How to Book Group Seats Together at West End Shows for Girls

If you’re planning a girls’ night out in London and want to see a West End show, nothing ruins the vibe like ending up in scattered seats across three different rows. You want to laugh together, gasp at the same moment, and share a post-show drink without shouting across the auditorium. Booking group seats together isn’t hard-but it does take a few smart moves. Here’s how to make sure your whole crew sits side by side, no matter how big the group.

Start with the Right Time to Book

The biggest mistake people make? Waiting until the last minute. Popular shows like Wicked, The Lion King, or Les Misérables sell out fast-especially for weekend evening performances. If you’ve got a group of four or more, aim to book at least 4-6 weeks ahead. For holiday seasons (Christmas, New Year’s, Easter), book 8-12 weeks out. Theatre boxes and premium blocks get snapped up early by corporate clients and tour groups, so don’t wait for the ‘best deals’-those rarely come with grouped seating.

Use Official Theatre Websites, Not Third Parties

It’s tempting to use Ticketmaster, TodayTix, or Viagogo because they look easier. But here’s the truth: third-party sellers often split groups to fill gaps or charge extra fees. The only way to guarantee you get seats together is to book directly through the theatre’s official website. That means going to the show’s page on the London Theatre Direct site, or the specific theatre’s site like Hammersmith Apollo or Sondheim Theatre.

Why? Because only the theatre’s system sees all available seats in real time. Third-party sites show you what’s left after the theatre has sold its own blocks. If you need six seats in a row, the theatre’s system can find you one block of six. A reseller might show you three pairs-and charge you £20 extra per ticket for the ‘convenience’.

Know Your Theatre Layout

Not all West End theatres are built the same. Some have wide, flat stalls. Others have steep balconies or narrow side boxes. The best seats for groups? Stalls, rows J-M. These are close enough to see facial expressions, far enough to avoid neck craning, and usually have the widest seat spacing. Avoid rows A-F if you’re tall or plan to bring a coat-those are cramped. Avoid the very back of the circle (rows T-V) if you’re not into binoculars.

For larger groups (6+), aim for a single block of seats. Most theatres allow you to select up to 10 seats in one go online. If you’re booking 12 or more, you’ll need to call the box office. Don’t assume you can just click ‘add more’-the system might auto-split your group.

Call the Box Office for Big Groups

If your group is 8 or more people, skip the website. Call the theatre’s box office directly. Staff there have access to blocked-out inventory that doesn’t show online. They can hold seats for 24-48 hours while you confirm names and payments. Most West End theatres have a dedicated group booking line. For example:

• Prince of Wales Theatre: 020 7836 1444 (Group Bookings)
• Lyceum Theatre: 020 7452 3000 (ask for Group Sales)
• Adelphi Theatre: 020 7452 3000 (Group Bookings Option)

When you call, say: “We’re a group of [number] and need seats together for [date] and [performance time]. We’re happy to pay in one transaction.” That last part matters-split payments often force the system to split your seats.

Choose the Right Performance Day

Tuesday-Thursday nights are your best friends. Fewer corporate bookings mean more flexibility. Friday and Saturday evenings? Expect limited availability for groups larger than six. Sunday matinees are great too-less crowded, better deals, and you get the whole afternoon free.

Also avoid school holidays. The West End gets packed with family groups and coach tours. You’ll struggle to find even four seats together if you book during half-term or summer break.

Use the Seat Map Tool (And Don’t Trust the Preview)

Every official theatre site has an interactive seat map. Click it. Zoom in. Look at the row letters and numbers. Hover over seats to see exact prices. Don’t rely on the “recommended” seats-they’re often the most expensive, not the best for groups.

Pro tip: Look for seats with a “+” symbol. That means they’re part of a block that hasn’t been sold individually. Those are your golden tickets. If you see a row with 5 seats available but they’re split into 2+3, keep scrolling. The system might be showing you what’s left after partial sales. Find a clean 5-6 block and grab it.

Pay as One Group, Not Individually

This is non-negotiable. If you split payments across five different credit cards, the booking system will treat each as a separate transaction-and split your seats. Even if you’re all paying your friend back later, do one payment. Use a group PayPal, Venmo, or even a prepaid card loaded with the total amount.

Some theatres offer group discounts for 10+ people. Ask when you book. You might save 10-15% per ticket. That’s £50-£100 saved on a £120 show. Worth the call.

What If You Can’t Get All Seats Together?

Sometimes, even with perfect timing, you can’t get 10 seats in a row. Don’t panic. Here’s what to do:

• Book two adjacent blocks of 5 seats each. Even if they’re not touching, you’ll be in the same row or one row apart.
• Ask the box office to place you in the same section (e.g., all in the stalls, not one in stalls and one in circle).
• Choose seats with aisle access. That way, you can move around during intermission and regroup easily.

Pro tip: Always pick window seats (nearest the side of the theatre) for your group’s outer edges. That way, you can slip out for photos or drinks without disturbing others.

Final Checklist Before You Click ‘Buy’

Before you confirm your purchase, double-check:

• Number of tickets matches your group size
• All seats are in the same row, or at least the same section
• Performance date and time are correct
• Booking reference number is saved (take a screenshot)
• Print-at-home tickets are enabled (no need to collect at the box office)

Once you’ve got your tickets, send the PDF to everyone in the group. Add the show to their calendar. Set a reminder to arrive 30 minutes early-West End theatres have narrow corridors and long queues for the loo.

What to Bring

West End theatres are formal-ish, but not strict. No need for a ball gown. But do bring:

• A light jacket-some theatres are chilly
• Small purse or clutch (large bags must be checked)
• Charging cable (you’ll want to snap pics before the show)
• Snacks if you’re prone to hunger-some theatres charge £8 for a chocolate bar

And don’t forget your confidence. You’re not just going to a show-you’re creating a memory. The right seats make the night unforgettable.