Shaftesbury Theatre
210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8DP 020 7379 5399
- Where to buy tickets
- Best seat advice
- Seating plan/s
- Getting to the theatre
Buying tickets online
www.shaftesburytheatre.com, the theatre group's own website provide the service for this theatre.
Booking fees per ticket:
A £1.50 per booking, not per ticket box office collection or postage fee (if required and time allows), also applies - this extra £1.50 is not charged if you print tickets at home instead.
About the show:
Mrs Doubtfire
Just For One Day
Other Online Choices (with genuine S.T.A.R ticket agencies):
Ticket agencies offer an alternative way to buy tickets, with booking fees differing from those charged by the theatre box office itself. They may have seats available or special offers when theatres do not.
Ticket agency prices vary in response to theatres implementing “dynamic pricing” - which alters prices according to demand for a particular performance. Prices stated here were compiled as booking originally opened, current prices are advised at time of enquiry.
ALSO SEE Tickettree.com for great value "hotel and theatre ticket" packages.
Other Independent S.T.A.R. ticket agencies may also offer an alternative choice of seats.
TheatreMonkey Ticketshop
Mrs Doubtfire
When the theatre does not have the tickets you desire available, it is well worth trying the Theatremonkey Ticketshop agency, telephone 020 7420 9778 (0044 207 420 9778 if calling from outside the United Kingdom), charge £29 on £145, £25 on £125, £19.90 on £99.50, £15.90 on £79.50, £13.90 on £69.50, £11.50 on £57.50, £9.50 on £47.50, £5.90 on £29.50, £5 on £25 seats Monday to Friday / £39 on £195, £33 on £165, £29 on £145, £19 on £95, £16.50 on £82.50, £13.50 on £67.50, £11.50 on £57.50, £8 on £40, £5.90 on £29.50 seats Saturday and Sunday booking fee per ticket - moderate by agency standards, though higher than box office fees, worth trying as they often have an alternative choice of seats available! Note that this system will confirm exact seat numbers prior to purchase. A £1.95 per booking, not per ticket, handling fee may apply on some transactions by telephone. NO handling fee applies for online purchases.
Just for One Day
When the theatre does not have the tickets you desire available, it is well worth trying the Theatremonkey Ticketshop agency, telephone 020 7420 9778 (0044 207 420 9778 if calling from outside the United Kingdom), charge £30 on £150, £25 on £125, £19 on £95, £16.50 on £82.50, £14.50 on £72.50, £12.50 on £62.50, £9.90 on £49.50, £7 on £35, £5 on £25 seats Monday to Thursday / £35 on £175, £30 on £150, £25 on £125, £17.50 on £89.50, £15.90 on £79.50, £13.90 on £69.50, £9.90 on £49.50, £7.90 on £39.50, £5.90 on £29.50 seats Friday and Saturday booking fee per ticket - moderate by agency standards, though higher than box office fees, worth trying as they often have an alternative choice of seats available! Note that this system will confirm exact seat numbers prior to purchase. A £1.95 per booking, not per ticket, handling fee may apply on some transactions by telephone. NO handling fee applies for online purchases.
See Tickets
Mrs Doubtfire
Another alternative is www.seetickets.com which charge £29 on £145, £25 on £125, £19.90 on £99.50, £15.90 on £79.50, £13.90 on £69.50, £11.50 on £57.50, £9.50 on £47.50, £5.90 on £29.50, £5 on £25 seats Monday to Friday / £39 on £195, £33 on £165, £29 on £145, £19 on £95, £16.50 on £82.50, £13.50 on £67.50, £11.50 on £57.50, £8 on £40, £5.90 on £29.50 seats Saturday and Sunday booking fee per ticket, and £2.75 per booking (not per ticket) postal charge.
Just for One Day
Another alternative is www.seetickets.com which charge £30 on £150, £25 on £125, £19 on £95, £16.50 on £82.50, £14.50 on £72.50, £12.50 on £62.50, £9.90 on £49.50, £7 on £35, £5 on £25 seats Monday to Thursday / £35 on £175, £30 on £150, £25 on £125, £17.50 on £89.50, £15.90 on £79.50, £13.90 on £69.50, £9.90 on £49.50, £7.90 on £39.50, £5.90 on £29.50 seats Friday and Saturday booking fee per ticket, and £2.75 per booking (not per ticket) postal charge.
Ticketmaster
Mrs Doubtfire
Alternatively, through Ticketmaster who charge £28.50 on £145, £24.50 on £125, £19.50 on £99.50, £15.50 on £79.50, £13.75 on £69.50, £11.25 on £57.50, £9.50 on £47.50, £5.75 on £29.50, £3 on £25 seats Monday to Friday / £38.25 on £195, £32.25 on £165, £28.50 on £145, £18.75 on £95, £16.25 on £82.50, £13.25 on £67.50, £11.25 on £57.50, £8 on £40, £5.75 on £29.50 seats Saturday and Sunday.
Just for One Day
Alternatively, Ticketmaster charge £29.25 on £150, £24.50 on £125, £18.75 on £95, £16.25 on £82.50, £14.25 on £72.50, £12.25 on £62.50, £9.75 on £49.50, £7 on £35, £5 on £25 seats Monday to Thursday / £34.25 on £175, £29.25 on £150, £24.50 on £125, £17.50 on £89.50, £15.50 on £79.50, £13.75 on £69.50, £9.75 on £49.50, £7.75 on £39.50, £5.90 on £29.50 seats Friday and Saturday booking fee per ticket.
Encore Tickets
Mrs Doubtfire
Encore Tickets charge £28 on £145, £24 on £125, £19.50 on £99.50, £15.50 on £79.50, £13.50 on £69.50, £11.50 on £57.50, £9.50 on £47.50, £6.50 on £29.50, £5 on £25 seats Monday to Friday / £38 on £195, £33 on £165, £28 on £145, £19 on £95, £17.50 on £82.50, £13.50 on £67.50, £11.50 on £57.50, £8 on £40, £6.50 on £29.50 seats Saturday and Sunday onwards booking fee per ticket.
Discounts and "Meal and Show" packages may also be available.
