Located in Portugal Street, near Aldwych, the Peacock Theatre is a famous West End house. Presently, the theatre is owned by the London School of Economics and Political Science, which also utilizes the theatre as part of its campus for lectures, political speeches, public talks, conferences, and open days. The Peacock Theatre has had somewhat of a shaky past, having hosted everything from plays, conferences, and pop concerts to dance performances, ballet, and award ceremonies.
While when originally built in 1911, the theatre was massive with over 2600 seats, the present theatre houses only 999 seats. This smaller version of the theatre was built in 1960 and named The Royalty Theatre. At that time, this was the first West End theatre to be built since the construction of the Saville Theatre in 1931. After the 1960 revamp, the film Ben Hur played at the theatre in 1961, followed by Mutiny on the Bounty, post which the theatre was equipped for screening Cinerama films. After five years, in 1966, the theatre started being used to host live theatre again. The Royalty Theatre's only breakout hits were Calcutta and a hit production of Bubbling Brown Sugar in the late 70s.
After the opening of the new Sadler's Wells Theatre in the year 1998, the Peacock became more of a dance venue for the company. The years 2002 and 2003 saw the theatre play The Rat Pack and Doldrum Bay, respectively. Currently, the house is shared between the London School of Economics, during the day, and Sadler's Wells evening dance productions.
Venue Details
Address: Portugal St, London WC2A 2HT, UK
Opened: 1911
Seating Capacity: 999
Stalls : 707
Dress Circle: 283
Seating Chart
Check out the Peacock Theatre London Seating Plan here.
Now Playing at Peacock Theatre
Practical Information
Section Accessibility
Stalls: The stalls can be reached by taking 24 steps from the main foyer. You can also reach this section without taking a single step by using the customer lift. A wheelchair space is available at the rear end of the stalls which can be accessed either using the main customer lift or the shuttle lift from the stalls bar. Please note that seating within the auditorium is slightly raked.
Dress Circle: The dress circle section can be reached via 21 steps from the main foyer. Again, the customer lift can be used to reach this section as well. You can also use the ramp from the main foyer to access this section.
Available Facilities
Wheelchair: For wheelchair users, there are seven spaces at the back of the circle seating section. There are two other spaces at the back of the Stalls as well, which can be conveniently accessed by using the main foyer lift and the shuttle lift from the Stalls bar area. There’s a separate access for wheelchair users through the Ticket Office and a member of the theatre staff will be available to escort you to your seat.
Restroom: The theatre has separate toilets for both males and females on each level. The theatre also has access adapted toilets which can be found in the foyer and at the stalls level.
Cloakroom: There is a cloakroom located in the Circle bar with a low counter.
Bar: There are two bars at the Peacock Theatre, one each in the Stalls and the Dress Circle. The bars sell everything from fruit juice and baby mixers to fizzy drinks and a variety of wine.
Assistive Listening System: If required, headsets for audio described performances can be requested from any member of the staff at the Ticket Office.
Handy Tips
- There are 5 hand-railed steps up to the foyer level and a wheelchair platform lift to the right side if required from the main entrance. The automatic main door on the right-hand side can be opened by pressing a large rectangular button found on the right wall outside.
- You can take drinks and snacks inside the auditorium but please note that hot food is not permitted. Also, no glass is allowed in the auditorium, so any drinks that you purchase from the bar should be transferred into plastic cups before entering the seating area.
- A large print season brochure is given on request along with a large print programme if notice is given when you book your ticket.
- The Peacock Theatre sells confectionery and show memorabilia including various Matthew Bourne DVDs, Sadler’s Wells t-shirt, programmes and much more at the theatre shop.
- The Peacock Theatre is fully air-conditioned. Please dress accordingly and bring in an extra jacket or pullover in case it gets too cold for you.
- All the toilets in the theatre come equipped with baby-changing facilities. During child-friendly shows, the theatre also provides a buggy park in the dress circle bar.
- The theatre is equipped with stairs that lead to all levels and a lift that services all floors, specifically available to those that cannot access the stairs. The lift is located to the right of the main foyer. Please speak to the theatre staff if you wish to use this facility.
Getting There
The Peacock Theatre is located in Portugal Street, near Aldwych and there are a lot of public transport options for you to choose from.
Tube: The underground stations that lie closest to the theatre are Temple (District/Circle Lines) and Holborn (Central/Piccadilly Lines).
Bus: The theatre is quite well serviced by bus lines 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 19, 22B, 23, 25, 26, 68, 76, 91, 168, 171, 341, 501, 505, and 521.
Restaurants near Peacock Theatre London
Make your West End date even more special with our curated selection of the best restaurants near Peacock Theater.
1. Belgo Holborn: This airy contemporary dining room is located in a former bank and serves mussels, frites, and Belgian beers.
2. Bill's Hollborn Restaurant: Visit this contemporary European chain and try their separate breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch and dinner menus.
3. Great Queen Street: Slow-cooked meats and pot roasts from a seasonal gastropub menu in a casual dining room.
4. Sarastro: Try this charming and flamboyant restaurant adorned with opera boxes and gold drapes, serving Turkish mezes and mains.
5. Roka Aldwych: Gorge on sushi and other Japanese dishes in a rustic, contemporary dining room with a central, open-grill kitchen.
More West End Guides
For more West End information, here are some helpful quick links!
FAQs: Peacock Theatre London
