I have attended a lot of shows over the last 7 years. Here are my top tips for securing the best seats in the house. Advice in no particular order.
And please note, this advice is geared towards regional theatre shows/general venues, not West End or concerts. These days they need different steps to be taken to secure tickets, yet alone best seats.
- Keep a regular eye on sites that advertise “What’s On” listings for the latest show information. You can then book as early as possible and get the exact seat(s) that you want
- Locate the venue and book direct where possible with the theatres/venues own website as you can then often select your seats from the seating map. Allowing the site to select your seat(s) is not always the best choice available.
- Book where you feel most comfortable in the theatre to sit but remember if you book near the front, you may have to interact with the artist if a comedian or magician. You may or may not see that as a bonus and you will normally pay more of course for the closer seats to the stage.
- If you have left the booking decision to the last minute and you wish to be seated near the front, check if any VIP tickets are on sale as they often do not sell as fast. Some shows block off the first few rows for VIP and you then get additional benefits such as private meet and greets. It goes without saying though that they cost more.
- If booking last minute, check for single seats on sale. On many occasions, I have still gained a really good seat by going on my own or purchasing some single seat tickets near each other if a couple of you are going.
- If booking on a budget, some shows advertise early bird pricing. Many theatres also advertise promo codes which can be entered when booking. A quick google search may locate a code. And remember, front seating doesn’t always guarantee the best view.
- If booking for a family, compare the total cost of all the required tickets with a family ticket cost price if listed. I have found the cost of 2 adults and 1 child is often the same cost as an advertised family ticket. The bonus then being that you often get 2 adults and 2 child tickets, allowing you to take your child’s friend. The family ticket often being discounted.
- Care before booking a seat that may have a “?” against it. Do read and check as often these seats are for those requiring extra space or assistance.
- Don’t presume that a seat labelled “A” is actually front row. Study the seating map as some locations will add extra AA, BB rows as well for some productions potentially leaving you further back. And if the venue is selling unallocated seating, get there early on the day when the doors open to secure good seating. This will often be the case in working men’s clubs.
- Have good reason to buy a VIP ticket such as the priority front row seat, favourite artist or a private additional show for VIP ticket holders only. The VIP experience will greatly enhance your experience but remember that if you are buying to meet artists, some do come out at the end of the show to meet everyone. The trouble being though that it is not guaranteed.
And my last bonus piece of advice, if you are further back than you wished, check the seating plan online for available seats on sale before the show as it may show returns and cancellations. Then speak to the box office as I have been able to change seat location on some occasions if in same price band. And even if the online system does not show nearer availability, it is always still worth speaking to the box office staff and asking nicely. There may be an upgrade or admin fee. And the same applies, if the show was sold out and you could not secure a ticket, phone the box office on the day in case any returns. Or cancellations. I hope you have found this post useful. If you also have any tips, please do list them in the comments.
