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Venue

His Majesty's Theatre (Formerly Her Majesty's Theatre), London

4.7 · 16k Google reviewsBox office closed · opens monday 12pm

His Majesty's Theatre is a West End theatre situated in the Haymarket in the City of Westminster, London. The building, designed by Charles J.

Book The Phantom Of the Opera020 3925 2998Open in Google Maps

Capacity

Just over 1,200 across four levels

Current attached shows

1

Google rating

4.7 ★ (16k)

Venue info

His Majesty's Theatre is a West End theatre situated in the Haymarket in the City of Westminster, London. The building, designed by Charles J.

History

The theatre was first established as the Queen’s theatre in 1705, in tribute to Queen Anne (the name changes with the gender of each monarch). Due to the prohibition of unaccompanied legitimate drama, the theatre became and opera house, performing more than 25 operas by Handel between 1711 and 1739 and premiering 3 operas by Bach in 1763. On 17 June 1789, the roof of the building was deliberately set ablaze, causing the building to burn down as rehearsing dancers fled the beans falling onto the stage.

A new theatre was built on the site and opened in 1791, and continued to produce operas through the 18th and 19th Century. After management changes and extensive refurbishments, the theatre began performing dramatic role more extensively in 1897, including adaptations of Tolstoy and George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion (1914). The nature of theatre and its operatic background made it the perfect host for the emerging genre of musical theatre. Opening in 1916, Chu Chin Chow ran for 2,235 performances (this would remain a world record until 1955).

Musicals continued their rise in popularity throughout the post-war years, and were regularly performed at the theatre. These shows included Broadway transfers of Follow the Girls (1945), Brigadoon (1949), Paint Your Wagon (1953), West Side Story (1958) and the London premiere of Fiddler on the Roof (1967). In 1976, the theatre played hose to the first Secret Policeman’s Ball, a comedy benefit for Amnesty International.

With the coronation of King Charles III, Her Majesty's Theatre became Hius Majesty's Theatre at 11am on 5th May 2023.

The Phantom of the Opera, which opened in 1986, is the second longest running musical in West End history.

Past performances

The Phantom of the Opera (1986)
The Scarlet Pimpernel (1985)
Bugsy Malone (1983)
Amadeus (1981)
The Good Companions (1974)
Fiddler on the Roof (1967)
Lock Up Your Daughters (1962)
Bye Bye Birdie (1961)


Box office hours

Box office closed · opens monday 12pm

  • Monday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM
  • Tuesday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM
  • Wednesday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM
  • Thursday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM
  • Friday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM
  • Saturday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

These are the box office (ticket desk) hours supplied by Google. The theatre itself opens around 45 minutes before curtain-up — always check your ticket for the performance start time. You can book online any time through British Theatre.

Transport

Tube

Charing Cross, Leicester Square

Train

Charing Cross

Bus

3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 22, 22B, 38, 53, 88, 94, 159

Parking

MasterPark in Whitcomb Street, Trafalgar (Q Park Scheme) Meter on Charles II Street and St James’s Square, Single yellow lines in Haymarket

Seating plan and where to sit

For the best all-round experience at the His Majesty's Theatre, aim for the centre of the Stalls, roughly the middle rows in from the aisle, where you are close to the stage with full sound and the clearest view of the falling chandelier. If you prefer a raised, head-on perspective, the front and centre of the Royal Circle is the strong alternative. The venue seats just over 1,200 across four levels: the Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle and Balcony.

LevelBest forWorth knowing
StallsCloseness, detail and the full chandelier effectCentre rows are the premium choice. Rear rows sit under the Royal Circle overhang, which can cut off the top of the set and the chandelier.
Royal CircleAn elevated, head-on view of the whole stageFront and centre rows are excellent. The far ends and side seats are angled and can be sightline restricted.
Grand CircleA clear, comprehensive view at a gentler priceNothing overhangs this level, so even rear rows keep the full stage. A safety rail affects row A, and row ends are marked sightline restricted.
BalconyThe lowest prices in the houseThe steep rake gives a clear line to the stage, but you are high and far back, so fine detail is harder to make out and legroom is tight.

Best seats at the His Majesty's Theatre

The centre of the Stalls, around the middle rows, is where The Phantom of the Opera lands hardest, with the boat, the pyrotechnics and the chandelier all reading clearly and the score at full force. The front and centre of the Royal Circle is the pick for anyone who wants the whole stage picture in one raised, comfortable sweep.

Seats to check before you book

The rear of the Stalls sits under the Royal Circle overhang, which can hide the chandelier and the tops of taller scenery, so check how far back a seat is before committing. Across the Royal Circle and Grand Circle, the ends of the rows are angled by the curve of the auditorium and several are marked sightline restricted, and in Grand Circle row A a safety rail crosses the view. The side slip seats in the circles and the Balcony are the cheapest but come with the biggest compromises on angle, legroom and distance.

Best value

The front rows of the Grand Circle are the sweet spot for value, keeping a clean, full view of the stage well below Stalls prices, and the honestly priced restricted-view seats here and in the Balcony go even lower if budget leads. If you are not sure which level suits you, our West End seating guide explains how the levels compare. Compare live prices and seat availability across every section at The Phantom of the Opera.

His Majesty's Theatre (Formerly Her Majesty's Theatre) seating plan

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair space and transfers available.

Are there adapted toilets?

An adapted toilet is available in the stalls corridor

Assisted Performances

Are there facilities for the hard-of-hearing?

There is an infrared system working throughout the auditorium with both loop and conventional headsets.

Are guide dogs and/or hearing dogs permitted?

Access dogs are not allowed inside the auditorium. Staff are available to dog-sit.

Please contact the theatre directly for further information.

