Opened in 1916 and designed by W.G.R. Sprague, St Martin's Theatre is a charming and intimate West End venue known for its traditional Edwardian Baroque architecture. It gained international fame as the long-term home of Agatha Christie's *The Mousetrap* since 1974, making it a significant landmark in theatrical history. The theatre offers a classic and cozy atmosphere, perfect for experiencing a quintessential London play.
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Seating
- StallsRow G is prime, but watch out for neck strain up front and the overhang at the back.
- Dress CircleExcellent views overall, but avoid the far sides and the very back row.
- Upper CircleA steep climb for short distances, but mind the bar and tight legroom.
Stalls
Step down into the Stalls, divided by a cross-aisle behind Row F. The front section (Rows A to F) is a single, continuous block.
The stage here is exceptionally high, so while Rows A through C put you incredibly close, be prepared for an aggressive upward angle that can cause neck strain. For the premier spot, aim for Row G.
Directly behind the cross-aisle, it offers unlimited legroom and a perfectly unobstructed, eye-level view of the stage. The rear stalls (Rows G to O) are split by two vertical aisles.
Just be aware that the Dress Circle balcony overhangs from Row L. From this point back to Row O, the low ceiling noticeably compresses the acoustics and cuts off the top frame of the stage.
Dress Circle
Only five steps up from the main foyer, the Dress Circle curves gently, offering an intimate feel and remarkable proximity to the stage. A reliable rake ensures clean sightlines over the audience ahead.
For an immaculate, elevated perspective of the entire proscenium arch, aim for the centre seats in Rows A through D. Be aware, though, that the outer wings of Rows A (seats 1 to 4 and 24 to 26) and B (seats 1 to 2 and 23 to 24) curve sharply towards the stage walls, resulting in a side-on viewing angle that cuts off the nearest downstage corner.
The Upper Circle overhangs this level starting at Row F, creating a mild vertical sightline restriction for the final row.
Upper Circle
The Upper Circle is the highest tier, accessed via a steep climb of 28 stairs from the foyer. Built on a pronounced, aggressive incline, this level keeps the distance to the stage surprisingly short, though it may feel daunting if you struggle with heights.
Taller patrons should note that seats here are physically smaller and legroom is notoriously restrictive, with only Rows E and H offering slightly better clearance. Additionally, a thick metal safety bar runs along the front balcony ledge; for audience members in Row A and parts of Row B, this bar sits directly in their line of sight, requiring you to lean forward or peer underneath it to see the stage clearly.
See the view from your seat
SeatPlan has photographs taken from individual seats at the St Martin's Theatre, alongside a full seating plan and reviews from people who sat there. Worth a look before you commit to a restricted-view seat.
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Staying nearby
The nearest hotels to the St Martin's Theatre, for anyone travelling in for a show rather than heading home after it.
- The Z Hotel Covent Gardenabout 5 min walk
- The Soho Hotelabout 5 min walk
- Strand Palaceabout 10 min walk
Hotels.com affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Prices and availability are shown on their site.
Facilities
Toilets
| Gents | Ladies | Access. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stalls | Gents on Stalls | Ladies on Stalls | No Accessible on Stalls |
| Dress Circle | Gents on Dress Circle | Ladies on Dress Circle | Accessible on Dress Circle |
| Upper Circle | Gents on Upper Circle | Ladies on Upper Circle | No Accessible on Upper Circle |
Accessible toilet at Dress Circle level, accessible via an alternative entrance on Tower Court.
Cloakroom
No cloakroom available.
On performance days for in-person bookings and ticket collections.
Stage door
Located on West Street, next to the Ambassadors Theatre and opposite The Ivy Restaurant.
Location
St Martin's Theatre, West Street, London, WC2H 9NZ
Getting there
nearest first
- 3 min
Leicester Square
NorthernPiccadilly - 5 min
Covent Garden
Piccadilly - 5 min
Tottenham Court Road
CentralNorthernElizabeth
Bus stops on Charing Cross Road are serviced by routes 14, 19, 22, 24, 29, 38, 40, and 176. Other routes serving the area include 8, 15, 188, N5, N19, N20, N1, and N171. Nearby bus stops include Cambridge Circus (Stop D and K) and Leicester Square Station.
Step-by-step walking directions
The nearest Tube stations are Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern lines), Covent Garden (Piccadilly line), and Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines, plus National Rail services). From Leicester Square, exit onto Charing Cross Road and walk north towards Cambridge Circus, then turn left onto West Street. Numerous bus routes also serve Charing Cross Road and St Martin's Lane, both within a short walk of the theatre.
