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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.
