Theatre Etiquette & What To Do If Others Spoil the Show
Sadly, two of our lovely customers had their Les Misérables experience spoiled yesterday by disruptive audience members behind them—talking, singing, and generally forgetting they weren’t in their own living room.
It’s always disheartening, especially when people have paid alot of money for their seats and have been looking forward to the show for months. A theatre is a place to watch a performance, not perform one yourself.
If this ever happens during one of our trips, please don’t suffer in silence.
Speak to an usher at the theatre during the performance—they are there to help and can often discreetly resolve the issue.
We always want you to have the best experience, and we’ll continue to do our part by booking excellent seats and travelling in comfort—but we kindly ask all attendees to respect others around them.
Let’s all help keep the magic of live theatre alive—for everyone.
I would add the disruptors were not part of my group!
Here’s your month-by-month guide of what’s coming up—from mini breaks and musicals to day trips and Christmas lights!
AUGUST
. Sat 30 Battersea Power Station £25
SEPTEMBER 2025 🎵
• Sat 13 – Broadstairs Day Trip – £30.00
OCTOBER 2025 🎵
• Thu 9 – The Devil Wears Prada (Evening) – from £72.50
• Sat 11 – Day Trip to Boulogne, France – £99.50
• Thu 16 – The Producers / KC & The Sunshine Band / MJ the Musical – from £69.50
• Thu 23 – Hadestown / Oliver (Evening) – from £79.50
NOVEMBER 2025 🎵
• Sun 2 – Wicked / Choir of Man (Matinee) – from £69.50
• Wed 12 – Mamma Mia the Musical / Elf the Musical – from £69.50
• Thu 13 – Les Misérables / MJ (Matinee) – from £79.50
• Sun 16 – Ashford Designer Outlet – £25.00
• Thu 20 – Les Misérables (Evening) – £79.50
• Fri 21 & Sat 22 – Ely Cathedral Christmas Event – £38.00
• Sat 22 – Hogwarts in the Snow – £92.50
• Sun 23 – Starlight Express (5:30 PM) – £69.50
• Wed 26 – Fawlty Towers: The Play – £49.50
• Thu 27 – Sunny Afternoon – The Kinks (Evening) – £79.50
• Fri 28 – Canterbury Christmas Market – £28.50
• Sat 29 – Bicester Village Shopping – £28.50
DECEMBER 2025 🎵
• Wed 3 – Oliver! (Matinee) – £99.50
• Thu 4 – London Christmas Lights Tour – £25.00
• Sun 7 – Harrods Christmas Shopping – £25.00
• Tue 9 – Holkham Hall by Candlelight – £75.00
• Wed 10 – A Christmas Carol – £69.50
• Thu 11 & Sat 13 – Hever Castle Dinner & Lights – £72.00
• Fri 12 & Sun 14 – Thursford Christmas Spectacular – £92.50
• Fri 12 – Kew at Christmas – £59.50
• Sat 13 – Cinderella at Cliffs Pavilion – £42.00
• Wed 17 – Come Alive: The Greatest Showman – £95.00
• Thu 18 – Moulin Rouge – £89.50
• Fri 19 – Battersea Power Station at Christmas – £25.00
• Sat 20 – The Polar Express Train Ride – £92.00
• Sun 21 – Elvis at Christmas – £65.00
• Sun 28 – Disney on Ice (Matinee) – £89.50
JANUARY 2026 🎵
• Thu 8 – The Nutcracker / Phantom – from £79.50–£118.00
• Fri 9 – Live Aid: Just For One Day – £79.50
• Thu 15 – The Hunger Games – £79.50
• Sun 18 – Cirque – £150.00 (Premium Stalls)
• Thu 22 – Les Misérables / Moulin Rouge (Matinee) – from £85.00
• Sun 25 – ABBA Voyage (Seated) – £99.50
• Thu 29 – Back to the Future / Matilda / The Lion King – from £69.50
FEBRUARY 2026 🎵
• Thu 5 – I’m Sorry, Prime Minister... – £79.50
• Sun 15 – Birmingham Tattoo (Matinee) – £72.00
• Sun 22 – Shen Yun – £50 deposit, balance £90 due end of October 2025
MARCH 2026 🎵
• Sat 7 – Hamilton / Wicked / Cabaret (Matinees) – from £79.50
• Thu 12 – I’m Every Woman / Paddington / Hercules – from £69.50
• Sat 14 – Gin Factory Visit, Chiswick – £55.00
• Sat 14 – St Patrick’s Lunch & Entertainment – £89.50
• Sat 21 – Thriplow Daffodil Weekend – £39.50
• Sat 28 – Barnum (Matinee) – £89.50
APRIL 2026 🎵
• Thu 9 – Miss Saigon (Matinee) – £105.00
• Sat 25 – Oxford Free Time – £37.00
MAY 2026 🎵
