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
Review:          coming soon


Apollo
Apollo

Capacity:        796
Address:         31 Shaftesbury Avenue, London
Postcode:        W1D 7ES
Box Office:      08444829671
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
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
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
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
Review:          coming soon



Garrick
Garrick

Capacity:        656
Address:         15 Garrick St, City of London
Postcode:        WC2E 9AY
Box Office:      08444829673
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
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
Review:          coming soon


Her Majesty's
Her Majesty’s

Capacity:        1216
Address:         57 Haymarket, London
Postcode:        SW1Y 4QL
Box Office:      08444124653
Review:          coming soon


London Palladium
London Palladium

Capacity:        2286
Address:         Argyll St, London
Postcode:        W1F 7TF
Box Office:      08444124655
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
Review:          coming soon


Noel Coward

Capacity:        872
Address:         St Martin’s Lane, London
Postcode:        WC2N 4AU
Box Office:      08444825141
Review:          coming soon


Novello
Novello

Capacity:        1050
Address:         Aldwych, London
Postcode:        WC2B 4LD
Box Office:      08444825170
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
Review:          coming soon




Piccadilly
Piccadilly

Capacity:        1232
Address:         16 Denman St, London
Postcode:        W1D 7DY
Box Office:      08448717627
Review:          coming soon


Pheasantry

Capacity:        75
Address:         152-154 Kings Road, Chelsea, London
Postcode:        SW3 4UT
Box Office:      08456027017
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
Review:          coming soon



Prince of Wales
Prince of Wales

Capacity:        1160
Address:         Coventry St, London
Postcode:        W1D 6AS
Box Office:      08444825115
Review:          coming soon


Queen’s
Queen's

Capacity:        1100
Address:         Shaftesbury Avenue, London
Postcode:        W1D 6BA
Box Office:      08444825160
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
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
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
Review:          coming soon




Trafalgar 1
Trafalgar Studio 1

Capacity:        380
Address:         14 Whitehall, Westminster, London
Postcode:        SW1A 2
Box Office:      08700606632
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
Review:          coming soon


Vaudeville
Vaudeville

Capacity:        690
Address:         404 Strand, London
Postcode:        WC2R 0NH
Box Office:      08444829675
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
Review:          coming soon


Wyndham’s

Capacity:        759
Address:         Charing Cross Rd, London
Postcode:        WC2H 0DA
Box Office:      08444825120
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)
 


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