1. Comfortable Seats
There’s nothing worse than being swept away by a fantastic show only to realise halfway through that your backside has gone completely numb. Good cushioning and supportive seating can make all the difference when you’re in for a two-and-a-half-hour musical marathon.
2. Toilets (Yes, Really!)
Ladies, you’ll feel me on this one. Most West End theatres don’t have nearly enough facilities, which means interval loo breaks become strategic missions. Do you dash out before the curtain falls? Do you risk missing the start of Act Two?
One rare exception is the Prince of Wales Theatre, home of The Book of Mormon. Not only is the show hilarious, but the facilities are actually up to standard – making the traditional “wee break” part of the experience rather than a stressful sprint.
(Also, if you’re curious, check out my blog: When Is Your Wee Break in a Show?)
3. Sound Quality
A bad sound system can ruin even the most spectacular production. Sitting near the front often helps, as you can soak up the atmosphere and hear the actors clearly even if the mics aren’t perfect.
I once saw Billy Elliot from the upper circle and found the dialogue muffled while the sound effects blasted out at jet-engine levels. Balance is everything.
4. Temperature Control
Theatre air con (or lack of it) is a dealbreaker. On Broadway, I once froze solid in 30-degree summer heat – theatres were like iceboxes. In London, it’s usually more sensible, though occasionally the heating is cranked so high that you risk nodding off if the show drags.
Bring a light layer just in case.
5. Theatre Programmes
Do we really need two different programmes – one with production images and one with the cast list? Wicked has nailed it by combining everything in one glossy, picture-packed programme. Practical, pretty, and no need to spend double.
6. Legroom
As someone who isn’t tall, if I find a seat cramped then taller theatre-goers are going to suffer. The Palace Theatre (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) is particularly tough for long legs – my 6’3” son and 6’1” partner were both folded in like origami.
By contrast, the Prince of Wales Theatre (The Book of Mormon), the Prince Edward Theatre (MJ the Musical), and His Majesty’s Theatre (Phantom of the Opera) all offer much more room to stretch out.
7. The Rake
Raked seating can make or break your view. A steep rake ensures you can see over the row in front, but sometimes it’s so sharp you feel like you might tumble into the stalls. Again, the Palace Theatre is one of the worst offenders.
The Cambridge Theatre (Matilda the Musical) has a good balance – steep enough for a clear view without feeling like a rollercoaster.
8. Restricted Views
Few things are as frustrating as buying a ticket only to discover half the stage is blocked by a safety rail or overhanging balcony. If theatres are going to sell restricted view tickets, they should clearly label them – honesty is key.
(See my blog: What's In That Label: Restricted View for more tips on where to sit.)
9. Exits and Crowd Flow
When the curtain falls, the last thing you want is to shuffle helplessly in a human traffic jam for 20 minutes. Clear signage and multiple open exits make a huge difference to how smoothly a theatre empties. Some venues handle this beautifully, others… not so much.
10. Lighting
Lighting can make or break a show. Done well, it sets the tone, creates atmosphere, and transports you to another world. Done badly – with blinding strobes or over-the-top pyros – it leaves you shielding your eyes instead of watching the stage.
A great example of lighting done right is MJ the Musical at the Prince Edward Theatre , where clever design helps bring different eras of Michael Jackson’s career to life. Even the house lights matter: too dim, and you can’t find your seat; too harsh, and it kills the mood.
My Best and Worst Theatres in London
So, where does this leave us? For me, the Palace Theatre is at the bottom of the list – a historic venue, yes, but it could do with a serious spruce up. Even an excellent show like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child didn’t distract me from the lack of comfort.
On the other hand, the Prince of Wales Theatre is my absolute favourite. It ticks all the boxes: comfortable seating, good legroom, great sound, and decent facilities. Pair that with The Book of Mormon and you’ve got yourself a perfect night out in the West End.
By Nicky Sweetland
@NickySweetland