Just for One Day
Encore Tickets charge £29 on £150, £24 on £125, £19 on £95, £16.50 on £82.50, £14.50 on £72.50, £12.50 on £62.50, £10.50 on £49.50, £7 on £35, £5 on £25 seats Monday to Thursday / £34 on £175, £29 on £150, £24 on £125, £17.50 on £89.50, £15.50 on £79.50, £13.50 on £69.50, £10.50 on £49.50, £8.50 on £39.50, £6.50 on £29.50 seats Friday and Saturday booking fee per ticket.
Discounts and "Meal and Show" packages may also be available.
London Theatre Direct
Mrs Doubtfire
Londontheatredirect.com charge £31 on £145, £27 on £125, £21.50 on £99.50, £17.50 on £79.50, £15.50 on £69.50, £12.50 on £57.50, £10.50 on £47.50, £6.50 on £29.50, £6 on £25 seats Monday to Friday / £41 on £195, £35 on £165, £31 on £145, £20 on £95, £18.50 on £82.50, £14.50 on £67.50, £12.50 on £57.50, £9 on £40, £6 on £29.50 seats Saturday and Sunday. Optional Ticket Insurance is also available.
Discounts may also be available.
Just for One Day
Londontheatredirect.com charge £32 on £150, £27 on £125, £20 on £95, £18.50 on £82.50, £15.50 on £72.50, £13.50 on £62.50, £10.50 on £49.50, £8 on £35, £6 on £25 seats Monday to Thursday / £37 on £175, £32 on £150, £27 on £125, £19.50 on £89.50, £17.50 on £79.50, £15.50 on £69.50, £10.50 on £49.50, £8.50 on £39.50, £6.50 on £29.50 seats Friday and Saturday booking fee per ticket. Optional Ticket Insurance is also available.
Discounts may also be available.
Box office information
Telephone: 020 7379 5399
Operated by the venue or See Tickets Ticketing Agency on behalf of the venue.
The 5399 number is normally picked up by the actual theatre box office staff during quieter daytime hours. Outside box office hours, and at busier times, See Tickets pick up, and an extra transaction fee per booking, not per ticket, is charged.
Booking fees per ticket for telephone bookings:
A £1.50 per booking, not per ticket box office collection or postage fee (if required and time allows), also applies - this extra £1.50 is not charged if you print tickets at home instead.
If See Tickets answer your call, expect to pay an extra £2.75 per booking, not per ticket, transaction fee.
For personal callers or by post:
210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London. WC2H 8DP
No booking fee for personal callers.
Box office opens at 12 noon on performance days.
Special Access Needs Customers:
Wheelchair users and other registered disabled theatregoers can book their seats and enquire about concessionary prices that may be available to them on 020 7379 5399.
Please remember that cheaper seats often do not offer the same view / location quality as top price ones, and that ticket prices are designed to reflect this difference.
- Stalls
- Dress Circle
- Dress Circle Boxes
- Upper Circle
- Upper Circle Boxes
Stalls
Layout
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row L; The overhang progressively reduces the view in the rear stalls from row T back.
The stalls are divided into right and left halves by a centre aisle.
The rake (sloped floor to help see over rows in front) starts to be noticeable around row H, but isn’t steep anywhere in the stalls. It peters out at rows L and M, is a little better from N to T, but pretty well absent in rows from U back. Not suitable for the shortest.
Seats are off-set fairly well to see around those in front back to around row T, at which point they are almost one behind the other. Again, an issue for the shorter theatregoer.
Legroom
Rows CC to A vary depending on which is the front row at a particular production.
As a rule the very front row could either have a lot of legroom or none at all. It just depends how close the supporting wall of the stage / orchestra pit wall is positioned to the front row.
Behind the front row, space is generally acceptable for all but the tall (over about 5ft 10). The big problem is that the seating is old and quite low to the floor, which restricts legroom further.
There is extra space with nothing in front of A 10 and 27, M 3 and 34 and U1. Seat M4 is 50% clear in front. Seats C8, F7 and 30, H31, L5 and L32 have space for one leg to stretch.
Choosing seats in general
When row CC is in use, the monkey's main concern is legroom. It varies. If there’s plenty, the centre is a fine place to be, the ends less so, provided the stage is low and you don’t mind missing dancing feet. With an orchestra pit in use, there may be a problem in row BB or AA.
Normally, the first and last three seats in rows CC to E should be taken last at full price as the viewing angle offers poor value for money. Rows BB to F have a shallow rake, but do feel close to the action.
If the front row is sold cheap as "Day Seats" the monkey is also keen, taking the end two seats last, though for the best angle on the action. The only caution is the legroom, which can be cramped depending on the production.
Rows back to K offer the best views. Take seats at least three off the outside aisles first in these rows, centre aisle seats 18 and 19 maximise comfort and view. Avoiding the ends of these rows makes for the best viewing angles and the possibility of avoiding boxes / electrical equipment intruding into sightlines.
Skip row M, as the lack of rake could be an issue seeing over those in front. Row T back loses the top of the stage, again, not a choice at top prices.A sound desk in rows V to Y may bother some.
General hazard notes
At some musicals the conductor of the orchestra may be in view from central aisle seats if the orchestra pit is in use. High stages and being at the front may mean footwork or flooring missed for choreography and carpet fans respectively. For musicals the monkey felt the front four rows at least will miss feet.
Speakers or lights hung underneath the circle overhang may cut views from the extreme end seats.
No rake in rows L and M and from U back make seeing over those in front more difficult. Likewise the lack of off-setting seats from around row T.
Sound desk beside rows W back.
Changes for the current production
Mrs Doubtfire
The front row is A and has very limited legroom - over 5ft 5 and you will be uncomfortable. The stage is very high, with four major scenes almost invisible. The rest is played with anything below the knee missing unless actors are at the front of the stage. It is low price for a reason. If you can grab the centre aisle seat (as the monkey did) it is less of an issue - particularly for open-minded regular theatregoers.
Row B is on plinths with around a third more view than A. At fifth price, again maybe worth chancing. At least the high stage means you can see over heads in front and not miss action if shorter. The only other option for the bananas is the back of the upper circle. So, close and see faces but not bodies, or see whole bods but not faces? The monkey would go for row B.
