Palace Theatre best seats

Question

For Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Palace Theatre, is it better to sit in the stalls for immersion or the dress circle for a full view of the effects? Are there any restricted view seats at Palace Theatre to watch out for?

hjj · Answer

If you want to be right in the thick of the action, the stalls (particularly rows F to K, center seats) are your go-to. You get incredible immersion and you're close enough to catch the fine facial expressions.

Now, if you prefer a more sweeping view that lets you soak in the grandeur of the stage-wide illusions and aerial Dementor flights, the dress circle (front rows A to D) really shines. From there, the perspective is elevated, giving you brilliant sightlines to appreciate the full spectacle of the special effects—the kind of view that makes the whole magical set-piece come alive in its entirety.

As for restricted views, heads up: at the Palace Theatre, some seats come with caveats. In the stalls, the first and last two seats in rows A to K and some box seats have partial view issues. In the dress circle, again, the first and last two seats in the front rows (A-C) and some boxes might block some of the stage, so avoid those if you can. The balconies are steep and can feel far, plus many seats there have partial restrictions, especially on seeing the entire stage.

Hope this helps you pick your perfect spot, and enjoy every spellbinding second!

Answer

I’ve seen **Harry Potter and the Cursed Child** at the Palace and there are pros and cons to each level.

- **Stalls:** If you want to feel immersed in the magic, the central stalls are hard to beat. You’re right up with the actors and the special effects feel all‑around you. Aim for rows F–J in the centre for the best balance of closeness and perspective – the rake is gentle, so the very front rows can mean looking up at the stage and missing some of the floor‑level action; seats further back (rows L–N) start to sit under the Dress Circle overhang and you can lose the top of some effects.

- **Dress Circle:** For a bird’s‑eye view of the spectacular effects, the front of the Dress Circle (rows A–C) is fantastic. You can see the full scope of the stage transformations and the staging of spells and duels. The rake is steep enough that heads don’t block your view. These seats are pricey but many fans consider them the “best seat in the house.”

- **Grand Circle / Balcony:** The Grand Circle is quite high but still provides a complete view of the stage. The Balcony is even higher and steeper; the front rows have a safety rail that can obstruct your sightline and the extreme sides feel side‑on to the stage. These sections are the cheapest but can make you feel distant from the magic. If you’re sensitive to heights, avoid the Balcony.

In terms of restricted view seats: there are some seats in the Balcony and extreme sides of each level that are marked restricted because of safety rails or the curve of the auditorium. Check the theatre’s seating plan before booking. Generally, stick to the central blocks in either the stalls or Dress Circle for the best experience.