Sam Wanamaker Playhouse Seating Plan
Shakespeare's Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT London Bridge (Northern line, 9 min walk) Around 340 seats Box Office 11am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm Saturday, 10am to 5pm Sunday
You're welcome to call us on 020 7193 9050 for honest seat advice and to book tickets at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
Three levels, all close. The Pit is below the stage, in front of it only. The Lower Gallery wraps round three sides at stage level, and the Upper Gallery does the same above it, looking down. The bays at each end of both galleries, right beside the stage, are called the Lord's Boxes.
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What the level names mean
- Pit
- Seats at or near stage level, at the front of the theatre.
- Lower Gallery
- A high balcony near the top of the theatre.
- Upper Gallery
- The highest level, furthest from the stage.
Every seat is a cushioned bench without a back, and the legroom is tight throughout. In both galleries, pillars stand in front of or beside some seats, and the Globe marks those as restricted on its seating map.
Where to sit, best view first
- Best view: the Pit, facing the stage head-on, with the actors often using its aisles
- Next best: the centre of the front row of the Lower or Upper Gallery, with nothing between you and the stage
- Best for your back: the back row of the Lower Gallery, against the wall
- Think twice: gallery seats behind or beside a pillar, and the Lord's Boxes, which look at the stage side-on
The Musicians' Gallery
Above the back of the stage is the Musicians' Gallery, where the band usually plays. For some productions the Globe sells a few places up there, up to eight a side in two rows, looking down on the stage from behind. Whether it's on sale depends on the show.
The Pit, Lower Gallery and Upper Gallery pages go into more detail, and access has the wheelchair position.
The seating plan
The plan shows all three levels. Tap a section to see prices and pick your seats, or call us on 020 7193 9050 and we'll talk you through it.
Seating Plan FAQs
What are the best seats at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse?
The Pit, for the head-on view and the actors close by. In the galleries, the centre of the front row, where no pillar is in the way.
Is the Pit or a gallery better for a long play?
The galleries, if you can get the back row of the Lower Gallery, which has a wall behind you. Everywhere else, including the Pit, is a bench with no back, so a three-hour play is a long sit.