London Hippodrome

The Hippodrome stands on the corner of Cranbourn Street and Charing Cross Road at Leicester Square, WC2H 7JH — two minutes from Leicester Square station on the Northern and Piccadilly lines, and under ten from Covent Garden or Piccadilly Circus. The domed corner building is one of the most recognisable on the square, so it is hard to miss.

Yes. Step-free access is by the Little Newport Street entrance, and lifts serve every floor of the building — unusually helpful in a venue spread over as many levels as this one. Two wheelchair spaces are available in the theatre, and a Sennheiser infra-red hearing system can be used. Since there are only two spaces, book them early.

Not during the performance — no photographs or video once it starts. Before, after and during the bows, go ahead. The building gives you rather more to photograph than the stage alone: the restored Matcham interiors, the staircases and the rooftop bar are all worth a picture on the way in or out.

More extensively than at any theatre in the West End: eight bars across the building, including the Heliot Steak House, the Boozy Tea Room and the rooftop Balcony bar, between them covering cocktails, craft beer, snacks and light meals. Drinks bought inside can come into the auditorium in plastic cups, and there is at-seat service during performances.

Yes, and it is free of charge, for coats and small bags. Large suitcases and oversized bags are not accepted. Free is worth taking advantage of here, since an evening in this building tends to involve moving between several floors rather than sitting in one seat all night.