From my experience, yes, most London theatres do conduct bag checks as a standard security procedure these days. It’s usually a quick visual check, but sometimes they might ask you to open compartments. It’s all for everyone’s safety, so it’s best to be prepared and cooperate.
Now, regarding bag size, this is where it gets a bit tricky, as it can vary slightly from theatre to theatre. However, a general rule of thumb that I always stick to is: only bring a small bag that can comfortably fit under your seat. Many theatres explicitly state that large bags, suitcases, and even large rucksacks are not allowed into the auditorium, and some don’t have cloakroom facilities for them.
For example, I know for a fact that places like the Lyceum Theatre (home of The Lion King) and the Palace Theatre (for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) are quite strict about this. They often have specific size limits mentioned on their websites – something like 40cm x 35cm x 19cm or even smaller, like A4 size. The reason is purely practical: there’s simply not enough space under the seats or in the aisles for larger items, and they can become a tripping hazard or block emergency exits.
My personal advice? If you’re coming straight from a train station or have been out and about with a larger bag, it’s always best to find a luggage storage service nearby before you head to the theatre. There are services like Stasher.com that partner with local businesses for secure bag storage.
