Watching live theatre in London feels like something special. The buzz in the air, the hush that falls when the lights go down, and the excitement of the first big number all build a moment you won’t forget. Matilda, showing at the Cambridge Theatre, gives you all of that and more. It’s full of bold characters, clever songs and brilliant storytelling. But to really enjoy all the magic on stage, it helps to sit in the right spot.
When you buy theatre tickets in London, especially for a popular show like Matilda, choosing your seat can make a big difference. Some seats are great for seeing facial expressions. Others give you the full stage view. And if you’re bringing kids, that matters too. Here’s how to pick the seats that suit what you care about most.
Finding Your Way Inside the Cambridge Theatre
The Cambridge Theatre has three main sections: stalls, dress circle and upper circle. Each one has its own feel. If you sit in the stalls, you’re on the ground level, closest to the stage. It’s great for being swept into the story and catching small details like nods, expressions or bits of set movement. The dress circle is one level up. From there, you get a wide look at everything. The upper circle sits highest, but still gives a full view, though faces can be a bit harder to make out from there.
The stage at this theatre is wide, and the set for Matilda plays with height quite a bit. Some scenes take place on raised platforms or up in the corners, so if your seat is too far to one side, you might miss part of the action. Most centre seats will give you a better chance at seeing everything clearly.
If you’d like to feel wrapped into the show, a seat near the front of the stalls does that well. But if you prefer to see the patterns in the stage design and lighting, especially in the big numbers, a seat slightly higher up can work better. Picking what matters most to you will steer you in the right direction.
Best Seats for Families and Kids
Matilda speaks to kids in a big way. She’s clever, brave and a bit cheeky, which makes her easy to root for. If you’re planning a family show night out, it’s worth thinking ahead about where to sit.
Seats right at the front might sound exciting, but they’re not always ideal for little ones. The stage at Cambridge Theatre stands tall, so short viewers might have to crane their necks if they’re in the first few rows. Slightly raised areas in the stalls, set back a few rows, tend to give a better view for children. There’s often less chance of being blocked by someone tall sitting in front too.
Seats near the aisle can help when moving in with bags, coats or snacks, especially in a group. If you’ve got active kids, it’s good to keep things easy. The dress circle also has a few rows that work well for families, as it offers a clear view, even for smaller children.
It makes a difference when everyone can see well, stay comfy, and focus on laughing at Mr Wormwood’s lines or gasping during Miss Trunchbull’s more dramatic scenes.
Seats for Theatre Fans Who Love Big Visuals
If you’re the sort who loves to see every detail of a set change, every lighting shift or piece of choreography, there are seats that really bring the show’s design to life. Matilda leans heavily on expressive movement. From the school desks spinning to the alphabet blocks lining the stage walls, some of the best bits come from how the whole stage fills out during busy scenes.
For that, it helps to sit where your eye can take in the whole picture. The front rows of the dress circle are often a strong pick. They’re up just enough to see across the entire space, but not so high that the action feels distant. You can spot every kid’s movement in “School Song” and see scene transitions happen right before the next moment begins.
Side seats sometimes get overlooked, but in the Cambridge Theatre, they’re not bad at all. From about halfway back in the stalls or dress circle, side seats still keep the main action visible. Some scenes even play out closer to the edges. It won’t suit everyone, but for those who want something different, these spots can offer a unique view of the show’s clever staging.
Making the Most of Your Night Out
Going to the theatre isn’t just about the show. It’s about the whole evening. Getting to the theatre in good time means you don’t miss the start or feel rushed. Aim to arrive with enough time to settle in, find your seat and take in the building itself. The Cambridge Theatre has some lovely design touches worth noticing before the lights go down.
During the interval, there’s a chance to stretch your legs, grab a snack or chat about the first half’s best moments. It’s part of the fun, getting to share those surprises or songs that stuck with you. Plus, being back in your seat before the second act begins means you won’t miss key scenes that come back fast.
If you like to plan a full outing, it helps to pick a place nearby for food, either before or after. Lots of spots close to the theatre are used to theatregoers popping in and out quickly, so timing a bite before curtain call can be part of the plan.
Tips for Choosing and Booking Online
When you’re ready to buy theatre tickets in London, it helps to have a bit of a plan. Some websites let you see a seat map, which shows you exactly where you’d be sitting. Look for where the seat is located in the row, if there are any pillars or rails nearby, and if it’s close to an aisle or toilet access if needed.
Getting your tickets early opens up more choices. Popular shows like Matilda can fill up quickly, especially at the weekend or during holidays. Booking ahead gives you a better chance to pick where you’ll enjoy the show the most.
If your dates are flexible, consider trying different performances. Some less busy shows might have great seats still available, and you might even get a better view than expected. Midweek shows are often a good place to start. Or you might want to look into musicals on tour coming to new venues across the UK. A bit of adjustment in timing can unlock a better experience that fits exactly what you’re looking for.
A Seat That’ll Stick with You
Once the curtain rises at Cambridge Theatre and Matilda kicks off, it doesn’t take long to get caught up in it all. From the quiet moments to the big loud songs, every part of the show works hard to pull you in. Choosing a seat that helps you feel that energy or see every move makes a difference.
No matter what kind of theatre-goer you are, there’s a spot just right for you. Whether you’re sitting close enough to see Matilda’s smile or tucked further back watching every scene move like clockwork, the right seat makes it all land better. It turns an evening out into a memory that lasts beyond the final bow.
Ready for a great night out? It’s easy to buy theatre tickets in London through Artspod. From long-running favourites like Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre to exciting new shows hitting the stage, our selection makes planning your next theatre trip simple and enjoyable.
