Pros and Cons of London Theatre Standing Tickets

Theatre standing tickets offer a unique and affordable way to enjoy some of the West End’s best shows… but are they worth it? When we asked our followers on Instagram, opinions were almost split: 56% have booked standing tickets, while 44% haven’t yet. Clearly, it’s a divisive topic among theatregoers! In this guide, we’ll demystify how standing tickets work, which venues offer them, and help you decide whether they’re worth booking for your next theatre trip.

What are Standing Tickets and How Do They Work?

Standing tickets are exactly what they sound like: tickets to watch a show from a designated standing area instead of sitting down.

In most traditional West End venues, standing areas are located at the back of the Stalls or the Dress/Upper Circle, right behind the seated rows. There may be a safety bar you can lean on.

Other theatres, like Shakespeare’s Globe, make standing part of the experience. The famous “Groundlings” stand in the open yard just steps from the stage, a tradition dating back centuries!

Standing tickets are often the cheapest available, costing £30 or less in the West End and as little as £5 elsewhere. How they’re sold varies:

• Some are released in advance, others on the day once seated tickets sell out
• A few venues offer allocated spots; others are first-come, first-served (or you can move around)
• Some have rails to lean on, others don’t

They can be a brilliant bargain, but the comfort and view depend heavily on the venue.

Who are Standing Tickets Good For?

“Standing tickets are great for a wide target audience – superfans can take the opportunity to see their favourite show multiple times, and students can see a show on a budget.”

VickyAdventures in Theatreland

Standing tickets are great for:

✅ Tourists. Experience a West End show for less, or something unique like the Globe’s open yard.
✅ Spontaneous locals. Ideal for last-minute plans and same day bookings if you’re in town after work.
✅ Budget-conscious theatregoers. Students, young professionals and money-savvy culture fans.
✅ Superfans. People who see the same show multiple times and don’t mind standing to save money.

They’re not always ideal for:

❌ Children (visibility and stamina issues)
❌ Long shows (3+ hours)
❌ Anyone with mobility or balance issues

Which London Theatres Sell Standing Tickets?

There are several theatres that sell standing spaces, both in the West End and elsewhere across London.

West End Standing Tickets

Lots of major West End theatres have standing tickets, usually at the back of the Stalls or one of the Circles. Availability and booking methods vary by venue and production.

Work for a venue? Let us know when your theatre standing tickets are available.

Other Theatre Standing Tickets

Bridge Theatre: Has a flexible auditorium space that can accommodate a large standing area where the Stalls would usually be. Past productions that have sold standing tickets at the Bridge include Guys and Dolls and Julius Caesar, and the venue has a reputation for making the standing experience unforgettable. Actors perform around you, and you’ll even follow set pieces across the space as the action unfolds.

One SeatPlan user who opted for a seated ticket even declared, “the immersiveness is at a whole other level. I WISH I got standing tickets” …which we think says it all!

Shakespeare’s Globe: Being a Groundling is central to the experience here. Around 700 Groundlings can fit into the yard in front of the stage, and you can move around to find the perfect spot before the performance begins.

“In some cases, such as Shakespeare’s Globe, they get you closer to the action than the seats would, giving you a closer and perhaps even better experience.”

DazAll That Dazzles

Tickets cost from around £5, and the atmosphere is unbeatable. Just be prepared for the weather – Globe shows run whether it’s sunny or rainy!

Did you know? During a particularly gory production of Titus Andronicus in 2014, multiple audience members fainted… with Globe staff keeping a running tally of the unlucky theatregoers!

The Globe’s indoor theatre, the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, also has standing tickets at the back of the Gallery.

Royal Court Theatre: Sells standing tickets for just 10p! These go on sale 90 minutes before each Jerwood Theatre Downstairs performance, and you stand in designated spots on the Circle level. They cost 10p if you pay by cash, or £1 by card and must be booked in person at the box office.

Are Standing Tickets Worth It?

Now that you know where to find them, let’s look at whether standing tickets really live up to the hype. Are they a hidden gem or an uncomfortable test of endurance?

Pros & Cons at a Glance

The Experience: Views, Comfort & Atmosphere

“I always book standing at the Harold Pinter because it’s more comfortable than the seats.”

HannahSeatPlan User, Instagram

Standing tickets can offer surprisingly good views, especially in smaller venues or when you’re close to the stage. Many theatre fans say the energy and immediacy make the discomfort worth it… but you might find that they’re actually more comfortable than the cramped cheap seats!

Sondheim Theatre

Harold Pinter Theatre

Fortune Theatre

Noel Coward Theatre

London Palladium

In general, your experience with standing tickets can depend on:

• Show length. Short plays and one-act shows are easier to stand through than long musicals.
• Staging. Standing positions suit open or thrust stages better than proscenium arches.
• Crowds. They can feel either exciting or too cramped depending on your preferences.
• Your height. Especially at the Globe – standing spaces don’t benefit from a rake like seats do. On the plus side… you can move if the person in front of you is tall!

Check standing reviews from theatregoers on our London theatres seating maps before you book – and compare them against seated tickets that are a similar price.

Etiquette & Survival Tips

You’re ready to book, but are you prepared to stand? We asked our team as well as top London theatre bloggers and SeatPlan users what advice they’d give to standing newbies.

• Sensible shoes are a must! “Make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes though, as you don’t want your feet to ache on those longer shows!” (Daz, All That Dazzles)
• Consider the running time. “To book standing it would need to be a short show and cheap.” (Laura, Instagram)
• Always check the view first. “Have a look at the theatre layout – will the Circle rake get in the way of your view?” (Vicky, Adventures in Theatreland)
• Bring a small bag. Most theatres have cloakrooms but these are first-come, first-served – and when standing, you can’t hide your bag under your seat.
• Don’t block the aisleand respect each others’ space. Standing can be fun, but remember: safety first!

Standing FAQs

Share Your Standing Review

Are you a fan of standing, or do you prefer a comfy seat when you’re watching a show? Let us know what you think in the comments… or do one better and add your view-from-standing photo to help other theatregoers!