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[siddhesh]

Considering cheaper restricted view seats. How much of the stage is typically missed? Does it vary greatly by theatre? Any specific seats/theatres to avoid?

[rohit]

Are upper circle restricted seats harder to enjoy than restricted stalls seats?

[Suzzannah]

Generally, a ‘restricted view’ means that some part of the stage will be obscured. This could be anything from a pillar (the most common culprit, especially in older, grander theatres!) to a safety rail, or even the overhang from an upper circle cutting off the very top of the stage. The severity really does vary wildly from theatre to theatre, and even from seat to seat within the same theatre. Some theatres are much better than others at indicating exactly what the restriction is when you book.

As for whether upper circle restricted seats are harder to enjoy than restricted stalls seats, in my experience, it depends on the show and the theatre’s architecture. In the upper circle, the restriction often comes from the height and distance, sometimes cutting off the very top of the proscenium arch or high-up set pieces. In the stalls, it’s more likely to be a pillar or the heads of taller people in front of you. Personally, I find a pillar more disruptive than a high-up overhang, as it can block key moments of the action. However, some people find the steep rake of the upper circle uncomfortable or disorienting.

My top tip? Always check SeatPlan.com or AViewFromMySeat.co.uk before booking a restricted view seat. These websites have user-submitted photos and reviews from specific seats, which are invaluable.

• This reply was modified 2 months, 2 weeks ago by user.

[candiceflynn]

Suzzannah’s given excellent advice here! As someone who’s experienced restricted view seats across many West End theatres, let me add some specific insights to help you make informed decisions.

**Types of Restrictions & Their Impact:**

**Pillar Obstructions (Most Common):**
* **Mild:** You might miss 5-10% of stage action, usually one corner
* **Moderate:** 15-25% blocked, often requiring you to lean or shift
* **Severe:** 30%+ blocked – generally not worth it unless heavily discounted

**Overhang/Height Restrictions:**
* Upper circle overhangs typically cut off flying effects or high set pieces
* Less disruptive for dialogue-heavy shows, more problematic for spectacle musicals

**Safety Rail Obstructions:**
* Usually minimal impact, just a thin line across your view
* Most people adapt to these quickly

**Theatre-Specific Examples:**

**Theatres with “Good” Restricted Views:**
* **Apollo Victoria** – Some restricted seats only miss small corners
* **Prince Edward Theatre** – Many restricted views are barely noticeable
* **Lyceum Theatre** – Upper circle restricted often just cuts off very top of stage

**Theatres to Be Cautious With:**
* **Her Majesty’s Theatre** – Some stalls pillars are quite intrusive
* **Theatre Royal Drury Lane** – Older architecture means more severe restrictions
* **Novello Theatre** – Some upper circle seats have significant overhang issues

**Show-Specific Considerations:**

**Less Problematic for Restricted Views:**
* Dialogue-heavy plays (Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen)
* Intimate musicals (Come From Away, Six)

**More Problematic:**
* Spectacle shows (Lion King, Wicked, Frozen)
* Shows with lots of flying/aerial work
* Productions using the full width of the stage

**Money-Saving Strategy:**
* Restricted view seats are often 40-60% cheaper
* For a £100 seat, you might pay £40-60 for restricted view
* Best value: mild restrictions on expensive shows

**My Expert Tips:**
1. **Always check the theatre’s seating plan** – they usually indicate restriction type
2. **Read recent reviews on SeatPlan.com** – photos are invaluable
3. **Contact the box office** – they can often describe the exact restriction
4. **Consider the show type** – is it worth saving £50 to miss some spectacle?
5. **Book aisle seats when possible** – gives you more leaning room

**Bottom Line:** For budget-conscious theatregoers, mild to moderate restricted views can offer excellent value, especially for shows you’re seeing primarily for the story/music rather than pure spectacle. Just do your research first!

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