The world of theatre seats explained is a strange and wonderful place, with seating layouts that have been developed over centuries of theatrical and musical performance. If you’re looking to book a ticket for a show, it can be daunting to work out which section of the venue is best for you – after all, everyone has their own preference when it comes to enjoying a performance.
The best seats in a theatre are those right in the heart of the action. These are the orchestra seats that sit closest to the stage, allowing you to see every moment and detail of the performance. However, they’re not without their drawbacks. For one, they can be very noisy as patrons chat to those sitting to their left and right. Similarly, the proximity to the performers can mean that actors are often seen close up and may interact directly with audience members, something that isn’t ideal for the shy.
Demystifying Theatre Seats: A Guide to Types and Features
Box seats are great for small groups of people who want to sit together and stay close to each other throughout the show. However, they can also be quite costly and the sight lines aren’t always very good. In a smaller theatre, these might even come with a ‘bad view’ warning! Thankfully, there are more affordable options in a theatre. The dress circle, or royal circle, is the second level of seating in a theatre and can still offer you a Birdseye view of what’s going on.