St Martin’s Theatre first opened in November 1916. While it was designed by architect W. G. R. Sprague to be paired with the Ambassadors Theatre, which opened in 1913, the opening of St Martin’s Theatre was delayed due to the outbreak of the First World War. The venue has a Georgian style and is quite intimate compared to larger venues on the West End. Excellent views are offered in the centre of the Stalls and the front rows of the Dress Circle. The view from the Upper Circle are generally clear but quite steep and distant compared to the rest of the venue, but the price of tickets in this section reflects this.
Stalls
Rows A-F of the Stalls are arranged in one block, with no central aisle. Rows G-O are divided into three blocks, with aisles between seat numbers 5-6 and 17-18. Seats in Row G are perhaps the most sought-after in the theatre, as the aisle in front provides ample legroom and the view of the entire stage is excellent. The back three rows have a partially obstructed view due to overhang from the Dress Circle.
Dress Circle
The rake of the Dress Circle ensures views are good even from the back row, but the front two rows have some of the best views in the venue. With the more intimate dimensions of St Martin’s Theatre, the Dress Circle does not feel as far away from the stage as it might in larger West End venues. As with many older theatres, legroom can be quite tight.
Upper Circle
The Upper Circle offers the most affordable tickets in the theatre. The view can feel quite far from the stage and is partially restricted by a safety rail in the first three or four rails. Legroom can be quite tight. Row H is the farthest from the stage, but offers better legroom than most of the Upper Circle, so this row is recommended for taller patrons who are conscious of budget.
FAQs
Where are the Restricted View seats?
The extreme edges of the Dress Circle are marked as restricted view due to the balconies from the box sections. However, the impact on the overall view is minimal, obstructing only the corners of the stage, where very little action takes place.
What if I am hard of sight or hearing?
For people who are hard of hearing, an infrared system covers the entire auditorium. Both loop and conventional style headsets are available. Headsets must be booked in advance and require a deposit. Captioned and sign interpreted performances occasionally take place.
If arranged prior to the performance, guide dogs and hearing dogs are allowed into the auditorium, or staff at the venue and dogs can be left with staff in the manager’s office. For more information on booking with sight and hearing requirements, please call the venue directly on 020 3034 2604 or email access@stmartinstheatre.co.uk
How many steps are there in the theatre?
There are three shallow steps to the theatre entrance from street level. The Dress Circle is located 29 steps down from the foyer. The Dress Circle has only 5 steps from the foyer, which can be covered with a temporary ramp for wheelchair users. The Upper Circle is 28 steps up from the foyer.
Where are the toilets located?
Male and female toilets are located on each level of the auditorium. An accessible toilet is located via an alternative entrance on Tower Court. Staff are able to help patrons who require these facilities.
Where are the bars located?
There are bars located on each level of the auditorium.
Are there wheelchair facilities in the theatre?
The Dress Circle is wheelchair accessible via a temporary ramp that can be placed over the 5 steps to the section. There are two wheelchair spaces available: one in Box C and one in the Dress Circle. Transfer is possible between a wheelchair and an aisle seat in the Dress Circle. Wheelchair users should book in advance 020 3034 2604 or email access@stmartinstheatre.co.uk.
