His Majesty's Theatre, London
The Phantom of the Opera has played here since 1986, on Haymarket between Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square. It's a spectacular building to sit in, with 1,216 seats over four levels, and the one thing to sort out before you book is the stairs, because the building has no lift.
Still choosing seats? Seeing Phantom for the first time, book Royal Circle rows A to D: the chandelier and all of the stage are in view from one seat. To be nearer the faces, take the middle of the Stalls, rows D to K. The Grand Circle is the value level. The Balcony is the cheapest and a long way back, and the Boxes aren't the upgrade they look like.
Already booked? Arrive 40 to 45 minutes before the show, because the building is part of the night, and check your ticket for the entrance: the Grand Circle and Balcony don't use the main doors.
Below: the seating plan and a page for each level, from the Stalls to the Balcony, what the Boxes are really like, how to get here, access and facilities, restaurants, bars and hotels nearby, and more about the building.
Quick facts
- Address: 57 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4QL
- Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus, 2 to 3 minutes
- Capacity: 1,216
- Levels: Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle and Balcony, plus four Boxes
- Lift: none. 32 steps to the Royal Circle, 63 to the Grand Circle, 90 to the Balcony
- Doors: about 60 minutes before. Arrive 40 to 45 minutes before, no later
- Owner: LW Theatres
What's On at His Majesty's Theatre
The Phantom of the Opera opened here on 9 October 1986 and turns 40 on 9 October 2026. It's the original production, still in the theatre it opened in, and the second longest-running musical in West End history, behind Les Misérables. Booking currently runs to Saturday 13 March 2027, which is a booking-until date rather than a closing date.
Tickets start from around £25. All-in pricing, the price you see is what you pay. For the reviews, see what the critics say.
Call us on 020 7193 9050 for seat advice on any date.
Why is it called His Majesty's Theatre?
Because we have a King. The theatre takes its name from whoever is on the throne, and it has done for three hundred years.
It opened in 1705 as the Queen's Theatre under Queen Anne, became the King's Theatre when George I came to the throne in 1714, and was renamed Her Majesty's under Queen Victoria in 1837. The current building opened in 1897, still as Her Majesty's. Edward VII made it His Majesty's again in 1901; Elizabeth II turned it back in 1952; and it changed once more on 6 May 2023, the day King Charles III was crowned.
So if you booked before 2023, or you have an old programme in a drawer, it said Her Majesty's Theatre. Phantom spent its first 36 years here under that name. Same building, same address, same seats.
Book His Majesty's Theatre tickets
All-in pricing, the price you see is what you pay.
FAQs
How many seats does His Majesty's Theatre have?
1,216, across four levels: Stalls, Royal Circle, Grand Circle and Balcony. There are also four small Boxes of two seats each, beside the stage.
Is His Majesty's Theatre the same as Her Majesty's Theatre?
Yes. It's the same theatre at 57 Haymarket, renamed His Majesty's in May 2023 for the coronation of King Charles III. If your ticket or an old booking says Her Majesty's, you're in the right place.
Has Phantom of the Opera always been at His Majesty's Theatre?
Yes. It opened here on 9 October 1986, when the theatre was still Her Majesty's, and it has never played anywhere else in the West End.
Is there a dress code at His Majesty's Theatre?
No. There's no dress code, and casual clothes are fine, so wear what you're comfortable in.
Can I wear jeans and trainers?
Yes to both. It is perfectly acceptable to wear jeans to the theatre, and trainers are fine too. Nobody will look twice. Our best advice is to be comfortable: you will be in the theatre for around three hours and have travel either side.
This theatre does see more dressing up than most, because the building is beautiful and Phantom feels like an occasion. You will see everything from suits to shorts in the same row. Neither is wrong.
A layer is worth having in winter, because the foyer is small and the doors are busy. If you are in the Grand Circle or the Balcony you have a lot of stairs ahead of you, so consider your shoes.
Can I take food and drink in?
Snacks and soft drinks, yes. Alcohol, no. Alcohol bought outside isn't allowed and is taken off you at the bag search. If you need food, drink or medication for a medical condition, bring it and ask for a manager before you go through security. One tip: put your interval order in at the bar before curtain-up and it will be ready at the break.
Is His Majesty's Theatre air conditioned?
Yes, throughout the auditorium.
Can I take a bag in?
Yes. A normal handbag or shopping bag is fine and goes under your seat. There is a cloakroom for anything larger, at £3 for clothing and £5 for bags and suitcases. Security is strict at London venues and every bag is searched, so we'd recommend a small bag, or none at all.
Can I pay by card or cash?
Both. The theatre prefers contactless at the bars and the merchandise kiosk, but cash is still taken.
Can I bring children?
Yes, from the age of four for Phantom, and Phantom's own page has the show's age guidance. Anyone under 16 comes with an adult, there are no babes in arms, and each child has a ticket and a seat of their own.
What time does the Box Office open?
From midday on show days. You don't need to go there to buy: book with us online or call 020 7193 9050, and your tickets come as e-tickets.
Can I book by phone?
Yes. Call us on 020 7193 9050 and we will find you the right seat for your date and budget. The price we tell you on the phone is the price you pay.