Grand Circle at the London Palladium

Rows A to M, 656 seats, the highest and cheapest level. Plenty of people call it the Upper Circle. It suits a tighter budget, and it's the weakest view in the building, so this is where the price has to be right.

Where we'd put you

The front of the Grand Circle. It's much closer than the back and well worth having if the price is right. The view from the centre is clear and complete from most of the level, just a distant one. From the front few rows it still feels part of the night, especially at the panto, where the audience is half the show. From about row K back it feels a long way off, and you're watching the show rather than being in it.

This is the cheapest level, but before you book up here, check the price of the back of the Stalls. Rows W, X and XX are the cheapest way to stay downstairs, with more legroom and a much closer view, and we'd take those first if the gap is small.

What to avoid

  • From about row K back. You're very high and close to the ceiling. The view is still clear, but it's a long way down.
  • Row A, if you're tall or short. It has a high front wall and the least legroom on the level.
  • The seats beside the aisles. Rails at the ends of the aisles can come into view.

Which door, and how many steps

Your seat number decides which way you go in. The level has its own entrance, and it's 47 steps up from there to the Grand Circle bar and kiosks. Then:

  • Seats 1 to 10, on the right-hand side as you face the stage, go in from bar level, entering at row E, with 2 steps per row down to row A or up to row M
  • Seats 11 to 27 go up a further 25 steps, 72 from the street, and enter at the back, row M, with 2 steps down per row
  • Seats 28 to 59 go up a further 20 steps, 67 from the street, and also enter at row M

So most of the level comes in at the back, and the front rows are a long walk down from there. If steps are a concern, check the seat number before you book, or ask us. There is no lift.

Drinks, toilets and booster seats

The Long Bar is at bar level. It's small, and so is the space around it, which makes it the pinch point at the interval. Pre-order with LW's Smart Waiter and collect, rather than queue. The toilets aren't step-free from the bar.

Booster seats aren't allowed on this level, or in the Royal Circle.

Grand Circle FAQs

Is the Grand Circle good at the London Palladium?

For the price, the front of it is. It's the highest and cheapest level and not one of our favourite views: from row K back you're very high. The front rows are much closer and worth having if the price is right.

How many steps are there to the Grand Circle?

47 from its entrance to the bar. Seats 1 to 10 go in from there at row E. Seats 11 to 27 climb to 72 steps in total and seats 28 to 59 to 67, both entering at row M, the back row.

Is the Grand Circle the same as the Upper Circle?

Yes. The Palladium's ticketing calls it the Grand Circle; plenty of people say Upper Circle.