Are bags checked at most London theatres? What size is allowed?

Question

Wondering about security procedures. Do they typically check bags, and are there restrictions on bag size (e.g., backpacks)?

Answer

The Globe let me bring in a medium tote, but my friend’s rucksack had to go in the cloakroom for £2 charge. Fair enough, but good to know before you arrive.

Answer

Yep, most places do now. At the Lyceum for The Lion King, they checked all bags and anything bigger than a laptop case went to the cloakroom. They said it’s for both safety and speed getting people seated.

Answer

At the O2 Forum Kentish Town they’re surprisingly strict. When I went only A4-size bags were allowed and big backpacks are turned away flat.

Answer

Bag checks are pretty common at most London theatres. Venues like the National Theatre require any bag larger than about 30 × 30 × 15 cm to go in the cloakroom, and Shakespeare’s Globe caps them at around 40 × 35 × 19 cm

hjj · Answer

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.