Everything You Need to Know About London Theatre Boxes

Boxes became popular across Europe in the 17th century, with one of the earliest recorded examples at Teatro San Cassiano in Venice, which opened in 1637. Often cited as the world’s first public opera house, it had an impressive five tiers of private boxes arranged around the auditorium, giving wealthy patrons comfort, privacy and (very importantly) visibility. This layout soon became the model for theatres across Europe.

Rewind back to Elizabethan England, and theatregoing looked very different. Early playhouses had much less separation between actors and audience, and some reports suggest that wealthy young men actually sat on the stage itself. They weren’t interested in acting or even the show… they just wanted to be seen! Playwright Thomas Dekker, in The Gull’s Hornbook (1609), mocked these “gallants” who paid extra for a stool among the performers, chatting and showing off during performances.

As theatre design developed through the 17th century, architects started to use this appetite for attention-seeking in their designs. Instead of posturing on stage, the wealthy audience members were given their own private boxes. When the Theatre Royal Drury Lane opened in 1663, it included boxes for the nobility and gentry, and they rapidly became an important element of theatre architecture.

By the 18th century, boxes had become a defining feature of West End theatres and were often lavishly decorated, with personal attendants ready at the drop of a hat. During this period, theatre was as much about society as it was about entertainment, so boxes acted as a “stage” for their occupants – namely aristocrats and rich patrons who wanted to be seen enjoying the very best entertainment London had to offer. 

Owning or regularly occupying a box was a sign of wealth and influence, and social visibility was just as important as being able to see what was on stage. If you dig into diaries and archives from the Restoration period, you’ll find lots of interesting anecdotes about how these exclusive seats have been used for fame, infamy, and even family disputes over the years:

• Margaret Cavendish, a 17th-century writer and Duchess of Newcastle, notoriously wore eccentric outfits to the theatre and was likely to have sat in a box. Contemporary diarists like John Evelyn and Samuel Pepys described her arriving in gowns that “exposed her breasts” – an extreme fashion statement that would make her the talk of the town! 
• Queen Victoria sat in the Royal Box at Covent Garden Theatre. Her attendance was captured in William Drummond’s engraving Her Majesty as She Appeared on Her First Visit to Covent Garden Theatre (c.1840s).
• At Theatre Royal Drury Lane, there are two Royal Boxes, and the entire theatre is actually divided down the middle. The story goes that the King and the Prince had a huge falling out and refused to share. They presided over their own side of the auditorium with separate entrances.

The tradition of the Royal Box is still alive today. At the annual Royal Variety Performance, the monarch and other members of the Royal Family take their seats in the box, and performers often direct greetings, bows – or, in the case of comedians, punchlines – towards them. Theatres that have hosted the Royal Variety include the London Palladium, so take a look at the boxes next time you’re booking. You could sit on the same cushion as the Queen!

In the 21st century, theatre boxes have evolved beyond their lofty origins. While many of them are still available to book, others – especially the ones highest up in the venue with the worst views! – have been repurposed for technical operations like sound and lighting.

Some productions even use boxes as part of the performance itself:

• The Lion King features performers appearing from boxes during the opening sequence
• Moulin Rouge! The Musical uses boxes to hold impressive set pieces including the elephant and windmill.
• In pantomimes, boxes are sometimes used by cast members for comic effect or surprise entrances – and if you choose to sit in a box, you should expect to be picked on!

“At one point you have to make space for a cast member that has to be up there, but that just makes the experience even more special!”

Lyceum Theatre, Royal Circle Box A

Many West End boxes are named by number or letter, e.g. Box A, Box B, Box C. However, some are given special names, including:

Victoria Palace Theatre: Matcham Box

Named after theatre architect Frank Matcham, who designed several venues including the Victoria Palace and the London Coliseum.

Sondheim Theatre: Maggie’s Box and Judi’s Box

Named after Maggie Smith and Judi Dench – two of the most beloved and prolific actress of their generation.

Old Vic Theatre: Star-studded Alumni

Boxes here include the Olivier Box, after legendary stage and screen star Laurence Olivier.

Royal Boxes

Several theatres have a Royal Box, historically set aside for the Royal Family but now open for anyone to book.

Boxes are generally set into the walls with a padding railing and curtains. You’ll often find a mix of fixed seats and movable chairs, sometimes arranged around a small table. Seating capacity usually ranges from two to six people.

Boxes can feel more spacious than standard rows, but legroom and seat size vary by theatre. The trade-off is privacy versus a perfect view.

Many boxes are decoratively furnished, with drapes, mirrors or wall lights that give them a vintage or luxurious feel. It’s private and exclusive, but also slightly removed from the buzz of the main crowd.

Most boxes are at the sides of the auditorium, so the view is angled and can vary depending on the production. Expect restricted sightlines to parts of the stage nearest you and always pay attention to restricted view labels when you book.

Check our user-submitted photos to compare stage views from different boxes at London theatres.

Some venues allow table service or pre-ordered drinks in boxes, but policies differ. Most theatres let you bring drinks purchased at the bar to your seat.

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Box ticket holders usually share standard audience facilities. Check access in advance because toilets can be a few flights of stairs away.

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Access to boxes varies widely. Some have step-free entry and can accommodate wheelchairs without needing to transfer to a seat. Others are only reached by stairs.

Always check theatre access guides before booking – the box office will be able to provide detailed information for each box.