Theatres should stop selling shitty view seats

[Icantseebecauseofyou]

I took my son to the theatre today, we were both so looking forward to it but I can't help feeling that the view was so shit that I've basically paid to see if the guy in front of had nits or not?

The seats were expensive so it was definitely a big treat for us, but still, it was a bit shit.

Why do theatres cost so much? Especially when seats have rigging, barriers etc across the view? Why do seat on the floor cost £300 each then we get people asking why people don't go to the theatre more?

If they are going to sell shitty view seats then they should take a picture from each seat to show this is the shitty view you'll get with all the rigging included and maybe a big fat head in the view too so you know that, actually, it's not worth paying £££ for these crappy view seats?
If I'd seen this photo first, I wouldn't have paid for this seat.

Diddums

Bit extreme! But each to their own I suppose.
Lots of nice things to do that wouldn't frustrate u. That's all I'm saying 😁

Get a kids booster seat if it’s that bad.

I really want to book this but the cheapest seats which is about my budget all have massive marble pillars obstructing the view! Not even partially. Now those are the kind of seats that should not be being sold imho 🤦‍♀️

I booked a long time in advance and we went to the matinee performance on a Saturday. I think they were about £70 each for amazing seats (which seems ok for London prices)

I'm obviously being a dumbass like my name, but surely if the person in front of you is leaning forward they are shorter than if they sit upright?

Other than that I always seem to end up sat behind the tallest person in the theatre! I'm sure the theatre gods do it for a laugh.

Really rude about the guy in front, he's just sitting in his seat minding his own business!

That would be the case in the stalls where you're looking straight or slightly up - when you're in the circle looking down at an angle, a person leaning forward in front of you blocks part of the stage, the bit you're directly looking in your eyeline!

Oh I see now, of course!

Although as a short arse that always ends up behind a giant, they would just be blocking another part of the stage for me, so it wouldn't make a lot of difference.

We went to a show last week and I'd picked good seats, I thought. I'd Googled and was satisfied that we had a decent view. Until the people from the row in front sat down. Tall, big people with big heads. Completely blocked OH's view cos he's not that tall. My view wasn't so bad as I'm taller but we both had to lean towards our neighbours to see anything at all. It's not the fault of the people in front I know, they have as much right to see the show but it was so frustrating for us and we ended up with cricks in our necks!

I always use aviewfrommytheatreseat.com if it’s a theatre that I’ve not been to before. People rate their seats and post pictures so you can see what they saw. It’s been an absolute lifesaver to know whether I’ll be wasting my money or not. In certain theatres I’ve got my favourite seats’ and book shows based on whether they’re available or not.

I like Seat Plan for checking the view although I often find that my photos are way worse and look further back when they appear.

For those who think people over 5'8" should sit at the back, I assume everyone you go with is the same height as you then? My partner is 6' and I'm just over 5' ... should we sit apart? Should I sit at the back with the tall people and not be able to see??

As a tall person I personally feel everyone under 5'8 should be banned from the theatre.

Why? Not as though they’re getting in your way, is it?

Lots of great stuff at regional theatres which are a lot cheaper and nearer. Some plays/musicals etc do a regional run before going to the West End.
I always support local theatres. Saves time and money on transport too. These theatres usually have better seating arrangements. But if person in front is very tall there ain't much you can do. But at least you haven't wasted £100's

They ruin a good show by whining and constantly tapping shoulders, it shouldn't be allowed.

I am sorry you had such a terrible experience. Seat monkey is good for being able to see exactly what a seat view will be. West End theatres will sell some seats with terrible views- often at high prices which I do think is quite poor. Worth noting that for the National Theatre and The Barbican there are some seats with slightly restricted views (which is noted), but generally all seats have a great view. The Barbican does really cheap seats (£15 sometimes even £10) for the very high seats which I frequently use and these still have a good view. Moreover there is a good camaraderie in the cheap seats. Other tip is get in early.

Glasgow Hydro is the worst - semi circular arena and we were literally level with the stage so could see bugger all. We asked if we could move and the guy took us to worse seats!
At one point a screen came down with words to join in with something but we couldn't even see it and other stuff obviously appeared on it as people were laughing and we had no idea why.

The kid in front of us got a booster seat the other night, which made him taller than most of the adults.