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Peacock Theatre

Portugal St, London WC2A 2HT, UK

Tucked away on Portugal Street, the Peacock Theatre is one of London’s hidden cultural gems, a rare blend of modern design and storied past. Originally opened in the 1930s and later reborn under the care of Sadler’s Wells, it has hosted everything from glamorous film premieres to bold contemporary dance. The theatre’s sleek Art Deco-inspired façade conceals a stage that has seen legends of ballet, comedy, and musical theatre, including performances by the Royal Shakespeare Company and Rambert Dance Company. Today, it continues to charm audiences with its intimate acoustics, rich theatrical heritage, and atmosphere that bridges old-world glamour with modern creative energy. The Peacock Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.

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About Peacock Theatre

  • The Peacock Theatre boasts a seating capacity of 1004 seats which includes 707 Stalls and 297 Dress Circles.
  • If you are running tight on budget, we recommend you grab the Dress Circle seats.
  • However, all the seats at the theatre offer a stunning view and will be worth the money. 
  • The front Stalls are a great choice for premium seating, especially in the middle of rows D–M.
  • The audience seated here will have a clean, unimpeded view of the entire stage because of the progressive slope, which allows them to see past those in front.

​Peacock Theatre seating plan >

seatmap

The site of the present Peacock Theatre has been home to a playhouse since the 17th century, known as Gibbon's Tennis Court or the Vere Street Theatre. The theatre became famous for staging a landmark performance of Shakespeare's Othello, featuring a female actor, Mrs Hughes - a groundbreaking achievement for the time. The London Opera House opened its doors in 1911, but it wasn't until 1916 that it was renamed the Stoll Theatre. It became a cinema and variety venue for some time, before returning to live theatre use in 1966.

In 1996, Sadler's Wells moved into what is now known as the Peacock Theatre The theatre currently serves both as a lecture hall during the day for the London School of Economics and a performance space in the evenings, with productions by Sadler's Wells. The Rat Pack and Doldrum Bay have been performed here, as well as other successful productions over the years. Interestingly, the theatre is acclaimed to be the home of West End’s bizarre ghosts, a dolphin which goes by the name of “Flipper”.

  • The Peacock Theatre stands today as one of the most renowned dance stages in London.
  • It comprises two levels with decorative panels leading to a movable proscenium arch, above which lies a large orchestra pit.
  • The 110 square meter stage is suitable for dancing and the grid has 52 counterweight lines.
  • In 2014, Feix & Merlin upgraded the foyer and bar area as well as improved its street presence with a sign and lighting.
  • The timber doors, panels and ironmongery were changed to black and brass while the interior had new flooring, wall coverings and custom furniture with pendant lights crafted by them.
  • This design was inspired by the original brass balustrades of the building.
  • The last step of renovation is to refurbish the basement bars.
  • These changes also mark the theatre’s first refurbishment in the last 50 years.

The only successful productions at the Royalty Theatre were the blockbuster plays Oh! Calcutta! and Bubbling Brown Sugar in the late 1970s. The English folk-rock singer Sandy Denny and her band performed there for their first and last shows of what turned out to be their final tour in November 1977. In addition to this, the theatre was used as a TV studio for This Is Your Life. After it was renamed the Peacock Theatre, several noteworthy and memorable productions have taken the stage by storm including The Rat Pack, Burn the Floor, The Snowman, House of Flamenka, Some Like it Hip Hop, Fame the Musical and Beyond Bollywood.

