Please sign in to post.

Seating at the Sam Wanamaker Theatre

We're going to be in London early next year, and would like to see a play at Shakespeare's Globe. There is a production of A Winter's Tale that is split between the Sam Wanamaker and the Globe, each depicting a different location.

We've never been to the Wanamaker, and I'd love some help figuring out the different seating options. Upper Gallery, Lower Gallery, and Pit. It looks like most of the seats are already gone on the days we'll be there, so we're in a time crunch. I'd appreciate any help from those of you who are familiar with the venue.

Thank you!

Posted by
6552 posts

Thanks, Mona. This trip came together all of a sudden, so we haven't had much time for deep background. I pulled up the site to buy tickets, and was flummoxed by the seat choices, as well as surprised by how few tickets are available for our dates.

Posted by
9263 posts

I’d say upper gallery but I always like viewing a theatre production from a balcony so I can see the entire stage. Its not a large theatre. Some views are partially blocked. Rent the seat cushion and be prepared for minimal space for knees and arms.

Take a gander of theatre interior photos via Google and you’ll see what I’m talking about. The theatre is a replica from the Bard’s existence. So late 1600’s to early 1700’s hundreds. That’s part of the experience of seeing a play at the Globe.

In all honesty expect brilliant performances from the talent but be prepared to endure some discomfort from your seat choice.

Posted by
6552 posts

Claudia, when we were last in London, we saw "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Globe, and it was an unforgettable experience. We chose seats pretty high up, and they worked our just fine.

This upcoming production is actually taking place in two different venues; I presume we move from the Wanamaker to the Globe at intermission, but I'm not sure. It looks like another great experience, if there are still tickets available. The ticket sale page is only showing seat choices for the Wanamaker, not the Globe.

Thanks for the advice.

Posted by
9263 posts

I get it.

Saw a production in the Globe in 2011. Thankful to be seated where I could lean back.

Merely commenting going to The Globe theatres is an experience.

Posted by
6552 posts

OK, I just ordered tickets. It took 2 hours, mostly figuring out how the website worked, then signing up for an account, then trying (3 times!) to get the credit card okayed. But it's done!

We have seats in the lower gallery of the Wanamaker; I have no idea how the shift to the Globe works, or what seats we will have there. BTW, evidently the Wanamaker is modeled on the old Blackfriar's Theatre, but is not an exact reproduction.

Posted by
330 posts

Jane, I'll be curious to hear how the play works with the two venues.

Mona, thanks for the Seat Plan link – I'd never heard of it (I use and like Theatre Monkey for advice on seats, but really like the photos at Seat Plan). I got inspired by poking around, and just booked seats for a play at the end of November!