Apollo Victoria Theatre: What to Know Before You Go

The Apollo Victoria Theatre is one of the largest venues in the West End, with a capacity of 2,328 seats and a striking Art Deco design that makes it one of London's most distinctive theatres. Since 2006 it has been the home of Wicked, and its location directly opposite Victoria Station makes it one of the most accessible theatres in the capital. Here is everything you need to know before visiting. The building opened on 15 October 1930 as the New Victoria Cinema, designed by E. Walmsley Lewis and W. E. Trent for Provincial Cinematograph Theatres. It was conceived as a "super cinema" during the golden age of movie palaces, and the Art Deco interior was lavishly decorated with an underwater theme, featuring shell-shaped light fittings and wave-like plasterwork on the walls and ceiling. The cinema had an unusual layout: because the building occupies a triangular site between Wilton Road and Vauxhall Bridge Road, it has two almost identical facades, one on each street. This distinctive twin-fronted design remains one of the building's most recognisable features. After decades as a cinema, with intermittent periods of live performance, the building was closed in 1975 and reopened as the Apollo Victoria Theatre in 1981 with a Shirley Bassey concert. It quickly established itself as a home for large-scale musicals, hosting The Sound of Music, Camelot and Fiddler on the Roof in the early 1980s. From 1984 to 2002, the theatre was home to Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express, during which the interior was extensively modified with a roller-skating track running through the auditorium. After Starlight Express closed, a partial restoration revealed some of the original Art Deco features that had been concealed during the show's 18-year run. The Apollo Victoria Theatre has been home to Wicked since September 2006, and the interior has been redecorated to reflect the Emerald City of Oz. The address is 17 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1LG, directly opposite London Victoria Station. The nearest tube station is Victoria (Victoria, District and Circle lines), which is literally across the street. Exit the station via the Wilton Road exit and the theatre is right in front of you. This makes the Apollo Victoria one of the easiest West End theatres to reach, particularly for visitors arriving by National Rail or coach. Victoria Coach Station is also nearby. Bus routes 2, 16, 36, 38, 52, 73, 170, 185 and 507 serve Victoria Bus Station and Neathouse Place, both within a couple of minutes' walk. If driving, Victoria Station Car Park, NCP Semley Place and Q-Park Pimlico on Winchester Street are the closest options. The Apollo Victoria has been the exclusive London home of Wicked since 2006. The musical, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, tells the story of the witches of Oz before Dorothy's arrival, and has been seen by over 13 million people at this theatre alone. It is currently one of the longest-running shows in West End history. Check the Apollo Victoria Theatre page on BritishTheatre.com for the latest listings and cast information, or book tickets through tickadoo. The auditorium has 2,328 seats across two main levels: Stalls and Circle. Given the size of the space, choosing your seats carefully is worthwhile. The Stalls offer the most immersive experience, particularly in the central and mid-rows where you are close enough to appreciate the detailed staging and special effects. The front rows are very close to the stage, which some audience members love and others find too intense. Rows further back in the Stalls can fall under the Circle overhang, which may affect your view of some of the aerial staging in Wicked. The Circle provides a good overview of the stage and full view of the special effects. Central seats in the first few rows of the Circle are often considered some of the best in the house. Seats towards the sides at either level can have slightly restricted angles. The theatre provides step-free access to the Stalls via the Wilton Road entrance. Wheelchair spaces are available in the Stalls, and transfer seating can be arranged. An infrared hearing system is available, with both loop and headset options. Contact the box office or the ATG access team to discuss specific requirements before your visit. There is a cloakroom that accepts bags and coats at a small charge. Suitcases and large luggage cannot be stored in the theatre; the Left Luggage facility at Victoria Station is recommended instead. Victoria has expanded significantly as a dining destination in recent years. Market Hall Victoria, directly opposite the theatre at Terminus Place, houses a wide selection of restaurants and street food vendors under one roof, making it an excellent option for a quick pre-theatre meal. The surrounding streets offer further options at various price points. Buckingham Palace Road and the streets around Victoria Station have everything from chain restaurants to independent dining. Inside the theatre, the Elixir Bar serves cocktails, wines, beers and soft drinks. Additional bars operate on every level. Interval drinks can be pre-ordered, which is recommended given the size of the venue. What is the nearest tube station to the Apollo Victoria Theatre? Victoria Station, on the Victoria, District and Circle lines. The theatre is directly opposite the station, about one minute's walk. How many seats does the Apollo Victoria have? The auditorium has 2,328 seats across two levels: Stalls and Circle. What show is at the Apollo Victoria Theatre? The Apollo Victoria has been the home of Wicked since 2006. Check BritishTheatre.com for the latest information on what is currently playing. Is there a dress code at the Apollo Victoria? There is no formal dress code. Audiences are welcome to wear whatever they are comfortable in. Can I store luggage at the Apollo Victoria? The theatre has a cloakroom for bags and coats, but suitcases and large luggage cannot be stored. Victoria Station has a Left Luggage facility nearby.