• Sat 16 – Blood Brothers (Matinee) – £85.00
• Fri 22 – Kinky Boots (Evening) – £85.00
• Sat 23 – Windsor Boat Trip with Afternoon Tea – £77.50
• Sun 24 – Columbia Road Flower Market & Covent Garden – £25.50
• Fri 29 – Highgate Cemetery & Village Tour – £57.50
JUNE 2026 🎵
• Wed 10 – Paddington: The Musical / The Lion King – £79.50 (Canvey Route)
• Thu 11 – Kinky Boots (Matinee) – £86.00
• Sat 13 – Cambridge Free Time – £29.00
• Sat 20 – Ascot – Queen Anne Enclosure – £120.00
• Fri 26 – Lunch in France at a Château & Hypermarket – £165.00
JULY 2026 🎵
• Sat 4 – Wroxham, Norfolk & Broads Boat Trip – £46.50
• Mon 6–Wed 8 – Bath & Bristol Mini Break – £299.00 (£99 deposit)
• Sat 11 – Brighton Free Time – £29.50
• Thu 16 – Miss Saigon (Matinee) – £95.00
• Sat 18 – Brighton Free Time (Canvey, Benfleet, Pitsea, Basildon route) – £29.50
SEPTEMBER 2026 🎵
• Mon 7–Thu 10 – York with Tours (4 Days, 3 Nights Half Board) – £459.00
DECEMBER 2026 🎵
• Sun 13–Tue 15 – Brugge Christmas Market Mini Break – Details TBC
What seats do you have in the Theatre?
Theatre Seating & Ticket Info – What You Need to Know
I’m often asked what kind of theatre tickets and seats I offer – so here’s a quick guide to help clarify things!
For nearly all shows, I offer Band A seats, which are just one step down from premium seats for groups, but at fantastic group discounted rates. For some brand-new shows, especially early in the run, I might offer Band B seats – still great views and value.
Theatre Layout Basics:
Most London theatres are arranged as follows:
-
Stalls (ground level) - often steps to access your seats
-
Royal Circle / Dress Circle (first tier – known as either “Dress” or “Royal” depending on the theatre) (I find better for mobility).
-
Upper Circle / Grand Circle
- Balconies
I do not offer Upper or Grand Circle seats for London Musicals as we find these can be a little too high for comfort. My focus is always on ensuring you have a great view and a comfortable experience.
Arenas are very different to theatres — the whole layout is completely unique. You’ll really notice the difference when you take your seats. Unlike the intimacy and tiered structure of a traditional theatre, arenas are designed for scale, with vast open spaces and often a central or end-stage setup. It creates a whole new atmosphere and dynamic for the performance, you will have steps to your seats.
Seat Preferences:
Most customers tend to prefer either Stalls or Royal/Dress Circle. I mainly offer Stalls, but when I do provide seats in the Royal /Dress Circle, I will always specify that – and rest assured, these are never in the high seats - you just may have your own preferences!
As a group booker, I’m allocated specific blocks of seats in the theatre, and I use those allocations to create your all-in-one package, which includes your theatre ticket and luxury coach travel.
GROUP SEATS UPDATE
Seats offered are usually stalls or first circle seating group rates as a package with travel and in Band A. Band A is one seating level below premium seats.
I am offered seats in certain parts of the Theatre in the stalls or the circle. The circle seating are one level above the stalls.
The seats are know as either the Royal or the Dress depending upon the Theatre (they are the same, one level above the stalls).
This is the Greatest show..Restaurant idea
Great feedback from this Italian each time we head off to Come Alive the Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular.
It's around a 10 minute walk from the Coach drop point.
La Pappardella, London
- la-pappardella.com
- 253 Old Brompton Road, London, SW5 9HP
- (020) 7373 7777
ENJOY
Refunds, Customer booking errors, Cancelled performances please read.
Our events have always been non refundable unless a show is cancelled by the Theatre.