Row C is also on plinths and top non-premium price. You cannot get your feet under the seat in front due to the plinths, which may be an issue. The view isn't the best either, maybe go back to row E for that.
"Premium Seats" occupy central F to K Monday to Friday, F to N Saturday and Sunday. Your choice, feels the monkey. It does note that there are plenty of seats around them with equal view at a lower price. Go in front, beside or behind them, feels the monkey. The view is the same...
Top non-premium price goes back to row R Monday to Friday. Skip M for the seeing over those in front issue, and take cheaper S over R as the price drops to second and same for V over U and indeed Y over X, as Y does touch a reasonable fourth price.
Saturday and Sunday, top non-premium price goes back to row U. Again, skip M for the seeing over those in front issue, and also T and U as they are a long way back. Take cheaper SV as the price drops to second and same for X over W where the drop is to third.
On all dates, consider the back rows of the dress circle at second price or row B of the upper circle at third - the views will be far better for the shorter person.
The sound desk starts behind row V 19 to 27. Seats W27, X29 and Y28 are beside it, with at least a narrow gap between them and the desk. The monkey would take them last for noise disturbance rather than view interruption.
Just For One Day
The first row currently on sale is A. For "Mrs Doubtfire" it had very limited legroom - over 5ft 5 and you will be uncomfortable. For that show, the stage was also very high, with four major scenes almost invisible and anything below the knee missing unless actors are at the front of the stage. It was low price for a reason. The monkey does not know yet what will happen with this one, and feels the same advice applies for the moment: if you can grab the centre aisle seat (as the monkey has) it is less of an issue - particularly for open-minded regular theatregoers.
Row B is on plinths - for "Mrs Doubtfire" it had around a third more view than A. At second price for this, the monkey would maybe chance it, given the only other options are row T stalls or H dress circle.
Row C is also on plinths and top non-premium price. You cannot get your feet under the seat in front due to the plinths, which may be an issue. The view isn't the best either, maybe go back to row K, or seats beside premium ones in F to J for that.
"Premium Seats" occupy central D to J, with "premium plus" E and H and "Super premium" F and G in the most central places . Your choice, feels the monkey. It does note that there are plenty of seats around them with equal view at a lower price. Go in front, beside or behind them, feels the monkey. The view is the same...
Top non-premium price goes back to row S. Skip M for the seeing over those in front issue, and take cheaper T over S as the price drops to second and same for V over U and indeed Y over X, as Y does touch a reasonable fourth price.
Also consider the back rows of the dress circle at second price and below, or row B of the upper circle at third - the views will be far better for the shorter person.
The sound desk starts behind row V 19 to 27. Seats W28, X29 and Y28 are beside it, with at least a narrow gap between them and the desk. The monkey would take them last for noise disturbance rather than view interruption.
Dress Circle
Layout
Called the Royal Circle in this theatre.
The Upper Circle overhangs the Dress Circle at row C. It restricts the view of the top of the stage from row H back for some productions, L for others when the full height of the stage is not used.
The circle is split into two blocks by a central aisle.
The old alcove row N has now been replaced by an air ventilation shaft... good.
This circle is stepped, with a shallow rake that makes it feel deep.
Legroom
Poor in row A (one reader felt it less of a problem, another a considerable one). The outermost 4 or 5 seats have about an inch more space, with A 4 and 33 at least having a bit of space to stretch one leg into, albeit at a bit of an angle.
All other rows are cramped for those over 5ft 8 or so.
Row M has a bit more, except seats 33 and 34, where the row curves inwards, but greatest comfort is in rows B to M seats 18 and 19 either side of the centre aisle, allowing one leg some stretching.
Row J1, 2 and 35 have nothing in front, but boxes intrude into your view. H34 has space in front too, a bit of extra legroom over 80% of the seat.
Choosing seats in general
A bar running across the front of the circle affects the view in row A - especially for the shorter monkey, who has to sit "bolt upright" to see over it. One reader didn't report a problem, though.
The ends of this row are affected by further rails and lighting hanging from the circle. A 4 and 5, and B seats 4, 5, 32 and 33 look almost directly at boxes.
Row A 4 can be transferred into from a wheelchair. The monkey vote is to use a box instead if your chair can get into it.
Other seats in rows B to E offer fair value and good views of the stage.
Row F back should be avoided unless the same priced stalls are unavailable. Complaints have been made in the past about missing parts of the set from here, due partly to the shallow stepped rake.
Seats in row F back feel a long way from the stage. You'll get away with it as far back as G perhaps, but by H looks become deceptive... it's fine, until somebody of average height sits in front of you. Not seats to pay top price for, feels the monkey. The monkey has sat in K at a discount and been happy... at £65 or more, it wouldn’t have been...
General hazard notes
Lighting equipment in view if strapped to the front of the circle (equipment, not theatregoer).
The bar across the front of the circle affecting the view for shorter folk in row A
Row A 4 and 5 and B seats 4, 5, 32 and 33 facing boxes. The extreme ends of row J also have boxes in view.
The rake makes seats from row F back feel further from the stage than average.
Rows J back seem to be in a gloomy twilight even when the auditorium lights are on. Bring a torch if you want to read the programme.
Changes for the current production
Mrs Doubtfire
Seats in central rows B to D (plus E and F Saturday and Sunday) are premium. Plenty of seats around them are not during the week, so no reason to pay it, really, feels the monkey. Go for the pairs beside B, then central C behind them, Monday to Friday. Also consider A if short enough for legroom not to be an issue. Saturday and Sunday, Try for stalls as row E is closer than G up here and even with the high stage the monkey feels they edge it for value.
Rows back to F (J on Saturday and Sunday) are top non-premium price.
Take cheaper F over G Monday to Friday - same view, fewer bananas. You could also look at J or L as both are much cheaper with decent views for the bananas. Consider centre upper circle rows B or D as well for the shorter - fewer heads to look over and the lack of upper circle legroom in that row won't worry the shorter person either. Row L 8 to 28 at fourth price is particularly decent value for those who don't wish to be as high as upper circle level.
Saturday and Sunday, skip H at top non-premium price as it is too far back and too low to see over those in front for the bananas.Take J over H and L over K to get the same view, cheaper. Again, advice about upper circle row B applies if considering L and M down here. Row M is not discounted further and thus isn't the best choice - the upper circle will probably have a slightly better view with fewer heads in front for the bananas.
