Her Majesty's Theatre on London's famous Haymarket is one of the oldest theatres in London. The venue is a Grade II listed building and has been rebuilt or refurbished many times over the years. The current auditorium seats around 1160 people across four separate seating levels. The interior is traditional in style, and each level offers a different view of the stage along with a variety of different prices.
The current show,
The Phantom of the Opera, has been running since 1986. It is a highly visual show, with a number of dramatic set pieces and special effects. Each seating level gives a unique perspective of the design, and many audience members enjoy revisiting the theatre to see it from a different area of the auditorium.
Stalls
The Stalls provide some of the best views of the stage, with the section divided by a central aisle. Seats in the first few rows can feel very close to the stage, and many people prefer to sit further back in order to take in the entire spectacle. The rows are quite short, meaning that even seats towards the end of each row offer a good view of the stage. The overhang of the level above begins to affect the view from row L and behind, and four pillars in the rear of the section create some restrictions around them. Even towards the rear of the section views of the stage are good, as the theatre feels intimate.
Royal Circle
The Royal Circle is divided into three sections, and feels relatively close to the stage. The first three rows offer excellent views of the stage, despite the ends of each row being marked as restricted view. There is a small handrail along the balcony which may effect some audience members' views. As the rows curve along the sides of the auditorium, seats in the right and left sections begin to look across the stage with a slightly side-on view. There are four pillars in the centre of the section that also create restrictions around them. The overhang of the level above restricts the view of the stage towards the rear of the Stalls.
Grand Circle
The Grand Circle is the second level up from the stage, and is divided into three sections. The central block provides the most direct views of the stage. The whole section is heavily raked, which makes seats towards the rear feel quite high. The Balcony does not overhang the Grand Circle, meaning that nothing is lost even in seats towards the rear of the section. The front four rows of the Upper Circle provide excellent views of the stage. Leg room is significantly tighter towards the rear of this section.
Balcony
The Balcony section is extremely high and set above the Grand Circle. It is sharply raked and looks directly down at the stage. The view from the front and centre are very good, but those further back may suffer if people in front lean forward. Leg room is reduced in this section.
FAQs
Where are the best seats for children at Her Majesty's Theatre?
Children will enjoy sitting where they can see the stage without restrictions. The front central section of the Stalls provides the clearest views of the action, with rows G-N being the most convenient. For best access, it is advisable to sit next to the central aisle. Please note there are no booster seats available at this theatre.
Where are the Restricted View seats?
There are a number of restricted view seats located on each level of the auditorium. Restricted view tickets should be clearly marked and discounted accordingly.
Stalls: All seats in row Q-S are described as having the Circle overhang in view. Views from seats in the rear corners of the section are restricted by the pillars, as well as S12-13, R12 and 21 and Q14 and 21.
Royal Circle: The whole of row H is restricted due to the overhang of the level above. Seats directly behind pillars in row F and back are also marked as restricted view.
Grand Circle: The ends of each row are marked as 'sight line restricted' from rows A-K, which affects many seats in this section. The central block of seats is the only section that is fully unrestricted.
Balcony: There are no restricted view seats labelled in the Balcony.
What if I am hard of sight or hearing?
The theatre is equipped with an infra-red induction loop system, with headsets available from the cloakroom next to the Stalls bar. Binoculars are available in the Dress and Grand Circle as well as the Balcony section and should be returned after use.
How many steps are there in the theatre?
The main foyer is on street level through two sets of doors, with the Box Office towards the right-hand side. The Stalls are 22 steps down through the bar, followed by 18 steps up. The Royal Circle is 32 steps above street level, the Grand Circle is 62, and the Balcony up 89. All staircases have handrails on either side. Access entrance to the theatre is through the exit door on Charles II Street.
Where are the toilets located?
Women's and Men's toilets can be found at the rear Stalls and at the back of the Royal and Grand Circles. An access toilet is available on the side entrance on Charles II Street.
Where are the bars located?
There are bars located in the Stalls, Royal Circle and Grand Circle. Disabled patrons can have drinks delivered to them in their seat by an usher. There is a VIP room located off the Stalls section.
Are there wheelchair facilities in the theatre?
There are four wheelchair spaces available for each performance, and these are located in row S of the Stalls next to S12. Transfer seating is also available to aisle seats within the Stalls. Seats E1, E25, F1, F25, G1, G25, N1 and N28 in the Stalls all have extra leg room. Access dogs are allowed inside the auditorium, and theatre staff can look after four dogs per performance.
