MJ the Musical Seating Guide: Best Seats at the Prince Edward Theatre

With MJ the Musical closing on 28 February 2026, you'll want to make your last chance count. The Prince Edward Theatre in Soho seats around 1,650 people across three levels, and where you sit affects how you experience Christopher Wheeldon's gravity-defying choreography.

This guide breaks down every section of the theatre, helping you find the ideal spot for catching the King of Pop's moves before the final curtain falls.

Understanding the Prince Edward Theatre Layout

The Prince Edward has three seating levels: Stalls (ground floor), Dress Circle (first balcony), and Grand Circle (upper balcony). Built in 1930 in Art Deco style, the theatre is unusually pillar-free, meaning no columns obstruct sightlines anywhere in the auditorium.

The stage is large and set quite high, which affects front-row experiences. The balcony levels are also high, with safety rails that can impact views in certain positions. The good news? The overall sightlines are among the clearest in the West End.

The Stalls

The Stalls form the largest section, divided into four blocks with a wide central aisle separating front and rear portions. The rows are long, so seats at the extreme ends can feel quite distant from centre-stage action.

Best Stalls seats for MJ: Rows D to H in the central blocks offer the ideal experience. You're close enough to appreciate Jamaal Fields-Green's remarkable recreation of Jackson's moves while seeing the full-stage choreography that makes this production special.

Front rows (A to C): The high stage means Row A requires looking up significantly. You'll miss some of the choreographic formations that define Wheeldon's staging, particularly during ensemble numbers like Smooth Criminal and Thriller. However, if you want to see the dancers' footwork in extraordinary detail, these rows deliver that intimacy.

Rows D to H (front-centre section): This is where MJ really lands. You're positioned to appreciate both the technical brilliance of the dancing and the emotional beats of the story. The Smooth Criminal sequence, staged as a kind of fantasy, reads perfectly from here. Centre seats (roughly 14-21) provide the most balanced view.

Rows J to M (rear section, pre-overhang): Still very good views with clear sightlines. The Dress Circle overhang begins affecting the rear section but doesn't become significant until the final few rows. These seats often represent excellent value, offering proximity at reduced prices.

Rows N onwards: The overhang increasingly cuts off the top of the stage. Production elements involving height, lighting effects, and some scenic transitions may be partially obscured. Prices should reflect this limitation.

Side seats: The long rows mean seats towards the ends have notably angled views. For MJ, where the choreography frequently uses the full stage width, side seats can mean missing action on the opposite side. Prioritise centre blocks where possible.

The Dress Circle

Many consider the Dress Circle the sweet spot at the Prince Edward. The elevation provides excellent full-stage views while remaining connected to the energy of the performances.

Best Dress Circle seats for MJ: Rows A to C centre offer what many consider the finest views in the theatre. You're elevated enough to see Christopher Wheeldon's choreographic pictures in full while close enough that the emotional moments land powerfully.

Row A: Front-row Dress Circle delivers an excellent perspective for MJ. The safety rail exists but reviewers consistently report it doesn't obstruct views for this production. You get the elevated angle that reveals the full scope of the ensemble work.

Rows B to D: Premium territory. The rake ensures clear sightlines, and you're perfectly positioned for the big production numbers. Man in the Mirror and Thriller particularly benefit from this vantage point, where the full-stage choreography becomes visible.

Rows D to G: Still excellent views with prices often reduced from the front rows. The safety rail can affect some seats in this range, though reviews suggest the impact on MJ specifically is minimal. Check seat-specific reviews if booking rows with noted restrictions.

Rows H onwards: Views remain good but the stage begins to feel slightly more distant. For a show driven by detailed choreography and performance, the front half of the Dress Circle delivers a notably stronger experience.

Loges (side boxes): The Prince Edward has loge boxes running down the sides of the auditorium. These offer unique, semi-private viewing experiences and are sometimes available at discounts. The view is angled but can work for groups wanting their own space.

The Grand Circle

The uppermost level offers the most affordable tickets but sits high above the stage. The rake is steep, and while sightlines are generally clear, the distance is significant.