Just For One Day
Seats in central rows B to E are premium, "premium plus" and "super premium" in the most central. Plenty of seats around them are not during the week, so no reason to pay it, really, feels the monkey. Go for beside or behind them. Also consider A if short enough for legroom not to be an issue.
Rows back to G are top non-premium price.
Row H is a fair way back and quite low. At second price is is very average. The monkey would go back to K at third price - cheaper with decent views for the bananas. At third price, do consider centre upper circle rows B or C as well for the shorter - fewer heads to look over and the lack of upper circle legroom in that row won't worry the shorter person either.
Behind these, at fourth price, row M is also fair value for those who don't wish to be as high as upper circle level. Row D or E in the upper circle may well edge it for view, again with fewer heads in front for the bananas.
Readers comments
"A13 and 14: "From Here to Eternity" (December 2013), (Brian and Diana). I would have been out of my seat in a flash (to leave the show at the interval) if my old body hadn’t seized up with cramp, for this theatre must have the smallest seats of all. I’m not particularly tall - 5’11” - and we’d got a superb view, but the leg room was non-existent and the width is worthy of a well-known budget airline, only their seats are a lot cheaper."
"A17 and 18: "Rock of Ages" (September 2011), (Chris B). Outstanding, completely clear view. There is a great atmosphere for this show and the front of the circle does feel very involved. The legroom is sufficient at best; however there is a padded section at the top of the safety barrier you can rest your knees against."
"A19 and 20: "The Pajama Game" (May 2014). Immediately in front of the seats, there is padding about 1" thick at knee-height, My partner's legs were short enough for her knees to come just below this, so she had comfortable leg-room. My lankier legs failed to make the cut, so I had a very uncomfortable time."
“A21, 22 and 23: "Hairspray" (October 2007). The seats were fine. With two children it was better to have the small bar in front rather than a large tall adult. Legroom was a bit tight but again worth it for an uninterrupted view. Didn't feel a million miles from the stage, very intimate."
"Row C: "Memphis The Musical" (October 2014). I’d certainly recommend the front few rows of this for a really good view, although not row A because leg room here is quite restricted. I was in row C where leg room is better, and because the circle comes a long way forward it offers an excellent close-up view of the stage. Sitting here is probably better than, say, the rear stalls where the circle overhang restricts the view of anything happening higher up — and this is certainly the case with 'Memphis' where there are a few things happening on a gantry."
"C4 and 5: "Rock Of Ages" (September 2011), (Clive). An excellent view of the whole stage but it would have been nice to have been slightly nearer the action. You also miss out in the circle on some of the audience interaction. A good rake and adequate legroom."
"C10: "Burn the Floor" (March 2013). There's a pretty good view from here as you're far enough back to avoid the rail, but still close enough to have a good view. Decent leg room. As the seat number would suggest, it's a bit to the side, but not a problem. Although I wouldn't want to be at the end of the row. It was a particularly good seat with this show being all dance as the elevated position allows a perfect view of the formations. As I recall, the rake of the stalls is nothing exceptional at this theatre so the higher position was perfect."
"D6: Have now seen this show from front row Stalls, 4th row upper circle and this time I managed to get a £22.50 student ticket. I think this provides the best view. You can see all facial expressions but still get the good overview of the stage, although normally they would be double the price of the other seats. Depends what you want to get out of the show if you don't have the luxury of student standbys."
"D12 and 13: (Clive). About as good a view of the whole stage as it is possible to get with a good rake and adequate legroom. The atmosphere for this show is better in the stalls, however."
B18: “&Juliet” (November 2019). The person's head in front of me blocked a tiny bit of the front of the stage, but nothing happened there so it was a fantastic view. The legroom was very cramped. I put my left leg in the aisle but by the end of the show my right knee was killing me. I don't want to sit in the royal circle again. Too uncomfortable.”
"D13 and 14: "& Juliet" (November 2019). Saw the brilliant '& Juliet' from Dress Circle D13/14 for an amazing £35 through TodayTix! Excellent and clear view of the stage. Absolutely fantastic seats for that price!"
“Row E: (David). E is a great view (£62.50 seats). Did take my own small binoculars to get head and shoulders views."
“E19 to 22: (Frances). We had good seats, not much leg room but that was to be expected really - great view of the whole stage."
"F 23 and 24: "Memphis" (October 2014) (Mark Lane). It's a real nightmare to negotiate you way into the auditorium if your in the higher numbered seats.
Dress circle views from row F are great. Not far enough away to feel out of it and you can see the whole stage including the front of it and no problem with heads in front. But the seats, are uncomfortable and the legroom virtually non existent and this monkey only has short legs. (27 inch inside leg)."
"G21 and 22: "From Here to Eternity" (December 2013). These are excellent seats. Good view (OK it helped there was no-one in front of us that evening, but the rake is steep enough to clear the heads of all but the tallest theatre-goers and completely clears the front guardrail), giving a view of the entire stage. They are also far enough forward to avoid problems with the top of the stage being cut off by the overhang of the Upper Circle. The seats are comfortable with a decent amount of legroom – neither of us felt the need to fidget until right toward the end of the show (and ‘From Here to Eternity’ is a long show)."
“H7 and 8: (Ali P). Our seats provided a good view of the whole stage and the overhang from the next tier of seating did not obstruct any of our view for the show we saw. The rake is not particularly steep so vertically challenged souls of whatever age, might struggle (we are both over 5'10"). Leg room was adequate, better than some West End Theatres."
"H22 and 23: "Motown" (January 2017). Good seats with a clear view of the stage. Doesn't feel distant from the action. Leg room is poor. Very good deal with TodayTix rush (£25)."
“J29: "Rock Of Ages" (September 2011). A sharp point in the armrest of this seat. (Kept him awake for the show, anyway... notes the monkey).”
“L34 and 35: “Be More Chill” (July 2021), (DJW). At the time, this was a socially distanced production, so managed to get these seats at a bargain price of £24. The seats are in the penultimate row of the Royal Circle, but you really don't miss seeing or hearing any action. If there's something being shown on a screen behind the stage, you might struggle to see the top of that, but you can quickly figure out what's going on.