Know Before You Go

  • Train: The nearest station, Charing Cross, is fifteen minutes away by walk from the theatre.
  • Tube: You can take a tube to Holborn (Central/Piccadilly Lines) or Temple(District/Circle Lines). Both stations are approximately five to seven minutes away by foot.
  • Bus: The theatre is close to three bus stops and is accessible by several routes. You could board the buses numbered 8, 19, 38, 22B, 25, 188, 501, 521 to High Holborn, 1, 68, 91, 168, 171, 188, 501, 505, 521, X68 to Kingsway, or 4, 11, 15, 23, 26, 76, 171, 341 to Aldwych/Strand.
  • Parking: The theatre falls under London’s congestion charge zone which would cost a fee of about £ 11.50 between 7 AM to 6 PM to drive in the area. Peacock Theatre does not have a designated parking spot. However, Blue Badge parking bays are available which are about 50m away from the building on Portugal Street. Visitors can also park their vehicles in the parking spot at Covent Garden or Citadines Holborn Covent Garden which are 10 minutes away.
  • Cloakroom: The theatre offers a cloakroom for coats and small goods but cannot accommodate suitcases, backpacks or heavy luggage. 
  • Adapted Toilets: The venue has adapted toilets.
  • Bar: Drinks and snacks are available at the bar inside the premises.

Motor/Mobility:

  • The main entrance to Peacock Theatre is on Portugal Street, and there are 5 steps with handrails leading up to the foyer. A wheelchair platform lift can be used to go up and down these stairs. 
  • An accessible ramped entry can also be found on Kingsway. 
  • There are about 24 steps between the main foyer and the stalls which can be accessed by the customer lift without taking any steps. 
  • Wheelchair space is provided at the back of the Stalls and is accessible through the main customer elevator or the shuttle lift from the Stalls Bar. If you are looking for extra legroom, consider booking the Row J or aisle seats. 
  • There are 21 steps between the main foyer and the Dress Circle which can be accessed by the customer elevator. Alternatively, a ramp leading from the main lobby leads to the seating. Wheelchair seats are accessible towards the back of the Dress Circle. 
  • It is crucial to reserve in advance and let the theatre know if you need special help or need to reserve a wheelchair space. 

Others:

  • The theatre has a disabled parking facility. This area can be used as a drop-off location.  
  • All levels of the theatre are accessible from inside the building using a customer lift.
  • The theatre offers visual narratives and guides that describe the plot, and characters, and explain to you what to anticipate from the performance. 
  • Guide dogs are permitted inside the theatre.
  • Arrive Early: The theatre opens an hour before the performance commences so you can plan your arrival accordingly. We suggest you reach the venue thirty minutes before the performance to locate your seats in time and enjoy the pre-show shenanigans. 
  • Age Recommendations: There are family-friendly performances but usually, the theatre prohibits children under five. If the show does allow children under five, parents and caregivers should book aisle seats to have smoother and hassle-free movement. Those under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult to the performance. 
  • Recording Policy: The theatre prohibits any form of recording - be it via mobile, camera or any other device in the auditorium. 
  • Pre-booking Options: Skip the long queues by pre-booking your drinks to enjoy the buzz of their carefully curated refreshments.
  • Food and Beverage Policy: You are allowed to carry drinks to the theatre provided they are plastic cups or bottles, not in glass containers.
  • Wagamama: This popular eatery offering Japanese cuisine is located just five minutes away from the theatre. If you are in the mood to try fried noodles or relish a good bowl of curry, Wagamama is the place.
  • Directions to Wagamama
  • Obicà Mozzarella Bar: A 10-minute drive from the theatre will land you at this warm and welcoming Italian place. Indulge in authentic and simple Italian dishes of pasta, pizza, and salads made with pure ingredients. The restaurant offers a jovial and contemporary atmosphere.
  • Directions to Obicà Mozzarella Bar
  • Indian City: If you’re in the mood to explore spices and traditional Indian food, Indian City is a safe bet. With its renowned chef boasting 20 years of experience and an elegant ambience, you can relish the scrumptious food and fine hospitality. It’s located between St. Paul’s and Blackfriars and is a fifteen-minute walk from the Peacock Theatre. 
  • Directions to Indian City
  • Krua by Nathong: Bringing the ecstasy of Thai food to London, Krua offers a wide assortment of dishes and has a pleasant vibe with great service. They specialise in contemporary Thai cuisine and have their roots based in Bangkok. It is located approximately 7 minutes' drive from Peacock Theatre.
  • Directions to Krua by Nathong

Frequently Asked Questions About Peacock Theatre

The Peacock Theatre can be found in the Holborn area of London and is situated within the campus of the London School of Economics and Political Science.