Best Seats in Prince Edward Theatre

Introduction

The Prince Edward Theatre on Old Compton Street in Soho has been a West End fixture since 1930. With 1,618 seats, it's mid-sized for the West End—intimate enough for strong connections with performers, large enough for spectacular productions. Finding the best seats in the Prince Edward Theatre is relatively straightforward: this is a well-designed theatre without major sightline problems. Most seats offer a good experience, but some are better than others.

The theatre has hosted major musicals from Evita to Miss Saigon to Mary Poppins, and is known for productions with strong visual elements.

Quick Reference

Best overall: Dress Circle rows A-C centre

Best Stalls: Rows D-K centre

Best budget: Upper Circle rows A-B centre

Avoid: Stalls row A, Upper Circle sides, rear Stalls under overhang

The Stalls

The Prince Edward Stalls have a good rake and relatively comfortable seating. At around 600 seats, it's a manageable size.

Front Stalls (Rows A-D)

The verdict: Good with one exception—skip row A.

Rows B-D offer excellent proximity to the stage without the neck strain of the very front. You're close to the action, can see costume details, and feel immersed in the production. Row A, however, is too close for most shows—you'll look up at performers and miss choreography.

Best seats: Rows C-D, seats 12-22 (centre). Close but comfortable.

Avoid: Row A entirely for musicals. It can work for plays with minimal staging.

Mid Stalls (Rows E-K)

The verdict: The Stalls sweet spot.

This section offers the ideal floor-level experience. You're close enough to feel connected, far enough to see the full stage picture. Sound quality is excellent here, and you're in the zone the production is designed for.

Best seats: Rows F-I, seats 10-24. This central block is where you want to be.

Rear Stalls (Rows L-S)

The verdict: Acceptable but with increasing overhang issues.

The Dress Circle overhang begins affecting views from approximately row N. Before that, rear Stalls remain good. Beyond row N, you'll start losing the top of the stage—problematic for productions with tall sets or action at height.

Acceptable: Rows L-M centre.

Avoid: Rows N-S, particularly the sides.

The Dress Circle

The Dress Circle at the Prince Edward is elevated enough to clear any sightline issues while remaining connected to the stage.

Dress Circle Front (Rows A-C)

The verdict: The best seats in the theatre.

Front Dress Circle provides a perfect balance: elevation for overview, proximity for connection, and central positioning for complete sightlines. You see every element of the production as intended.

Best seats: Row B, seats 8-20. Row A is at the rail, which some find slightly intrusive. Row B hits the sweet spot.

Dress Circle Rear (Rows D-G)

The verdict: Still very good.

Further back, you maintain clear sightlines with a slightly wider perspective. The intimacy reduces, but you're still well-positioned for a complete experience.

Best seats: Rows D-E centre. Beyond row E, the distance becomes noticeable.

Dress Circle Sides

The verdict: Workable at this theatre.

The Prince Edward isn't excessively wide, so side seats in the Dress Circle remain functional. You'll have an angled view but won't miss large portions of the stage.

Acceptable: Seats 1-7 and 21-27, especially at discounted prices.

The Upper Circle

The highest level, with the most affordable tickets.

Upper Circle Front (Rows A-B)

The verdict: Genuine value.

The front of the Upper Circle offers complete views at budget prices. The Prince Edward's compact design means you don't feel as distant as in larger theatres. These are real seats, not afterthoughts.

Best seats: Row A, seats 6-18. You're at the front of the tier with nothing obstructing your view downward.

Upper Circle Rear (Rows C onwards)

The verdict: Budget seating with limitations.

Further back, you're quite high and distant. The show is visible and enjoyable, but you're observing rather than experiencing. Fine for repeat viewings or budget-conscious audiences.

Upper Circle Sides

The verdict: Approach with caution.

The combination of height and angle makes extreme Upper Circle sides less desirable. You'll see the stage but at a compromised angle.

Avoid: Seats 1-3 and 21+ where angles become problematic.

Sound Quality

The Prince Edward has good acoustics throughout:

Best sound: Mid Stalls centre and Dress Circle centre—the mix points for most productions.

Good sound: Almost everywhere. The theatre's size keeps sound consistent.

Slightly reduced: Upper Circle rear may feel slightly detached from the full sound.

The Boxes

The Prince Edward has boxes on the Dress Circle level. Like most theatre boxes, these are side-on with restricted views.

The verdict: For occasion rather than optimal viewing.

You'll miss portions of the stage on your side. Consider only if celebrating something special and the atmosphere matters more than sightlines.

Production Considerations

The Prince Edward hosts various production styles:

- Traditional musicals: Dress Circle front is ideal.

- Dance-heavy shows: Dress Circle provides the overview for choreography.

- Intimate moments: Mid Stalls centre keeps you close to emotional scenes.

Accessibility

The Prince Edward Theatre offers:

- Wheelchair spaces in the Stalls

- Transfer seating from wheelchairs

- Infrared hearing system

- Accessible toilets

- Access via the stage door on Greek Street for wheelchair users

Booking: Contact access services for specific arrangements.

Practical Tips

Location

On Old Compton Street in the heart of Soho. Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road stations are both nearby. The surrounding area has countless restaurants and bars for pre-theatre dining.

Bars

Bars on Stalls and Dress Circle levels. Soho crowds mean these get busy—pre-ordering is wise.

Legroom

Reasonable throughout, though some rows are tighter than others. Tall patrons should check when booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Prince Edward Theatre a good theatre?

Yes. It's well-designed with good sightlines from most seats. It lacks the grandeur of some Victorian theatres but offers a more consistently good experience.

Where should I sit for a musical?

Dress Circle rows A-C centre is optimal. Stalls rows D-K centre is the alternative for those preferring floor level.

Is the Upper Circle worth it?

The front rows, yes. Rows A-B centre offer genuine value. Further back or to the sides, you're trading significant experience quality for savings.

Are there obstructions?

Few. The Prince Edward is relatively modern in design. Some very extreme side seats may have minor sightline issues, which should be marked as restricted.

The Bottom Line

The best seats in the Prince Edward Theatre are in the Dress Circle rows A-C centre. This section offers the ideal balance of elevation and proximity.

For floor-level immersion, Stalls rows D-K centre deliver an excellent experience.

For value, Upper Circle rows A-B centre provide complete views at budget prices.

Avoid Stalls row A (too close), anything under the Dress Circle overhang (rows N+), and Upper Circle extreme sides.

The Prince Edward is a reliable West End theatre. It may lack the historic grandeur of Victorian playhouses, but it delivers consistent sightlines and good experiences from most seats. Choose wisely, and you'll enjoy whatever production is playing.