With it being socially distanced, there was loads of space, but even if it's a fully seated performance, legroom was adequate, and getting in/out of the seats was no bother at all. Depending on the production, the row in front/behind may be more expensive/cheaper, so I'd recommend going for the back row M, as you will have the same view as potentially up to 5 rows ahead, and pay a fraction of the price!”
“Row M: “Hairspray”. Got offered these (usually £60) for £25 each at a preview in October 2007. Great seats, perfect view, OK. leg room. If I`d have paid £60 I would have felt short changed, these are more £50 in my opinion - in fact the last 2 or 3 rows of Circle should be £50 - but nevertheless you see everything."
“M3 and 4: "Hairspray”. These were OK seats, as you could see the stage and there was a clear view of the whole thing. Unfortunately we had two giants sitting in front of us - and these guys were like 6’4 and about 22 stone - so it was hard to see around them. Luckily we had a free seat next to us so managed to stagger our seating for the second half and then had a much better view. We were lucky as we had discounts on these seats so we didn’t pay the £60 face value... the disgruntled couple sitting next to us really felt cheated sitting so far back for £60 and it seems unfair when really you can sit down in the front rows for the same price. These seats really should be £50 max."
"M13 to 15: "& Juliet" (November 2019). Back row of the dress circle but with overhang just high enough not to bother you and a good rake giving a clear view - these are great seats."
"M23: "Motown" (January 2019). The view wasn’t bad but the seats were positioned directly behind one another instead of staggered so the head in front was annoying. I spent £20 through the London theatres January sale offer and was pleased not to have paid any more."
"Standing Room: "Motown" (January 2017). No day seats, but they offered us standing at the back of the royal circle (dress circle) for only £10 each! you do miss the very top of the set but nothing happens there... it is basically an unrestricted view. There are even little ridges poking out of the wall so you can "sit" if you really want to. But it's a terrific view and sound."
Dress Circle Boxes
Layout
A, B, E and F are between the stage and Dress Circle at Dress Circle level.
Boxes A and B have 3 seats each, E and F have two.
A and E can take a wheelchair each.
Legroom
Acceptable, as movable chairs are used.
Choosing seats in general
All boxes offer a sideways on view of the stage with the nearest edges not visible.
All offer just fair value at second price, though are expensive at top price.
General hazard notes
Side view, missing the nearside stage.
Boxes may be blasted by the noise if speakers are nearby.
Changes for the current production
Mrs Doubtfire
B and F are top non-premium price, A and E are second price. If not used for wheelchair access customers, the monkey would take A and E. In fact, it would take them over stalls or dress circle for the same price if shorter, as you will have no heads in the way and be fairly close to the stage even if you do lose the sides of it.
Take dress circle level boxes before upper circle ones for the same reason.
Just For One Day
B and F are top non-premium price, A and E are second price. If not used for wheelchair access customers, the monkey would take A and E. In fact, it would take them over stalls or dress circle for the same price if shorter, as you will have no heads in the way and be fairly close to the stage even if you do lose the sides of it.
Take dress circle level boxes before upper circle ones for the same reason.
Readers comments
"Box B: "The Pajama Game." (May 2014). Very comfortable and has a good view, but for this production the sound for the songs was not good at all. We could hear the music very well, but struggled to hear the words they were singing."
Upper Circle
Layout
Called the Grand Circle in this theatre.
This is moderately high above the stage.
The circle is divided into central and side blocks by aisles.
It has a fairly shallow stepped rake.
Legroom
Poor in row A, for everybody.
Rows B and C have a little more than row A.
Rows D to H are adequate for all but the taller over 5ft 11 or so.
Row J (for some reason, J25 in particular) has very generous legroom for all, except seats 14 to 24 where the row is fixed a bit too far from the back wall and curves slightly inwards too.
Choosing seats in general
End of aisle rails affect the view from rows A, B and C seats 13, 14, 24 and 25. Seats B and C 4 and 34 may notice things a bit too - purists beware. C 13, 14, 24 and 25 were least affected, the monkey felt, yet are often discounted in the same way as those in front... making them a fair bargain indeed.
Other aisle end rails won't be noticed by most, and the centre rail is just "there" and not particularly intrusive for them too.
Officially, row A has "restricted views" - the monkey didn't notice a particular problem, though. A reader felt annoyed about the rails, but agreed they didn't affect her enjoyment at all. This row is also cheaper, so worth a punt except where the rails are double height on the aisle, perhaps.
In all rows seats 10 to 28 provide acceptable views of the stage and are preferable to other seats at the ends of the row - except where bars are mentioned above.
At third price row B is fairest value.
Row D back does feel a way from the stage, and the shallow rake enhances this feeling. Usually, both it and row E's price policy compensates well for this. If they are the same price as seats further forward... either go further forward, feels the monkey or save cash and sit two rows behind, still getting a similar view.
If taking that second option, take row G first – the centre seats if lighting isn’t placed there, the sides if it is.
Note that rows H and J seats 14 to 24 are often replaced by lighting positions, monkey advice is to skip row G 14 to 24 if that kind of issue bothers you as G 14 to 24 are affected. The monkey would skip seats directly nearby, but feels most won't notice much.
Back row J may be a long way back, but is a comfortable budget option even for the tall – and you can sit as upright as you like without having anybody behind you to moan, either.
General hazard notes
Metal safety bars at the ends of the central aisle affect the views in rows A, B and C seats 13, 14, 24 and 25, plus B and C 4 and 34. C 13, 14, 24 and 25 were least affected, the monkey felt.
Other aisle end rails won't be noticed by most, as they are fairly low.
Rows H and J seats 14 to 24 are often replaced by lighting positions.
Seats are quite low, so the tall my find their knees at ear level when seated.
Changes for the current production
Mrs Doubtfire
End aisle seats are not discounted for having rails in view. Skip aisle seats in rows A and B to avoid this.
Rows A to C are third price. The view is better than the rear stalls and last rows of the dress circle, comfort about the same - though stalls let you get feet under the seat in front, which tall folk find more comfortable. Saturday and Sunday, central block row D also hits third price.
