Basket
Remaining time: 

    "I Can't Feel My Legs!"- Leg Room At The Theatre

    I was recently worried that I had exhausted my theatre blogging subjects so asked friends and acquaintances "What stops you going to the theatre as often as I do?" Worryingly leg room came up a lot. Is theatre space the real threat to accessibility rather than price?

    I am short. I am 5ft 1 (155cm) with 29 inch legs. I can take risks and sit in most seats without my legs falling off. That isn't  say I don't notice fantastic spaces. The Duchess Theatre, where The Play That Goes Wrong is playing, has tons of room. I didn't even have to get up when people wanted to walk past! I think a minor comfort enhanced what is a fun and enjoyable play but had my bottom been numb I might be less complimentary of the play. One ticket seller recently revealed it was going to ask patrons their height and recommend a seat based on it. "What a fantastic idea!" I thought until I noticed I was reading this on 1st April and then it became a cruel fantasy.

    From taller friends I have heard horror stories, one friend had to stand at the back for the rest of the play after sitting in one chair became too much. I am getting to the age where I need a sturdy back but another friend pointed out that it isn't just about leg room. Some seats are so packed together you feel like one shift and you could end up on your neighbour's lap! Poor space can spoil an evening and understandably make you question what you spent your money on.

    There are some excellent websites such as Theatre Monkey, which tests all theatre seats themselves, collates readers reviews and can recommend value for money seats. There is also Seat Plan, which has people review seats they have sat in.

    Some agents, like London Theatre Direct, have interactive seating plans that allow you to at least see exactly where you are booking a seat. The only risk with theatre should be the production but it is unrealistic for most theatres to be able to make adjustments. People are taller than they were when many of London's theatres were built in the 19th Century and a theatre's main concern is bums on seats, however uncomfortable and money in the tills but what I can't find forgivable is modern theatres who have provided uncomfortable seating all for the sake of "authenticity" (Naming no names but personally I don't like being covered in candle wax. I am not judging if you do)

    What can theatres do to improve the experience? Some theatres, such as the Victoria Palace, home to Hamilton, the Picaddilly Theatre, home of Moulin Rouge! The Musical and the Shaftesbury Theatre, home of Mrs. Doubtfire, already make a point of highlighting seats that have extra legroom but apart from knocking other theatres down, I think there needs to be more warnings. I appreciate a warning about sight lines, pillars, potential leaning but it would be good practice to say "Not suitable for people over 5ft 9" and let patrons take a risk on a seat but currently theatres do not acknowledge how physically uncomfortable going to the theatre can be.


    Shanine Salmon

    Shanine Salmon was a latecomer to theatre after being seduced by the National Theatre's £5 entry pass tickets and a slight obsession with Alex Jennings. She is sadly no longer eligible for 16-25 theatre tickets but she continues to abuse under 30 offers. There was a market for bringing awareness that London theatre was affordable in an era of £100+ West End tickets – Shanine’s blog, View from the Cheap Seat, launched in April 2016, focuses on productions and theatres that have tickets available for £20 and under. She is also quite opinionated and has views on diversity, pricing, theatre seats and nudity on stage. Her interests include Rocky Horror, gaming, theatre (of course) and she also has her own Etsy shop. Shanine tweets at @Braintree_.


    Related news

    What’s opening in London theatres this month? (May 2024)

    Posted on | By Sian McBride |

    May marks National Smile Month, and with all these bloomin’ wonderful shows springing up across the capital, it... Read more

    What’s closing in London theatres this month? (May 2024)

    Posted on | By Sian McBride |

    We’re treated to not one, but two Bank Holidays this month! But how are you going to spend these precious days ... Read more

    Mean Girls in London.

    Spring Spectacular just got supersized

    Posted on | By Sian McBride |

    Spring Spectacular has officially sprung, and it’s your ticket to the most bloomin’ wonderful shows ... Read more

    Follow us for instant updates and special offers

    Sign up to our mailing list and be the first to hear about new West End shows and exclusive ticket discounts. We value your privacy. You can unsubscribe at any time. But we hope you won’t!