The Adelphi Theatre has four levels, and where you sit can really make a difference to how much you enjoy the show. But everyone likes different things. Here’s my honest take on each section.
The Stalls are at ground level and give you the closest, most intimate view of the stage. My favourite seats are Rows F to J in the centre – you’re far enough back to see the whole picture but close enough to catch every facial expression. Avoid the very front row if the show has a big set or projections, as you can find yourself craning your neck.
The Dress Circle at the Adelphi is a brilliant place to sit. The auditorium curves nicely so you get an excellent overview of the stage without missing any of the emotion. Rows A to C in the centre are often considered the best seats in the house. If you can splash out, do.
This is where you’ll find the cheaper seats, but the rake is steep – if you don’t love heights, this isn’t for you. The view of the stage is still good and you’ll save a fair bit of money compared to the Dress Circle. Just be aware that the front row of the Upper Circle has a safety bar that can partially obstruct the view.
The Balcony is the cheapest way in, but it is a genuine distance from the stage – bring binoculars if you’re a serious face-watcher. If you’re on a tight budget and want the atmosphere of a big West End show, this is a good option. Just know what you’re getting.
The Adelphi Theatre is on the Strand, right in the heart of London’s West End. It’s an easy walk from four different tube stations, so you’ve got plenty of options.
Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines) – 4 minutes on foot, the closest tube
Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) – 6 minutes on foot, handy if you’re combining the show with dinner in Covent Garden
Embankment (Bakerloo, Circle, District and Northern lines) – 6 minutes on foot
Temple (Circle and District lines) – 8 minutes on foot
If you’re arriving by train, Charing Cross station is a five-minute walk. Waterloo East is also within walking distance if you’re happy to cross the river (there is a bridge, you don’t have to walk on water).
Driving into central London isn’t really recommended as the Congestion Charge applies and parking is expensive. If you must, the Q-Park at Trafalgar Square is the closest secure car park.
The Adelphi Theatre has been standing on the Strand in one form or another since 1806, when it opened as the Sans Pareil Theatre built by a wealthy tradesman called John Scott to show off his daughter’s acting. Over the following two centuries it went through several rebuilds, name changes and owners, before the current Art Deco building opened in 1930, designed by architect Ernest Schaufelberg.
Today the Adelphi is owned and operated by LW Theatres, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s theatre group, and it’s traditionally been a home for big West End musicals. The auditorium has hosted premieres and long runs of Chicago, Sunset Boulevard, Chess, Me and My Girl, Kinky Boots, Waitress, and most recently Back to the Future the Musical.
The Adelphi Theatre has 1,500 seats spread across four levels (Stalls, Dress Circle, Upper Circle and Balcony).
The Adelphi Theatre is at 409-412 Strand, London WC2R 0NS, on the Strand.
Charing Cross (on the Bakerloo and Northern lines) is the closest tube station, about four minutes on foot. Covent Garden and Embankment are both within six or seven minutes.
Yes. The Stalls are accessible via a step-free entrance, with six wheelchair spaces available and companion seats alongside. There’s also a hearing loop, and audio described and captioned performances are available for selected shows. LW Theatres publishes full accessibility information on its website.
The Upper Circle sits well above the Dress Circle and is reached by 71 steps from the ground floor with no lift, so it’s one to think twice about if heights bother you. The Dress Circle is a shorter climb at 41 steps and feels considerably less exposed. If you’re prone to vertigo, the Stalls are your safest bet, with level, step-free access from the main entrance.
The bars usually open one hour before the performance starts, so it’s worth arriving early to grab a drink and a seat.
Yes – there’s a cloakroom for a small charge. Handy if you’ve got a coat or a bag you don’t want to have on your lap all evening.
See the “Now Playing” section at the top of this page for the current show, and “Coming Soon” for what’s next.
You can book tickets directly through the official LW website, which is sometimes the best option so you don’t end up paying extra fees.
However, other websites like London Theatre Direct, Today Tix and Love Theatre can sometimes have discounted tickets available which can be a good deal.
I always recommend looking at several different websites and comparing which has the cheapest seats for where you want to sit.
