The Other Palace

The Other Palace has an extraordinary history dating back to 1766 when it began life as the Charlotte Chapel. By 1924 the chapel had fallen into disrepair and was converted into a cinema called the St. James’ Picture Theatre. In 1931 the cinema reopened as the Westminster Theatre, with the chapel’s crypt becoming dressing rooms, green room and stalls bar. In 2002 the theatre was destroyed by a fire but in 2012 after being rebuilt it was re-opened as as St. James Theatre, with a production of Bully Boy, a play by writer, comedian and former Great British Bake-Off host, Sandi Toksvig.  St. James Theatre was acquired by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s LW Theatres in 2016. After closing its doors in January 2017 for refurbishment, the theatre reopened in Feb 2017 as The Other Palace, the home of musical theatre. In October 2021 The Other Palace was acquired by Bill Kenwright Ltd one of the largest commercial theatre producers in the UK.

Dubbed the home of new musical theatre, The Other Palace has two separate performance spaces, the 312 seat main theatre and a 120 seat studio theatre. It is well-known for its diverse theatre programme, which provides a platform for cult shows and new productions. It is currently hosting The Lightning Thief, the new Percy Jackson musical. 

Seating

The best seats can be found in the mid-centre, rows F-J are best, providing views of the whole stage. whilst rows M-N are great value for money! These seats are usually heavily discounted but offer an amazing view of the stage. Equally, seats at the ends of rows are amazing value, as there is a great view for a fraction of other prices!

Facilities

For coffees, light bites and the most generous selection of gins, there is The Other Gin Palace, a lively and comfortable place to meet friends, family or colleagues for coffee or cocktails and a gin of course. The venue is fully air conditioned.

Access

The Other Palace is dedicated to understanding the potential access requirements of all people visiting and working in their venues and is proud to have been voted Most Accessible Theatre in the 2019 BroadwayWorld UK Awards. The theatre provides an Access Scheme, making it easier to book accessible seats and facilities see website for details.

The Other Palace has two accessible toilets. Assistance dogs are welcome. The Theatre auditorium has level access and there are dedicated wheelchair spaces. The Studio has step-free access via a lift from the main foyer and there is space for two wheelchairs on the Studio Floor Level. The main entrance to the theatre provides level access from the street and this entrance opens into a fully accessible foyer and bar.

The Other Palace s currently home to The Lightning Thief until 15 June 2025.

Venue details