The website charges me a fee for each booking as STRIPE looks after your money and whilst I am not requesting any admin fees for errors you may make when you book (eg, I booked in error, I can no longer make the date or find someone to take my place etc.) the fee STRIPE charges me will be requested by me to you (it's not usually a huge amount but I am sure you would realise these amounts all add up). Same process applies for double bookings, eg ' I only wanted 4 for Brighton but I clicked twice so it looks like I have 8' ! the addtional 4 incur a stripe fee for your error.
Due to admin volume I am unable to resell or readvertise your events if you can no longer make the date, however, you can resell (at no additional cost and not on social media) and advise me who is taking your place and where they are boarding the coach.
If we arrive in London and the show is cancelled I still have to pay for the coach. I will adjust the refund accordingly to offset the coach payment I have to make (that's if the show has been cancelled and we've arrived in London or wherever the show may be).
For me to be able to offer these events going forward the less admin burden I have then the more time I have to find shows and days out for us all to enjoy.
Stripe's payments platform lets me accept credit cards, debit cards, and popular payment methods around the world—all with a single integration.
Love to you all, N x
Just a reminder refunds are not available once you have booked.
The coach, admin, diet requests, delays due to traffic issues, bookings - GENERAL ADMIN UPDATE
Sometimes a message needs to be relayed to me or to the driver - please pass a message down the coach and then I can act upon the request rather than dangerously walking up and down the coach.
Diets requests - Anything you need to tell me at all must be completed in the notes section when you book via the website - allergies, vegetarian, vegan etc. Without this information I will assume you do not have any requests and submit same to the venue.
If you give me an incorrect email then I can not advise you with the coach times as the email will bounce. Please may I request you input all the correct details. I need a mobile number and not a landline as I may need to contact you when we are on an event and a landline would not suffice as you would be with me.
Sadly sometimes the coach is delayed due to traffic - of course this is completely out of my control and refunds are not available should your time be shorter than the estimated time of the event.
What is theatre etiquette?
Seeing a West End show is always something to look forward to, whether you've seen one show or hundreds.
Theatre etiquette is extremely important to ensuring everyone in the auditorium has a pleasant experience. Many people in the theatre invest a great deal of time and money into creating a fabulous theatregoing experience. So to have it taken away by members of the public that behave in an offensive manner can disrupt the entire show.
It's best to not speak during a show, or keep speaking to a bare minimum, as the noise can distract others and potentially the performers. If you need to say something important during a performance, do it during the applause, or whisper quietly. We advise refraining from talking about anyone's performance, especially if you have a negative opinion. Anyone could be listening.
Can I eat and drink in the theatre?
You are allowed to eat and drink in West End theatres. Many theatres sell light refreshments, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages before the performance begins and during the interval. There is no limit to how many refreshments you can purchase at the theatre.
There are no restrictions on what you can eat and drink in the auditorium. However, there are some foods which you should avoid. If possible, avoid eating smelly foods which will waft around the auditorium. Also it's best not to bring foods with noisy packaging, like crisp packets and sweet wrappers. If you're going to open a packet or wrapper during a performance, wait until a moment of applause so that the sound isn't quite as obvious. Nobody wants to hear food packets rustling during a silent moment on stage.
Many London theatres allow you to bring your own food and drink into the auditorium. Before going to see a show, we recommend checking the venue's individual policies. You don't want to throw any food into the waste bin.
Can I smoke in the theatre?
Smoking in the theatre is not permitted. Most theatres are indoor spaces, and smoking is prohibited in indoor venues. If you need to smoke during the show, then wait for the interval, where you can head outside and light up. There are some productions which use smoke, and actors may use cigarettes during the show. But that doesn't give you an excuse to smoke!
Can I use my mobile phone in the theatre?
During the show, you are not allowed to use your mobile phone in the theatre. Don't text, make calls, or answer calls during a live performance: It's extremely distracting for theatregoers around you, and can be offensive to the actors performing on stage. We recommend turning off your phone, or at least putting it on airplane mode, before a performance. If your phone does go off, decline the calls immediately and put your phone in your bag. If you are caught using your phone throughout a performance, your phone may be consficated.
Can I take pictures during a performance?
You cannot take pictures during a performance. If you are caught taking pictures, a front of house member will tell you to stop, and if you are caught doing so multiple times, you may be asked to leave the theatre. There are a few West End shows which invite audiences to take pictures in the curtain call. If that's the case, then make sure your phone does not obstruct anyone else's view, and turn off your flash.