Best Grand Circle seats for MJ: Rows A to C centre provide the best the section offers. You're watching from considerable height, but the choreography still reads well and the music sounds excellent throughout the auditorium.

Front Grand Circle (A to C): Often significantly cheaper than lower levels while delivering clear views. The MJ ensemble's formations and the big dance breaks remain impressive from here, even if facial expressions become harder to read.

Mid Grand Circle (D to G): The section splits at Row G with a horizontal aisle. Seats in this range offer reasonable views at budget prices, suitable for fans who prioritise hearing the music and experiencing the atmosphere over visual detail.

Rear Grand Circle (H to N): The stage feels quite remote from here. Stairwells on either side of Row H create a disconnected feeling in the rear section. Only choose these rows if budget is the primary factor.

Loge boxes (Grand Circle level): Very high above the stage with pronounced side angles. Usually discounted and can offer surprising value if you accept the limitations. Not ideal for MJ's choreography-focused experience.

What Makes Seating Matter for MJ

MJ the Musical is built around Christopher Wheeldon's Tony Award-winning choreography. The show recreates Jackson's signature moves, from the moonwalk to the toe stand, while integrating them into larger ensemble sequences.

Smooth Criminal is staged as an extended fantasy sequence with the full company moving in intricate patterns across the stage. From too close, you see individual dancers brilliantly executing their parts. From the Dress Circle, you see the complete picture Wheeldon has designed.

Similarly, Thriller builds to a climactic production number where spacing and formation drive the impact. The elevated perspective of the Dress Circle or front Grand Circle reveals choreographic details that disappear from the Stalls floor.

If you're coming specifically for the dancing, prioritise Dress Circle rows A-D or front Grand Circle. If you want to feel immersed in the energy and don't mind sacrificing some choreographic overview, Stalls rows D-H deliver intensity.

Accessibility at the Prince Edward Theatre

The Prince Edward Theatre offers step-free access and has lifts serving the Stalls and Dress Circle levels. Wheelchair spaces are available in the Stalls with companion seats alongside.

The theatre provides infrared hearing systems, and specific performances offer audio description, captioning, and BSL interpretation. Contact the box office to arrange accessibility requirements and ensure appropriate seating allocation.

The Grand Circle involves stairs and may not suit those with mobility concerns. The steep rake can also be challenging for visitors with vertigo.

Seating Tips for Specific Audiences

Michael Jackson fans: Dress Circle rows A-D put you in the perfect position to appreciate both the dance tributes and the emotional story. You'll see how Jamaal Fields-Green channels Jackson's style while bringing his own interpretation.

Dance enthusiasts: The choreography demands elevation. Dress Circle or front Grand Circle reveals Wheeldon's full-stage pictures in ways the Stalls cannot. The Smooth Criminal and Thriller sequences in particular benefit from this perspective.

First-time theatregoers: Mid-Stalls (rows D-H centre) or Dress Circle front rows provide immersive introductions to live musical theatre. You'll feel the energy of the performances while seeing the production at its best.

Budget bookers: Grand Circle rows A-C centre offer clear views at the lowest prices. The choreography still reads, the music sounds great, and you'll have a genuine MJ experience.

Booking Tips for MJ's Final Weeks

Act quickly. With the closing date confirmed, remaining performances are selling faster than usual. Premium sections and weekend shows may have limited availability.

Consider weeknights. Monday to Wednesday typically offer better availability and often lower prices. The energy in the auditorium remains strong regardless of the day.

Arrive early for pre-show. Performers set the scene with pre-show dancing on stage before curtain up. Arriving 15-20 minutes before the advertised start time ensures you catch this.

Stand if you feel it. MJ audiences tend to be enthusiastic, particularly during the finale. If those around you are on their feet dancing, join in. It's that kind of show.

The production runs 2 hours 30 minutes including interval.

About the Production

MJ the Musical features a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, with direction and choreography by Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon. The show centres on rehearsals for Jackson's 1992 Dangerous World Tour, using flashbacks to explore his life and artistry.

Jamaal Fields-Green leads the London cast, having played the role on Broadway, the US national tour, and now the West End. The production won the Olivier Award for Best Choreography in 2025.

After the West End run ends on 28 February 2026, a UK tour follows in 2027.

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