Shows currently at this venue

Full what's-on listing for His Majesty's Theatre (Formerly Her Majesty's Theatre), London

Previous productions

Amadeus placeholder artwork

Show

Amadeus

His Majesty's Theatre (Formerly Her Majesty's Theatre), London

What visitors say

5.0· a month ago
I absolutely loved The Phantom of the Opera. From the very first scene, I was completely captivated. The music is powerful and emotional, the staging is spectacular, and the performances are outstanding. The chandelier scene was unforgettable, and the vocals throughout the show were simply incredible. You can really feel the intensity and passion from the cast. The costumes, the orchestra, the atmosphere — everything comes together perfectly. It’s a timeless classic for a reason. An unforgettable experience. 5/5, highly recommend!
— Miss R
5.0· 3 months ago
Now let me begin by highlighting that I am not a fan of musical theatre, but in any great relationship we sometimes have to compromise. My cultured better half absolutely adores Phantom of the Opera and so with a fake smile plastered on my face, I said “I’d love to come with you to see Phantom” lol. The venue was as you would expect for a Royal Venue and the staff and service were impeccable. The inside of the theatre had its own muted, but spectacular atmosphere and the auditorium was packed (on a Tuesday evening!!). The show began (no photos or videos during the show are allowed) and I surprised myself at points by actually enjoying it! There was humour, drama, suspense, pyrotechnics, dancing, but there was still too much singing for me lol. For anyone not a lover of the theatre, Phantom is a great initiation as it was thoroughly enjoyable! Of course I didn’t tell my partner how much I enjoyed it lol, I just said it wasn’t bad. The prices of the tickets and drinks were reasonable, but for me at 6ft (183cm) the seating is a bit cramped. Thankfully there was an interval after an hour so I was able to stretch my legs. Pre-ordering drinks for the interval is available and that’s exactly what we did, to beat the queues. A great night at the theatre and next time I won’t be kicking and screaming so much when next told by my partner that she wants me to take her to see a show.
— Grant Stanley
5.0· 2 months ago
My wife and I went here for evening show, Jan 26, we were sat in the stalls row GG in the middle which was excellent. Access was easy, no queuing, same for the bar. Drink prices were good. Seats were comfortable only towards the last 10 mins was my bum starting to complain. An excellent production of "Phantom of the Opera" really enjoyable and the audience was very respectful of the performers. Highly recommend.
— Darth Rum69
5.0· a month ago
Phantom of the Opera is a must watch!!!! Love the staging and the actors voices. Such a good show and the singing is amazing. Recommend the top floor rather than the Royal Circle
— Ranita W.

Reviews sourced from Google Maps.

Nearby venues

39m away

Theatre Royal Haymarket, London

View venue →

122m away

Harold Pinter Theatre, London

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222m away

Prince Of Wales Theatre, London

View venue →

Frequently asked questions

Where are the best seats at the His Majesty's Theatre?

The centre of the Stalls, around the middle rows, gives the closest view with the best sound and the clearest sight of the chandelier. The front and centre of the Royal Circle is the best raised, head-on alternative.

Which seats have restricted views at the His Majesty's Theatre?

The rear Stalls sit under the Royal Circle overhang, which can hide the chandelier and the tops of the set. The ends of the rows in the Royal Circle and Grand Circle are angled and often sightline restricted, a safety rail affects Grand Circle row A, and the side slip seats and Balcony come with the steepest compromises on angle and distance.

How many seats does the His Majesty's Theatre have?

The theatre holds just over 1,200 people across four levels: the Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle and Balcony. The Stalls and Grand Circle are the largest sections and the Balcony the smallest.

Is there step-free or accessible seating at the His Majesty's Theatre?

Step-free access is into the Stalls, which is the level to request if you need to avoid stairs, as the Royal Circle, Grand Circle and Balcony are reached by staircases. Contact the box office in advance to arrange accessible seating and any specific requirements.

What is the best value section for The Phantom of the Opera?

The front rows of the Grand Circle offer the best value, keeping a clear, full view of the stage at well below Stalls prices. For the lowest fares, the honestly priced restricted-view seats in the Grand Circle and the Balcony go cheaper still.

What's on at His Majesty's Theatre (Formerly Her Majesty's Theatre), London?

The current production at His Majesty's Theatre (Formerly Her Majesty's Theatre), London is The Phantom Of the Opera. Browse and book tickets directly through British Theatre.

What's the nearest tube station to His Majesty's Theatre (Formerly Her Majesty's Theatre), London?

The nearest tube station is Charing Cross, Leicester Square.

How can I contact His Majesty's Theatre (Formerly Her Majesty's Theatre), London?

You can call His Majesty's Theatre (Formerly Her Majesty's Theatre), London on 020 3925 2998. For tickets and bookings, please use British Theatre to secure the best seats.

What are the box office hours at His Majesty's Theatre (Formerly Her Majesty's Theatre), London?

The His Majesty's Theatre (Formerly Her Majesty's Theatre), London box office (ticket desk) operates: Monday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM; Tuesday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM; Wednesday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM; Thursday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM; Friday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM; Saturday: 12:00 – 7:45 PM; Sunday: Closed. Right now the box office is closed · opens monday 12pm. The theatre itself opens around 45 minutes before curtain-up — and you can book online any time through British Theatre.

Is His Majesty's Theatre (Formerly Her Majesty's Theatre), London accessible?

His Majesty's Theatre (Formerly Her Majesty's Theatre), London offers wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible seating, wheelchair-accessible toilets. Please contact the venue directly if you have specific access requirements.

How big is His Majesty's Theatre (Formerly Her Majesty's Theatre), London?

His Majesty's Theatre (Formerly Her Majesty's Theatre), London has a capacity of Just over 1,200 across four levels — small enough to feel intimate but large enough to host major productions.

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