Sondheim Theatre — Attraction in London

⭐ 1/5 - A “Les Misérables” Experience in Every Sense

We visited the Sondheim Theatre for Les Misérables, but unfortunately, the most immersive part of the evening was not the show—it was the treatment we received.

During the interval, a senior security manager approached us regarding our cold food and insisted we finish it outside. When checking my bag, instead of making a simple request, he chose to use a sarcastic and condescending tone, implying I was hiding something. When I assured him that we would not eat inside and even offered to store the bag away, he scoffed and dismissively said no, as if basic courtesy was too much to ask. A polite explanation would have sufficed, but it seems this staff member preferred humiliating guests instead of helping them. As an Asian woman, I felt deeply offended by his demeaning attitude, which carried strong undertones of both gender and racial discrimination.

To add to the experience, we were not informed when the second act was starting, causing us to miss a song. Perhaps announcements are reserved only for certain “tiers” of guests—much like the strictly enforced class system of their restroom policy.

In over twenty theatres I have visited in London, this was the first time I encountered toilets segregated by ticket price. When I rushed to use the nearest restroom before the show, I was immediately blocked and told to go to the Circle toilets—without the staff even checking my ticket. The assumption that I couldn’t possibly be a Stalls-level guest was quite telling. If the theatre prides itself on classist and discriminatory policies, I must say, they are doing an exceptional job. It was truly a “Les Misérables” experience—an Asian woman at the bottom of the hierarchy in a tiny theatre version of 19th-century France. How immersive!

And then, there’s the military-style staff management. Most employees looked miserable and stressed, as if working under constant pressure. This, of course, translated directly into the guest experience.

Another baffling policy—why is food completely banned, and under what authority is the theatre conducting bag checks? If the concern is security, proper screening devices exist; random manual checks are outdated, inefficient, and frankly, ridiculous. The British theatre industry is both absurdly strict and laughably outdated, all while maintaining an air of undeserved self-importance.

We originally bought this ticket as a trial run, thinking that if we enjoyed it, we’d invest in better seats for a repeat visit. Needless to say, we won’t be returning. Better to save our money and watch the Broadway...

Our first ever visit to The Sondheim Theatre to see Les Miserables was a fantastic experience.

The Sondheim is perfectly located on Shaftesbury Avenue and is very accessible from all parts of London. In the event you were travelling to the theatre by tube then you are only a 5 minute walk from Leicester Square station.

The Sondheim is a charming theatre and very typical in style of most West End theatrical venues. Sat on the corner of a bustling junction, at night The Sondheim is illuminated in colourful lights and advertisements for the show. It is very bright and stands out to the point where you simply cannot miss it.

Long queues form all around the building but once the doors open you are soon inside. When inside there is a small merchandise stall and general access to the theatre hall and downstairs bar area. The bar isn’t that big and again queues can form so move quick if you want to get a drink. Drinks are however are allowed to be taken to your seat.

Inside the performance hall, the grand architecture and charm of the theatre is evident. From the ground floor stalls and all the way up to the two tiered balcony seats, everywhere you look it is wonderful to see.

The Sondheim is a perfect theatre and home for the world renowned Les Miserables. This show is magnificent in every sense and if you have not yet seen this show then get some tickets booked and head over to The Sondheim. You really will have a fantastic experience.

I don’t believe there is a bad seat in the house and the lighting, sound and acoustics of this place is also superb. One slight comment to make was that we were constantly slipping forwards on our seats which over a nearly 3 hour show started to become a little uncomfortable. One or two other people was also saying the same so clearly not just us.

All in all, The Sondheim and Les Miserables are a fantastic partnership. A fantastic theatre and night of entertainment so don’t delay….....

It is a shame that I can only give a 1-star. Honestly I've been to so many theatres in London and this one is horrible! I also want to apologize to the show members - because this musical was absolutely fantastic, stunning! I give the show a 5-star rating!

I feel like...that the theatre management know that it is a popular show so that they don't care about customers' experience in the Sondheim Theatre! So first of all, CAUTION - the restricted view is very very restricted! We sat at BOXM4 - rear of Dress Circle, aisle/passage way is in the front. So we knew the top of the stage scene will be obscured, but the fact is our view was also obscured by the audience in front of us!!! The ticket was about £50 each...so pay £20-30 extra and get a proper seat.

And then, we had a 10 years old with us so his view was completely blocked by the audience in front of us, so he kept adjusting himself in his seat so he can see the stage. The box is far away from others so we didn't ask him to stay still. But the staff kept coming up and told him to "remain in his seat" - to sit down and stay still. So? The kid should just sit down and looking at the back of other people's heads? Children don't go free! What's even more ridiculous was the staffs have kept passing in front us during the show, although they did stoop down and lower themselves as they pass, but we can still see them and we were distracted from the show.

Last but not least, some of the staffs at the door were unbelievable - i give a thumb-up for not allowed any kind of food in - for whatever the reason, but he literally put his hand in my rucksack and rummaged through it upside down! Honestly all - ALL other theatres' staff would ask the customers to do it themselves, such as "could you please take this out so I can see the rest of the bag?" I do feel like I...