme

Musical

Taboo

Taboo at the London Palladium

Dance

James & Ola: Uncensored

Catch the sexiest couple to come from BBC’S Strictly Come Dancing

Dance

Remembering Fred

Celebrate Fred Astaire with Strictly Come Dancing stars Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara.

Musical

Hair - The Musical In Concert

Hair The Musical in Concert comes to the London Palladium for One-Night-Only!

Concert

Seal

Second date added to sold out performance!

Musical

Bat Boy The Musical In Concert

The cult-classic Bat Boy is a new obsession for musical fans to sink their teeth into!

Musical

The Wizard of Oz

Join Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tinman, and Lion as they journey down the Yellow Brick Road

Concert

Dervish - The Great Irish Songbook

Dervish - The Great Irish Songbook

Concert

Karen Mok

Karen Mok in concert in London for one night only!

Musical

Beauty and the Beast

Be Our Guest at the London Palladium this summer!

Pantomime

Pantoland

The star-studded Pantoland comes to London this Christmas!

Concert

The Waterboys

Come see the continuing evolution of The Waterboys.

Concert

Bryan Ferry

Don’t miss your chance to see one of the greats in an intimate theatre setting.

Concert

Alexander O’Neal

Alexander O’Neal is one of R&B's most iconic names.

Play

High Performance Live ‘23

Unlock your high happiness in the live staging of High Performance at The London Palladium

Pantomime

Treason The Musical - London Palladium

We promise you, you won't forget this explosive musical!

Pantomime

Jack and the Beanstalk

The star-studded London Palladium Pantomime returns this Christmas!

Concert

Brian Wilson Presents Pet Sounds

Concert

Scouting For Girls

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Concert

Art Garfunkel In Close Up

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Musical

The Wind In The Willows

Join Ratty, Badger, Mole and the impulsive Toad as they embark on a series of riotous adventures!

Concert

Leona Lewis

Concert

Ralph McTell

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Musical

Joseph

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat returns to the London Palladium in 2021!

Concert

Mika

Play

Whose Line Is It Anyway? Live

Musical

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Sophie Isaacs is Goldilocks in the fourth pantomime staged by London Palladium.

Concert

Grayson Perry – Typical Man in a Dress

Masculinity will be scrutinized by a man, but maybe not a typical one... well see for yourself

Concert

Candace Bushnell – True Tales of Sex, Success and Sex and the City

Candace Bushnell – True Tales of Sex, Success and Sex and the City

Musical

The Addams Family Concert

This haunting and delightful concert brings The Addams Family to the London Palladium

Musical

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

The Story of Simon & Garfunkel celebrates the legacy of two pioneers of folk and rock!