To ask people to move seats at the theatre

[Homemoans]

My 6-year son really wants to see a play of one of David Walliams on Saturday, the only seats they have left are on the front row but they are 5 seats apart. WIBU to buy the two tickets and ask the 5 people sat in between us to either move up or move down?

Yes.

Yes.

Yep

Incredibly

As unreasonable as rain in June.

Yup

Unless it moves someone behind a pillar or something, I really can't see the harm as they're not moving off the row just one down.
But maybe call the theatre and ask if there is anything they could do to help

Not unreasonable to ask,no.
But what would you do if they don't move?

Yes. They have paid for and chosen specific seats. Book for another date.

What would you do if they refused? Part of me feels they probably would move but you can't guarantee it.. and I don't think I could ask.. strange that the theatre let them be booked like that..

The people in the middle will have chosen seats on purpose. It would be rude to ask them to move.

Yes, you would be being VVV unreasonable to ask that.

If everyone got shifted one towards the center rather than towards the edge I think it would probably be ok

I was so tempted to reply as one of the Little Britain characters but could not choose which one.

You could ask, providing a refusal does not offend should you get one.

Very.
If you can't find suitable seating you need to book another date.
Actually if you contact the box office they might let you know of any cancelations.

I had to book two seats near each other, but in different rows for ds and me to see something. No way would I have asked! But some people in the row saw us talking to each other and moved up a seat so we could sit together.

These days most people purchase their seats in specific places for a multitude of reasons. Therefore I would object to being asked to move and think it would be very unreasonable, and indeed rude, to ask this of anyone leaving an uncomfortable atmosphore all around. Please don't! It is unfair putting people in the awkward position of not wanting to move, but feeling bad to refuse. If you can't buy the seats you want then you just don't buy - at least that was always what I did (and I had disabled children so vital I sat next to them).

Are you really asking this???

Oh honestly. Like anyone's going to move theatre seats for some kid.

Book earlier next time.

I would move for you, OP - one seat doesn't make much difference unless you particularly wanted an aisle seat (which presumably isn't the case here as they are between you and DS). Can't believe others are saying no. I go relatively often to the theatre and have been asked a few times, it's never been a problem.

I don't really see the issue of people moving, but I think you'd be very presumptuous to book tickets and turn up on the assumption that they will do so.

As unreasonable as trying to clear up an earthquake with a dustpan and brush. Sorry, hopefully he will get to see it another time.

If you ask them to move in rather than out (so they're moving nearer the centre), I can't imagine anyone refusing. Worst case, you're separated by 5 seats. Explain to your son that is a possibility and see how he feels about it. If he thinks he'd be ok, then go for it and see it as a bonus if people move.

I think it's perfectly reasonable to ask but obviously be prepared for a refusal.

Oh I'd move in a heartbeat. It's one seat and it means you can sit together. It's not like you're asking them to sit in the toilets.

I would imagine it wouldn't matter for them to move 1 seat along. But as you've seen on here there are some very awkward people around who wouldn't move even if they got a better seat I imagine! It would be quite risky if your 6 year old wouldn't want to be by himself if the people won't move along one.