Palace Theatre - Southend-on-Sea

About Palace Theatre – Southend-on-Sea

The Palace Theatre – Southend-on-Sea is a historic and vibrant venue located at 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 9LA. Opened in 1912, the theatre is celebrated for its Edwardian architecture, original music hall style, and iconic features including decorative billboard frames,

Regency-style domes, and a grand staircase leading to the Circle. The theatre hosts a wide variety of performances, from drama and live music to touring productions, across its two performance spaces: the 603-seat Main Auditorium and the 100-seat Dixon Studio.

History of Palace Theatre – Southend-on-Sea

The Palace Theatre has been a cornerstone of the Westcliff-on-Sea community for over a century. Built by Ward & Ward of London, it originally opened as the Palace of Varieties before quickly changing its name to The New Palace. Over the years, the theatre has hosted repertory shows, ballet companies, and live music, while enduring periods of closure due to financial challenges.

The formation of the Palace Theatre Club and later the Palace Theatre Trust ensured the venue’s survival. Extensive refurbishments and management changes culminated in its reopening in 2003 under Southend Theatres, creating a space suitable for both major productions and national tours.

Where is Palace Theatre – Southend-on-Sea?

The theatre is located at 430 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 9LA, placing it close to the town centre and within easy reach of local transport links. Its central position makes it accessible for visitors coming by train, bus, or car.

Nearest Train Station

The closest railway station is Westcliff Station, roughly a 10–12 minute walk from the theatre, offering connections to London and surrounding areas.

Buses to Palace Theatre

A bus stop is situated directly outside the theatre entrance, with services operated by First Bus and Arriva. This makes the theatre easy to reach from around Southend and nearby towns. Several local routes run frequently along London Road, ensuring reliable transport for daytime and evening performances.

By Car and Parking

While there is no dedicated on-site parking, several pay-and-display car parks are within a short walk of the theatre. Nearby options include Ceylon Road and the corner of London Road and Hamlet Court Road, both about ten minutes on foot.

Accessibility at Palace Theatre – Southend-on-Sea

The venue offers accessible features for all guests, including flat-floor access to the auditorium, wheelchair spaces, and assistance for visitors with mobility or other access needs. Staff are trained to provide support to ensure everyone can enjoy the theatre comfortably.

Safety at Palace Theatre – Southend-on-Sea

For the safety and comfort of all visitors, bag checks are carried out at entry, and certain items such as sharp objects or alcohol are not permitted. Safety protocols are regularly updated to provide a secure environment for all guests.

Dress Code at Palace Theatre – Southend-on-Sea

There is no formal dress code at the Palace Theatre – Southend-on-Sea. Most visitors choose smart-casual attire, making it easy to attend straight from work, sightseeing, or a night out. Comfort is key.