Theatre Seating Guide London: How To Choose The Best Seats

Choosing the right seats can make a huge difference to your theatre experience. If you are booking London theatre tickets and you are not sure whether to sit in the Stalls, Dress Circle or Upper Circle, a few simple tips can help you get the best view for your budget.

In most theatres, the Stalls are at ground level and are often closest to the stage. Many people choose the Stalls for the sense of atmosphere and the immersive feel, especially for musicals with big staging. However, in some venues, seats very close to the front can mean you are looking up or missing parts of the full stage picture, so it is often worth choosing a few rows further back for a more balanced view.

The Dress Circle is the seating level above the Stalls and is a popular choice for those who prefer a clearer overall perspective of the stage. Many theatre-goers consider it one of the best areas for a comfortable view, particularly for productions with wide staging or choreography where seeing the full picture matters.

Upper Circle and Balcony seats are typically the most affordable. In many West End theatres these seats still offer a great experience, especially if you are happy to sit higher up. They are also a good option if you are booking as a family or group and want to keep costs down.

When booking, it is also worth watching out for restricted view seats. These can be cheaper, but may have partial obstructions due to pillars, railings or theatre layout.

If you are browsing what is currently on, you can explore London theatre shows A–Z here.

Once you have chosen a show, using the seating plan is the best way to compare sections and book with confidence.