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?

I get the train into London for work and I know someone will sit next to me because it's always busy so I don't bother putting my bag on the seat next to me because I'm going to have to move it. I think it does depend on the train though as if you're on an almost empty train then you can probably put your bag on the seat with no problems.

If they made trains more comfortable and always gave you a tray for your handbag then this would be less of an issue

Limited
As I said, if I noticed you, I would move my bag without being asked. If I was engrossed in my book, as I was the other day, you would have to ask me and I would say: 'Oh sorry. I didn't see you. Of course.' How is that selfish or self-important?

I think that's perfectly ok. If someone has their stuff on a seat and they move it when I ask them then that's fine isn't it.

I am not going to pile all my things on my lap or on the dirty floor if there are free seats on the off chance that someone is either too self-important or timid to say: 'Excuse me. I would like to sit there'.

That's what most people do

Oh do carry on being so grand and self important that you have to be asked. I can think of plenty of reasons why someone would not ask but all you can think of is that they are too timid.

I never said anything about piling things on the floor on the off chance. It is your attitude that some one has to ask you to do something which if you had basic manners you would do without being asked which I am referring to. How egotistical you must be.

Good lord, this is still going?

Tonight I left work an hour early and celebrated by spreading out all my belongings on the seat next to me. No one was harmed in this production.

Bookmarking so I can hear that OP and DS enjoyed the DW play in adjacent seats thanks to the kindness of other patrons who weren't shocked to be asked whether they'd consider moving .
As for bags on seats, my opinion of people who occupy 2 bus or train seats and fail to make room for someone else as the vehicle fills up is unprintable. To move the bag is to behave like a normal person. Isn't it? I find most do budge up and if they don't I ask them to, politely but firmly, you know, like a normal person!

I think it would be fine - as long as they get the more central view - I would have no probs moving but some people can be REALLY stroppy so what will you do if they refuse?

Just no.