Are West End theatre seats really that short and cramped?

Question

I’ve been to a few West End theatres recently and noticed how tight the legroom can be, especially in the older venues. I’m not particularly tall, but even I found the seats at the Duchess and the Apollo a bit snug after a two-hour show. Do others feel the same? Any tips on which theatres or seating sections have more space, or is it just part of the West End charm we have to put up with?

rohit · Answer

As someone around 6 ft tall, I can definitely relate. West End seats really can feel cramped if you’re not careful with your choice.

A great example is the Phoenix Theatre: stalls there offer decent legroom, but the Dress and Grand Circles feel tight even on a short show. At the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, rows like L centre and M side-blocks are surprisingly comfy. For someone up to 6 ft—but watch out for seats like O6 or 46 that have walls or restricted space in front.

A real user tip I treasure comes from Theatre Monkey about the Prince Edward: Row L19–22 has one-and-a-half times the usual legroom and is genuinely the most spacious seat I’ve had in a West End venue.

hjj · Answer

Honestly, you’re not imagining it! A lot of the older West End theatres were built long before modern seat sizing was a thing, so the legroom can feel really cramped. I’m only average height but still find the stalls in some places a squeeze. If space is a concern, I’ve found that aisle seats or the front rows of the dress circle are usually a bit kinder. Newer theatres (like the Gillian Lynne) tend to be more comfortable. It’s definitely worth checking seating reviews before booking!