
The Theatre Royal Haymarket, established in 1720, is one of London's most historic and beautiful theatres. Rebuilt in 1821 by John Nash, its iconic Regency façade and opulent interiors exude a classic theatrical grandeur. A Grade I listed building, it has hosted countless legendary performances and continues to offer a truly traditional West End experience.
Share this theatre
Seating
- StallsPrime mid-section views, but mind your neck up front and the overhang at the back.
- Royal CircleOften the house's best: superb views, but mind legroom and the rear overhang.
- Upper CircleGood value, but expect a climb, less legroom, and a distant perspective.
- GalleryBudget-friendly, but prepare for distance, limited legroom, and a steep climb.
Stalls
For that quintessential theatre experience, the mid-stalls (Rows D-M) are generally excellent and considered prime. A good rake ensures clear sightlines over heads.
Just be aware the stage is quite high; rows A-C will have you looking up significantly, which can become uncomfortable during longer performances. Legroom is standard for a historic theatre, meaning it can be limited, especially in central rows; aisle seats offer a touch more space.
From approximately Row P backwards, the Dress Circle overhang begins to affect the view of the very top of the stage, potentially cutting off the highest parts of the set or lighting rigs. Happily, you won't find any significant pillars to obstruct your view here.
Royal Circle
Often considered the most desirable section, the Royal Circle (on the first floor) offers excellent panoramic views of the entire stage. Its height provides a superb perspective for appreciating the full stage design and choreography.
The rake is good, ensuring clear sightlines over rows in front. Legroom is comparable to the Stalls, which can be somewhat restricted, especially in central seats.
The front row (Row A) offers unobstructed views, though shorter people might find the safety rail slightly intrusive if they slouch. Seats towards the ends of rows may offer a slightly angled view of the stage.
The overhang from the Upper Circle begins to affect the view of the very top of the stage from the back rows (e.g., Row J onwards), potentially obscuring the highest parts of the set.
Upper Circle
Perched on the second floor, the Upper Circle generally offers good value for money with clear views, albeit at a greater distance. Its elevated height provides a full overview of the production, and a steep rake helps maintain sightlines over heads.
Legroom here is typically more restricted than in the Stalls or Royal Circle, which taller individuals might find less comfortable. Front row (Row A) views are unobstructed, but the safety rail can be a minor issue for shorter audience members.
Extreme side seats may have noticeably angled or partially restricted views of the far side of the stage. In the very back rows, you might experience a slight cut-off of the very top of the stage due to the ceiling or the Balcony overhang.
Gallery
The Balcony, the highest and furthest seating level from the stage, offers the most affordable tickets. Views are distant and from a significant height, providing a full overview of the stage but making it difficult to discern facial expressions or intricate details.
The rake is very steep, which generally ensures clear sightlines over the rows in front, but can feel quite vertiginous for some. Legroom in the Balcony is typically the most restricted in the theatre, making it less suitable for those requiring ample space.
The front row (Row A) has a safety rail that can obstruct the view for shorter individuals. Some seats, particularly towards the sides or very back, may have slightly restricted views due to the architecture or support pillars, though these are generally minor.
This section is best for those prioritising budget over proximity and detail.
See the view from your seat
SeatPlan has photographs taken from individual seats at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, alongside a full seating plan and reviews from people who sat there. Worth a look before you commit to a restricted-view seat.
View seat photos and planAffiliate link — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Staying nearby
The nearest hotels to the Theatre Royal Haymarket, for anyone travelling in for a show rather than heading home after it.
- Zedwell Piccadilly Circusabout 5 min walk
- Hotel Café Royalabout 5 min walk
- Ham Yard Hotelabout 5 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 | Accessible on Stalls |
| Upper Circle | Gents on Upper Circle | Ladies on Upper Circle | No Accessible on Upper Circle |
Accessible toilets are at the back of the Stalls, at street level.
No general cloakroom facilities are available. Limited capacity for pushchair storage is offered at children's shows. Large bags and suitcases are not permitted.
Check for specific show exceptions, for example, some Mondays close at 18:00. Closed Sunday.
Stage door
Suffolk Street (located on a cul-de-sac).
Location
18 Suffolk Street, London, SW1Y 4HT
Getting there
nearest first
- 2 min
Piccadilly Circus
BakerlooPiccadilly - 7 min
Charing Cross
BakerlooNorthernNational Rail - 8 min
Leicester Square
NorthernPiccadilly
Bus stops on Haymarket, Regent Street, and Piccadilly.
Step-by-step walking directions
The Theatre Royal Haymarket is located on Haymarket, just south of Piccadilly Circus. The nearest Tube stations are Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines), a 2-minute walk; Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines, and National Rail services), a 7-minute walk; and Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines), an 8-minute walk. Numerous bus routes serve the area, with stops on Haymarket, Regent Street, and Piccadilly.









