Customer New Seating FAQs

Why is the seating plan changing? 

The seating within the Arena and Stalls are being replaced, and we are updating our auditorium layout to improve the audience experience and to provide additional wheelchair accessible seating. As a result, seat locations and numbering may differ from those originally shown when tickets were purchased. 

Will my booking still be valid? 

Yes. All existing bookings remain valid for the performance date and time booked. A new booking reference and proof of purchase will be generated and available to view/download from your Account section on whatsonreading.com 

Will I still have the same seat? 

Not necessarily. Due to the new auditorium layout, some seats will be relocated or renumbered. Our team will assign the closest equivalent seat available. Balcony seating will remain unchanged. 

How will my new seat be allocated? 

We will aim to place customers in seats that are comparable to or better than their original booking location, taking into account sightlines, distance from the stage, accessibility requirements, and ticket price paid. 

When will I find out my new seat number? 

If your seat numbers are changed as part of the reseating process. you will be sent confirmation of your new seat allocation by email. 

What if I don't like my new seat? 

If you are unhappy with your allocated seat, please email the Box Office on boxoffice@reading.gov.uk in the first instance. We will do our best to offer an alternative seat, subject to availability. Please be aware that for shows that are at or near capacity, alternative seating may not be offered.   

Will I have to pay extra if my new seat is in a more expensive area? 

No. If you are moved to a higher-priced area, there will be no additional charge. 

What if my new seat would normally cost less than the one I bought? 

Where applicable, we will review any significant differences in seating category and advise customers of the options available. 

Can I request a specific seat? 

Unfortunately, no. Due to the scale and complexity of the reseating process, it is not possible to accommodate specific seating requests prior to bookings being moved.  

We booked as a group. Will we still sit together? 

We will make every effort to keep groups seated together. If this is not possible, we will contact you to discuss suitable alternatives. 

I booked an aisle seat. Will I still get one? 

We will try to accommodate original seating preferences such as aisle seating wherever possible, but this cannot be guaranteed. 

I have accessibility requirements. What happens to my booking? 

Customers with accessibility requirements will retain priority consideration. Please contact the Box Office if you wish to discuss your new seating allocation once you have received your new booking confirmation. 

Will the view from my seat be different? 

Some customers may experience a different viewing angle due to the revised layout. We will endeavour to provide seats with an equivalent or improved view. 

I am a wheelchair user and have booked a wheelchair position, will I still be in the same location? 

Not necessarily. As part of the auditorium refurbishment, wheelchair positions may be moved or renumbered. If this affects your booking, we will reallocate you to the most suitable wheelchair space based on the size of your wheelchair and provide an equivalent view of the stage wherever possible. 

Will Personal Assistant (companion) tickets be affected? 

Personal Assistant (or companion) ticket arrangements will remain in place and will be reassigned alongside the main booking. 

Do I need a new ticket? 

If you have already received printed tickets through the post they will not be valid, and new tickets will be sent to you automatically.  They may also be collected from the Box Office from 1 hour before the performance. All e-tickets will be sent 7 days prior to the performance and will be valid for entry. 

Who can I contact if I have questions? 

Contacting the Box Office by email on boxoffice@reading.gov.uk will allow the team to respond to enquiries in the most efficient and timely manner. Please only call the Box Office if your enquiry is urgent and you need to speak to an adviser.