Prices drop further at row D (except central D Saturday and Sunday), and legroom increases a bit. The monkey likes D 15 to 23 in particular Monday to Friday.
Prices do also drop again at row F at the sides, G in the centre, and again at row H, though - making G 10 to 13 and 25 to 28 very attractive. Almost as good a view as D, and far cheaper than row C and also central F. Just note that spotlight places behind J are used, so purists may wish to avoid central G.
Don't be afraid to take row J for legroom comfort at the lowest price in the venue.
Just For One Day
End aisle seats are not discounted for having rails in view. Skip aisle seats in rows A and B to avoid this.
Rows A to C are third price. The view is better than the rear stalls and last rows of the dress circle, comfort about the same - though stalls let you get feet under the seat in front, which tall folk find more comfortable.
Prices drop further at row D, and legroom increases a bit. The monkey likes D 15 to 23 in particular. Prices do also drop again at row F at the sides, G in the centre, and again at row H, though - making G 10 to 13 and 25 to 28 very attractive. Almost as good a view as D, and far cheaper than row C and also central F. Just note that spotlight places behind J are used, so purists may wish to avoid central G.
Don't be afraid to take row J for legroom comfort at the lowest price in the venue.
Readers comments
"A21 to 24: (Steph Nicholls). As expected the view was sometimes obscured by the safety bar, however this was easily solved by the recently invented technique known as ‘leaning forward’ and it didn’t bother me at all. Ideally I would have preferred to be in the Dress Circle as I sometimes felt a bit detached from the action, but overall a good view."
"B15: "Mrs Doubtfire" (July 2023). Great seat. Loads of legroom (I'm 5'4 but would say plenty of room for those taller than me) and a perfect view. No one was in the seat directly in front of me. The woman in row A in front to the left was leaning forward to see through the bars, but the folk beside me didn't seem affected by that."
"B26 to 31: “Hairspray”. We got an offer on these including dinner for £28.50, a really great deal. The seats were really good, a really clear view of the stage, and felt pretty close even though we were in the upper circle, and I think for Hairspray which has lots of dancing and big numbers it’s quite good to be high up."
“D14, 15 and 16: “& Juliet” (November 2019).
Grand Circle D 14, 15, 16. Clear view of the whole stage except the top half of the projections which are a 'nice to have' rather than a 'must see'. Rake is steep so there is little chance of being impacted by those in front of you. These are on an aisle so you manage a bit of extra leg room which is welcome as it is otherwise quite tight. The front row looked horrendous for legroom and I would avoid at all costs. Quite a lot of steps up to the grand circle so bring oxygen or pace yourself!"
"D16 and 17: "& Juliet” (November 2019), (Bob Pickett). Great seats, depending on the production. They're plumb centre, the rake means no-one in front will block your view. Decent comfort and legroom is OK if not outstanding. Close enough to see facial expressions but far enough back to take in the whole stage. For the current production (& Juliet) you lose the back projections - not an issue as they're a nice touch rather than essential to the plot. But for any future shows that employ a gallery (as was the case when I saw Kiss Of The Spiderwoman) you will lose the performer's head if not more."
"D18: (James). As the monkey says, this is a great seat for the money, great view of the stage."
“D22 and 23: "Hairspray" (November 2007). Would definitely rate green for value. Fantastic seats for £30 considering the row in front of us paid £40! Felt a lot closer to the stage in this theatre than upper circles in other theatres. Am going again next year and we are going to try and get the same seats!"
"D30 and 31: I'm 5ft 8 and found them great seats, but wondering is £22.50 ones would be the same kind of view for cheaper."
"D31 and 32: No problem with the view at all. Saw everything from facial expressions to the tiniest foot movement. And also very comfortable, lots of leg room available. As the seats in front are £10 more expensive, why go for them? Stick to row D it's closer to the action and doesn't bankrupt your wallets. Also the person in front of me was about 6ft (and I am 5ft 7), and I could still see over the top of his head! Was amazed, because that never happens!"
"G3: I think the upper circle at this theatre is one of the better ones. You don't feel disengaged from the performance and the view is very good!"
“J6: (David). Comfortable seats, lots of leg-room and perfect vision. I can't think of a more comfortable top tier. Not having previously visited the Shaftsbury. My seat was fourth from the end but with a perfect view. Because of the theatre's moderate size I did not feel at all detached from the action."
"J25: "&Juliet" (November 2019). Not sold with any warning of restricted view. My vision of centre stage was almost completely obstructed by a handrail. Luckily, because there was an aisle to my right I was able to lean over to see what was going on. I suffered for it with lower back pain for 24 hours afterwards though."
"J25 to 27: on aisle, central view. Last but one row of the theatre but clear view as the rake is good and reasonable leg room (there was much more legroom in the row behind though!)."
"J33 and 34: "Motown" (December 2016). I purchased tickets via 'lovetheatre.com' costing £19.50 + booking fee. I usually spend a lot more on show tickets and have never sat so far up, but, being Christmas time was on a budget. Our 2 seats were grand circle J33 and J34, the very back of the theatre at the top - which I must say was quite steep. There were several staircases to climb (which was not a problem for us), and there are several bars/toilets on the route. The last bar had no queues, as most of the theatre-goers were stopping at the first bars. The seats were comfortable and had the bonus of plenty of legroom, and were situated next to the toilets which was handy. There was a slight problem with the view, the chairs in the row directly in front didn't seem to slant as much as the others so all we could see was the heads in front of us - we did ask if we could be moved but the theatre was full. I spent the show sitting on the edge of my chair to allow me to see over the heads in front, which wasn't that much of a problem as the seats were quite large and comfy. The tall man next to me said he couldn't see the stage well either, so I can't blame the view on me being 5ft 3. All-in-all a fabulous show for a bargain price."
Upper Circle Boxes
Layout
Boxes C, D, H and G are above boxes A, B, E and F, between the stage and Upper Circle at Upper Circle level.
Boxes C and D have 3 seats each, G and H have two.
Legroom
Acceptable, as movable chairs are used.
Choosing seats in general
C, D, H and G all offer a sideways on view of the stage with the nearest edges not visible.
All offer just fair value at second price if sold, expensive at top price.
General hazard notes
Side view, losing the nearest edge.