Can I film during a performance?
You are not allowed to film during a performance.
After a performance, any member of the public can wait at the stage door to hopefully catch a glimpse of their favourite actors after a show. It's important to note that seeing performers at the stage door is not included in the ticket price — it is down to an actor's individual discretion whether they greet people at the stage door.
Treat performers with the same respect that you would give to friends, family, and colleagues. If you do get to meet actors at the stage door, then show your appreciation for the actor and make sure to say thank you! Be kind and considerate of other fans around you too. If you give everyone a fair opportunity to say hello to their favourite performers, it'll make for a pleasant stage door experience for everyone.
Mamma Mia the Party, seating plan update please read before booking.
So, we all love Mamma Mia the Party at the 02 London ... I am always very happy to hear the delightful comments customers have at the venue... This is an update about how it all works for the party as I'm often asked.
There aren't any tickets! . I advise the name of the Lead Booker and the numbers in their party along with diet requests as you have advised me upon booking ' notes section ' on the website.
The venue will organise the tables up to 5 max on the table - the venue organise the tables a few days before the event - I do not organise the tables.
Mamma Mia! The Party doesn't have a kids menu, but it's a great place for families with children ages 5 and up.
Travel, food, one drink and entertainment is included in the price. If you're attending an evening performance we usually arrive around 5pm.. the venue opens at 6.30pm = = the coach departs around 11pm (usually 10.50pm).
We park in the 02 coach car park. This is an approximate 10-12 minute walk to the party entrance. Wheelchairs can be hired at the 02.
We no longer have multiple tables of 6 inTier B but I can keep the groups together by changing the table sizes.
The venue organise the tables.. They can be either in Tier A or B and not C. Here's an extract from the Party online about their bands of seating.
WHAT’S THE VIEW FROM MY SEAT?
Mamma Mia! The Party is a theatrical experience where the action takes place at multiple points around Nikos Taverna.
There is not a specific stage-like performance area and guests will sometimes need to turn around in their seats to see the action.
Every seat on each table offers a unique view.
The view from some tables on the terraces, upper terraces and balconies is obstructed by support pillars and/or parts of the Mamma Mia! The Party set.
Where that obstruction is regular and severe, affected tables are categorised as Tier C (restricted view).
All tables are subject to temporary obstructions due to the set and the nature of the performance.
Tier B in our North Balcony level look down onto the Courtyard. The view is obstructed only by the choreography of the show, where some action may take place at extreme ends of the taverna; not by any physical obstructions like pillars.
So ---- we may be seated in these tables they are Band A or B - the venue would seat you, not me and they will not seat you in Band C.
Finally - I really do want you to have the best time but do please be mindful the coach (for an evening performance) will depart on time at 11pm - it's not fair on others to wait.
The driver will not allow you on board if you are deemed intoxicated. (Drunk or under the influence of drugs).
The venue is located at the 02 London and we always park at the 02 Coach park so, if you leave a little early you can head back to the coach and board in good time for our departure.
Restaurant ideas close to the Theatres - helpful? I hope so...
I hope this list is helpful ....
Shatesbury Theatre Area:
Da Mario Italian Restaurant
Kanada Ramen Restaurant
Customer recommendation
Prix Fixe Brasserie - W1
French, ( customer saw Les Miserables with me).
Prince Edward Theatre Area
Café Boheme French Restaurant
Balans Restaurant
Maison Bertaux – Fantastic cake shop
https://www.maisonbertaux.com/
Sondheim Theatre Area (Shaftesbury Avenue)
Picturehouse Central for great salads and cakes
https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/Picturehouse-Central
Zedel French Brasserie
https://www.brasseriezedel.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local&utm_campaign=GoogleMyBusiness
Dumplings Legend
https://chinatown.co.uk/en/restaurant/dumplings-legend/
London Palladium Area
Aqua Kyoto Japanese Restaurant
Pontis Italian Restaurant
Faros- Ive been here, we all really enjoyed . (Oxford Circus)
www.farosrestaruarant.co.uk
In general.
The Wellington Pub - Close to the Covent Garden
The Real Greek - All over London
The Royal Opera House - Covent Garden (roof top bar)
The Theatre Cafe - Strand/ Covent Garden
The Theatre Diner - Tottenham Court Road