What’s the best West End theatre seat for me?

You've picked your theatre show, you're excited, but now, where to sit? Stalls? Gallery? Multiple different circles?

Choosing the best West End theatre seats can be a confusing endeavour for both experienced theatregoers and newbies alike. So we’ve put together a handy guide to help you make choosing the best theatre seats easy.

1. Stalls

Originally known as the ‘the pit’, this was the cheap, standing-only area in the theatre, catering to the masses. Over the years stalls have transformed into some of the most desirable theatre seats in many venues. Usually situated at street level and typically right in front of the stage, the stalls are at the heart of the action and provide excellent views. Performers feel close enough to touch as you witness every blink and facial expression. It’s worth noting, however, that in theatres with an overhang, seats towards the back of stalls can have restricted views. We’ll delve more into this later.

2. Premium seats

Want to make your theatre experience as special as possible? These are the theatre seats for you. Premium seating is typically situated in the centre of the stalls and just a few rows from the stage, or in the front few rows of the royal circle. Premium seats offer unparalleled views from the comfiest perches in the theatre. They allow you to capture every nuance of a performance. Ideally placed, these are also typically positioned to make the best of a venues acoustics. Your ears are in for as much of a treat as your eyes. Perfect for special occasions or a highly anticipated showing, you can turn any event into the most memorable occasion with premium seating.

3. Dress circle or royal circle

Let’s head on up a level to the dress, or royal circle as it’s known in some theatres. This view from an elevated position allows you to witness all the action without missing a beat. Fantastic for musicals or productions where the full length of the stage is utilised. This section can also feature an overhang, often allowing those in the front few rows to be as close to the performers as those in stalls.

4. Upper circle

Some larger theatres feature a third level to the auditorium, most commonly known as the Upper Circle. This theatre seating can feel quite high. We wouldn’t recommend it to anyone scared of heights, but the upper circle offers an excellent vantage point from which to view the entire stage unobstructed. The trade-off is that you are not as close and may miss some intricacies of an actor’s performance. The price reflects that trade-off, offering a cheaper alternative to other theatre seating options.

5. Gallery

Venture up into the highest section and you’ll find some of the cheapest theatre seats available. And in some ways the rarest, due to the fact that not many theatres have the space to accommodate for this extra fourth level. Far from the stage, and often featuring benches as opposed to the plush seats of the lower levels, these seats are for those just wanting to be in the room and enjoy the unique experience that is going to the theatre.

6. Restricted view

On the surface, these may sound like seats to avoid, but there genuinely are hidden gems in restricted-view seating. If you’re thinking you’ll be stuck admiring the exquisite architecture of a stone column for two hours, that’s rarely the case. It’s usually a small handrail or something similar that lies between your line of vision and the stage. It is always worth doing some research on your part to find the diamond in the rough. We endeavour to describe what restricted view might entail for specific seats, and with a bit of luck, you can find some great value options.

Scoop up seats for your next West End theatre show right here.