Boxes may be noisy if huge speakers are sited directly underneath (and the monkey doesn't mean a fat politician...)
Changes for the current production
Mrs Doubtfire
D and H are top non-premium price, C and G are second price. Once dress circle boxes at the same prices are gone, the monkey would take C and G. In fact, it would consider them over stalls or dress circle for the same price if shorter, as you will have no heads in the way and be fairly close to the stage even if you do lose the sides of it.
D and H are just about fair value for the same reasons, as you would get a better view from here than many rear rows at the same price. A little high up, perhaps, the monkey feels.
Just For One Day
D and H are top non-premium price, C and G are second price. Once dress circle boxes at the same prices are gone, the monkey would take C and G. In fact, it would consider them over stalls or dress circle for the same price if shorter, as you will have no heads in the way and be fairly close to the stage even if you do lose the sides of it.
D and H are just about fair value for the same reasons, as you would get a better view from here than many rear rows at the same price. A little high up, perhaps, the monkey feels.
Readers comments
None.
Notes best seat advice
Total 1404 seats plus 28 standing in the rear stalls.
Air-cooled auditorium. One reader found it very hot, even on a cool September evening, though. Another adds,
"The only downside I found to the theatre, is because it seems to have been built in a big underground pit, was it got very hot in the auditorium, and the exits were very narrow and channelled everyone through the same walkways so it took a long time to get out."
Induction loop. Signed and audio described performances occasionally. Guide dogs welcome in auditorium or dog sat. Braille and taped information available. A lift allows step-free access to the stalls, with seats at the ends of rows E to M and U removable for wheelchairs. Transfer to seat in Dress Circle row A also possible. Adapted toilet available. Fuller details from the box office on 0207 379 5399.
A translation unit, providing live caption translations in 8 languages is available for hire at the venue, priced £6.
No food except Ice cream and confectionery.
Five bars; Foyer, Stalls, 2 in the Dress Circle and one in the Upper Circle.
8 Toilets; Foyer 1 ladies 3 cubicles; Stalls 1 gents* 2 cubicles, 1 ladies 5 cubicles; Dress Circle 2 gents 2 cubicles each, 1 ladies 3 cubicles; Upper Circle 1 gents 2 cubicles, 1 ladies 3 cubicles.
A reader adds,
"They did have decent ladies loos, unlike the Cambridge Theatre where cubicles were too small for people to get in!"
*The monkey noted in early 2023 that the door to this gents needed pushing about a third of the way across rather than at the normal side push plate to open it. Odd.
General price band information
Theatres use "dynamic pricing." Seat prices change according to demand for a particular performance. Prices below were compiled as booking originally opened. Current prices are advised at time of enquiry.
Based on paying FULL PRICE (no discount!) for tickets, site writers and contributing guests have ALSO created the colour-coded plans for "value for money," considering factors like views, comfort and value-for-money compared with other same-priced seats available.
For a full discussion, opinions, reviews, notes, tips, hints and advice on all the seats in this theatre, click on "BEST SEAT ADVICE" (on the left of your screen).
On the plans below:
Seats in GREEN many feel may offer either noticeable value, or something to compensate for a problem; for example, being a well-priced restricted view ticket. Any seats coloured LIGHT GREEN are sold at "premium" prices because the show producer thinks they are the best. The monkey says "you are only getting what you pay for" but uses this colour to highlight the ones it feels best at the price, and help everybody else find equally good seats nearby at lower prices.
Seats in WHITE, many feel, provided about what they pay for. Generally unremarkable.
Seats in RED are coloured to draw attention. Not necessarily to be avoided - maybe nothing specific is wrong with them, other than opinions that there are better seats at the same price. Other times there may be something to consider before buying – perhaps overpricing, obstructed views, less comfort etc.
Please remember that cheaper seats often do not offer the same view / location quality as top price ones, and that ticket prices are designed to reflect this difference.
By value for money:
Mrs Doubtfire
CLICK SEATING PLAN TO ENLARGE IF REQUIRED. USE "BACK" BUTTON TO RETURN.
Just For One Day
Some details will change. The monkey will update as available.
By price:
Mrs Doubtfire
CLICK SEATING PLAN TO ENLARGE IF REQUIRED. USE "BACK" BUTTON TO RETURN.
DAY SEATS: £30 each, located in the stalls or dress circle. Available for Monday to Friday performances ONLY, strictly subject to availability. They reserve the right to withdraw them if the show is near to selling out. Customers can buy in person from the box office counter from NOON on the day. They are limited to TWO per person.
RUSH TICKETS: App Todaytix are offering £30 "Rush tickets," located at venue discretion, for all performances. Released for the performance on that day, first-come, first-served. Download the App from Todaytix.
Just For One Day
Some details will change. The monkey will update as available.
Notes
Note that boxes E and F are usually only available to wheelchair users and their companions.
The Dress Circle is called the "ROYAL CIRCLE" in this theatre.
The Upper Circle is called the "GRAND CIRCLE" in this theatre.
Some details may change. The monkey will update as available.
Please note: The seating plans are not accurate representations of the auditorium. While we try to ensure they are as close to the actual theatre plan as possible we cannot guarantee they are a true representation. Customers with specific requirements are advised to discuss these with the theatre prior to booking to avoid any confusion.
-0.1282515, 51.5162166
Nearest underground station
Holborn - Piccadilly Line (dark blue) and Central Line (red) or Tottenham Court Road.
There are two exits from Holborn station.
If you see, on leaving the station, a branch of McDonalds ahead of you on the opposite side of the road then do not cross this road, just turn left and walk to the four way crossroads. If you come to a three way cross roads, wrong way.
If you leave the station and see ahead of you on the other side of the road a glass building with a "Sainsbury" sign ahead of you.... turn right and walk to the four way crossroads a few paces away. Then...
At the crossroads, Cross straight over the road and walk straight on passing the glass "Sainsbury" building. You are entering "High Holborn". If you pass a church or the Shaw Theatre, wrong way.
Cross Newton Street.
Beyond this, the road splits in two around a building, so be careful. You need the LEFT fork. You are already on the correct side of the street to take this fork, so follow the road as it curves. BUT...remember that once you have taken this fork, you need to change to the other side of the road.
