Best Seats for a Matt Mathews Show

Why does seat choice matter more for comedy?

A comedy show is one person, a microphone and a lot of timing. There is no stage production to look at from far away. Much of the fun is in the delivery: the face, the pause, the reaction to the crowd. The closer you are, the more of that you get. Laughter also spreads, and sitting in a busy section near the stage usually feels livelier than an empty corner at the back.

Where should I sit in a theatre?

Most of the tour is in theatres such as the Orpheum in Memphis, the Beacon Theatre, the Stifel Theatre, the Riverside Theater and the Moody Theater. General tips:

• Front and middle of the main floor is the best view. The very first rows can mean looking up at the stage.
• Center over side. A central seat a few rows back usually beats the extreme side of row one.
• Front of the first balcony is often as good as the back of the main floor and sometimes cheaper.
• Avoid seats under a balcony overhang at the back of the floor if you can, as sound and view can feel boxed in.
• Upper balconies are fine for listening, but facial expressions are hard to see.

What about casino showrooms?

Many stops are at casino venues, for example Horseshoe Hammond, IP Casino, Choctaw and North Star Mohican. These rooms are often flat or gently raked event halls. Tips:

• These rooms are often smaller than theatres, so even mid-room seats can feel close.
• If the floor is flat, a seat on a raised side or back section can give a clearer view over heads than a seat in the middle of the flat floor.
• Aisle seats make it easier to get out between drinks. Check whether the room has table service.
• Casinos are usually 21+. See the age limit guide.

What about the arena shows?

A few stops are in arenas: Regions Arena in Mobile, Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville, Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville and Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs. Comedy in an arena is a different experience, and seat choice matters more:

• Floor seats near the front are the best, but back floor seats can be worse than raised seats because everyone is at the same level.
• Lower-level sides close to the stage are often the sweet spot for view and value.
• Video screens are common at arena comedy shows. If your venue uses them, upper seats are much more enjoyable. We have not confirmed screens for this tour, so check with the venue.
• Avoid seats directly beside the stage unless they are marked as having a full view.

Which seats come with the VIP package?

The Not What I Ordered Q&A Experience includes one premium ticket, plus a group photo, a Q&A session and VIP merch. Where premium seats are placed depends on the venue. See the VIP guide.

Are cheap seats worth it?

Yes, if the alternative is not going. You will hear the show clearly almost anywhere, since comedy rooms are built around speech. What you lose in the back is the detail of the performance. In smaller rooms the gap between the best and the cheapest seat is much smaller than in an arena. Resale price ranges are on ticket prices.

Does the early or late show have better seats?

In cities with two shows, the late show was usually added later, so it often has more good seats left. If front seats are gone for the early show, check the late one. See tour dates for every show time.

Any other tips?

• Look at the venue's own seating chart before you pick. Section names differ between venues.
• Arrive early. Casino security and theatre bag checks can take time.
• If you are sitting near the front, be ready for the chance of some crowd work.
• Read what to expect for more about the night itself.

Best seats: frequently asked questions