What is Seat Filling — and How Does It Work in the UK?

If you've ever walked into a theatre and noticed every single seat occupied, there's a good chance some of those audience members are seat fillers. But what exactly does that mean — and how do you become one?

What is seat filling?

Seat filling is the practice of placing members of the public into unsold seats at live events, ensuring the venue looks full and the atmosphere is as vibrant as possible for performers and paying audiences alike. It's a well-established practice in the live entertainment industry, used by theatres, concert venues, comedy clubs, and event promoters across the UK and internationally.

The concept is sometimes referred to as "house papering" within the industry — a term that dates back decades when producers would quite literally paper over the gaps in a booking sheet by filling empty rows with invited guests.

Why do venues and producers use seat fillers?

An empty seat is a missed opportunity in more ways than one. Beyond the lost ticket revenue, a half-empty house can visibly dampen the energy of a performance. Performers feed off their audience, and a full room creates an atmosphere that simply cannot be replicated.

For producers and venues, working with a reputable seat-filling service like My Box Office solves this problem discreetly and efficiently. Our members are enthusiastic, punctual, and genuinely engaged with the events they attend. Many go on to write reviews, share their experiences on social media, and return as full-price ticket buyers in the future.

How does seat filling work for members?

Becoming a seat filler through My Box Office is straightforward:

1. Register and choose your membership. My Box Office offers an Annual Membership for £5 or a Lifetime Membership for £12.99 — one of the most affordable ways to access live entertainment in the UK.

2. Set your preferences. Tell us what kinds of events you love — theatre, comedy, concerts, dance, opera, sports and more — and we'll match you with relevant opportunities.

3. Receive notifications. When seats become available at an event that matches your interests, we'll notify you by email — often on the same day as the show. This last-minute nature is part of what makes seat filling so exciting.

4. Book your spot. Tickets are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so acting quickly is key. Once booked, your place is confirmed.

5. Arrive, collect and enjoy. Present your ID at the box office, collect your tickets, take your seat, and enjoy the show.

What are the rules of seat filling?

Discretion is the golden rule. Because seat fillers receive tickets at a fraction of face value — or complimentary — it's important not to discuss pricing or your membership at the venue. This protects the experience of full-price audience members and ensures producers can continue offering these opportunities to the My Box Office community.

Members are also expected to dress appropriately for the event, arrive on time, and honour every booking they make. A no-show culture would undermine the trust that venues place in us — and that trust is what has kept My Box Office running successfully since 2011.

Is seat filling legitimate?

Absolutely. My Box Office has been operating since 2011, partnering with over 600 producers and venues across the UK and providing access to more than 42,000 events for our community of members. Seat filling is a legal, well-respected practice that benefits everyone involved — venues get a full house, performers get an energised audience, and members get access to world-class live entertainment for a fraction of the price.

Ready to become a seat filler? Join My Box Office today and start enjoying live entertainment across London and the UK.