Once changed to the other side of the road, keep walking straight on as the street changes name to St Giles High Street without any signs! Cross New Oxford Street, Museum Street and Grape Street. The theatre is ahead of you on the right.
In 2010, reader Michael says,
"This was my first visit to this theatre and used the Monkey directions from Holborn Underground Station, and spot on they were. It took only 4 minutes even with my wife walking in boots with 'heels' !!"
Buses
8, 10, 14, 19, 22A, 22B, 24, 25, 29, 38, 40, 55, 73, 134, 176 all stop nearby.
Taxi
Best chance of hailing one is in the street outside, where there is also a rank space for them, or walk up High Holborn towards the underground station.
Car park
Museum Street.
On leaving the car park, turn to your right, walk to the end of the street and turn right. Walk on, crossing Grape Street. The theatre is ahead of you on the right.
The theatre sometimes have deals with this car park for cheap parking. Check with the box office in advance or on arrival at the merchandise stall.
At other West End car parks, the "Theatreland Parking Scheme" may be available. See www.q-park.co.uk for details and to book. At this car park, parking under the "Theatreland Parking Scheme" allows a 50% discount in cost for entry after 12 noon and for a maximum of 4 hours (after that parking is at the normal rate).
If you choose the "Theatreland Parking Scheme", you must book in advance at www.q-park.co.uk and have a theatre ticket stub dated for a theatre performance on the day you are parking there.
For a full list of car parks and theatres that participate in the 50% off theatreland scheme see www.q-park.co.uk.
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Readers comments
"A11: "Mrs Doubtfire" (June 2023). It’s not worth any price due to the high stage and the people next to me agreed. The extra row A that they have put in for this production makes the enjoyment of the near impossible.
The front row for "& Juliet" was Row B - stage still high but bearable. I know they warn about High Stage; well, there is high but this is crazy and many keys parts of the show I couldn’t see so makes a review very hard."
"Row B: "& Juliet" (November 2019). I paid for 2 x £20 day seat tickets. The stage is high but the view is good, not restricted. I was happy with the seats."
“Row B: “& Juliet” (November 2019). The day seats have a great price for a good view. But some of the pictures - the stage design created - are not (good) viewable from this row. Here row 8 or 10 and behind (or on the upper levels) will give a much better view, that could be worth paying the price for it.”
"Row B: "& Juliet" (November 2019). Ended up getting front row Stalls for £20! Stage a bit high but didn’t miss anything important, only the feet of the dancers."
"E8 and 9: "& Juliet" (November 2019). These were the end of a row. A corner of the stage was missing but nothing missed. However, I specifically booked these for the leg space as the Shaftsbury is notoriously tight for someone of my stature, and indeed in this seat there was no room to move; the only advantage was a quick exit for standing at the interval. But when I booked at the box office I could have had row f but was assured there was absolutely no difference, even after I asked if one had more room than the other. So I was a little annoyed to get to the seat and find that if I had taken F then I could have stretched out fully into the space in front. So if legroom is important and still an ok view, the end of Row F is recommended."
"E17 and 18: "& Juliet" (November 2019). Thanks to www.tkts.co.uk online (February 2022) I was able to get stalls E 17 and 18 for half price whilst on the train down. These turned out to be superb, an excellent view, on the aisle, close enough to see every nuance but also far enough back to take in the whole spectacle. Leg room was poor for me but fine for my wife; I suspect most would not have a problem, but I felt the need to do various stretches in the aisle at the interval - which just have been quite a sight."
"F30: "& Juliet" (November 2019). Plenty of room to stick your left leg out into the aisle comfortably. The seat is really low and seemed very narrow to me. Missed a tiny bit of the stage on the left side but wouldn’t call it obstructed for this show. Due to the curvature of the rows, the head of the person in front of me was directly in my view. It really only blocked the bottom of the stage and only prevented me from seeing something for about 20 seconds. Not a big deal but a little annoying to have her head in view the whole time. The stage is high and from this seat you can’t see their feet unless they are at the front of the stage but it isn’t really important for this show. I would recommend sitting at least another 3 or 4 rows back if possible. Happy with the seat due to a discount I paid only £40 but would not sit here if paying full price."
My thoughts on & Juliet haven’t changed, a great show if you want something undemanding and fun. My sister didn’t know what she was in for and she loved it.
"Row G: “Mrs. Doubtfire” (May 2023). I turned up to the theatre 40 minutes before showtime on 2nd January 2024. I could see lots of availability online at all price ranges. I asked for 2 cheapest seats in the stalls expecting to get rear stalls for about £45, but secretly hoping a wee upgrade a bit closer.
Bloke said he could sell me 2 seats in Stalls Row G for £50 each. Super-delighted as these seats were priced at £139 each.
When we took our seats the 2 seats to our left and our right were still unoccupied. Thank goodness; as there isn't much legroom, we were thankful for the extra legs once at the side to stretch our legs. Seats are verrrrry low to the ground as well, not terrific for my weary bones.
Terrific show, but word if warning."
"J19 and 20: "& Juliet" (November 2019): These are on the central aisle and offer a perfect view of the stage, feeling much closer to the stage than I expected. We were fortunate to have two short people in front but the rake is excellent so both our views were uninterrupted. The seat was very low which meant getting in and out of it was quite difficult but there was more legroom than I have had on previous visits. There wasn’t much room but there was a gap between the my knees and the back of the seat in front, always a treat. Overall, highly recommended even for very tall people like myself."
“J31: “Mrs. Doubtfire” (May 2023), (Broadway John). Nice rake. Could see everything clearly. Would love to sit here again!”
“K19: “& Juliet” (November 2019). Perfect view! Good legroom!”
"K20: "& Juliet" (November 2019). Excellent view and good legroom."
"L19: "& Juliet" (November 2019). Good view and legroom. If a tall person is seated in front of you, may obstruct your view."
"Q28, 29 and 30: "& Juliet" (November 2019): Got last minute tickets and lucked out as these were great. Ample legroom, good offsetting and the seats are quite low and the stage quite high which can lead to a reasonably unobstructed view if the people in front aren’t freakishly tall. We also had 3 empty rows in front of us to enhance the view"