STALLS
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row H. The top of the stage is not
visible from row L back. In fact, the view gets so poor that producers have
been known to curtain off the rear rows to prevent embarrassment!The stalls are split into front and rear halves by an aisle behind row H. The
front block has seats across the entire width of the theatre, the rear block is
split into three sections - a central and two side blocks, by more aisles.
Seats in rows AY to H are all fine. The rake from row B to H ensures particularly good views from these
rows - sitting in the central seats of these rows ensures maximum value
for money.
One reader says,
"We were seated in the stalls seats C 7 and 8 in the stalls. Although I could see
the stage well I would say that it was a little to close to the action and would
have preferred to be further back, certainly not any closer as I had to move my
head from side to side to see all the action. However, the theatre is quite
small so it did feel quite intimate and allowed the audience to feel like part
of the action."
The front two rows are designated AY and AZ, before the third is designated
A. This means the unwary will be seated three rows further back from the stage
than the traditional alphabetical order might suggest. AY is the front row for
"Dirty Dancing" (October 2006).
Rows J to Z are in the rear half of the stalls. The central block is acceptable if
one can live with the very low ceiling and missing top half of the stage -
though the monkey doesn't feel anyone will be totally unimpressed sitting here
for "Dirty Dancing" (October 2007). Row
Z are "flip down" rather than traditional theatre seats, without
backrests, so are less
comfortable - though fairly priced considering the view and position near an
exit door.
A sound desk is positioned in the centre of the back rows of rear stalls, with
five seats either side (3 on one side of row Y). The monkey is didn't think any
of these were particularly awful - the desk was neatly a bit away from the
seats. Purists will want to skip the seats around the desk, though.
The side
blocks of rows J to X feel like satellite colonies for some reason,
and the odd viewing angle is mildly irritating. For "Dirty Dancing" (September
2006), monkey feeling is that the extreme ends (first and last 3 seats in row O
back) are the third choice of ticket, as there are more central seats for the
same price, and the overhang is most noticed here.
Legroom throughout the stalls is excellent.
Stalls Boxes
Boxes C and F are directly beside the stage at Stalls level. They offer
poor views - about half the stage is not visible, but good legroom. For
"Dirty Dancing" (September 2006) they are not sold.
DRESS CIRCLE
The Upper Circle overhangs the Dress Circle at row B. Clamps holding the
lighting rail in place are in front of row A seats 12, 13, 20, 21, 23 and 24. These
do not affect the view significantly.
The rake is steep, allowing a good view of the stage until row E. After this
point the low circle above begins to restrict views of the top of the stage. The
monkey is inclined to skip row M in particular at second price as it seems a bit
overpriced.
The circle seems close to the stage creating an intimate atmosphere. No rail blocks the
view (though there are short ones at the end of the aisles - pedants might want
to sit one seat off the aisle in row A to avoid them), and only
rows J back feel a way from the stage.
At the sides of the Circle, row A seats 1 to 6 and 28 to 33 offer a close up view of the
stage with only a shallow triangle of the nearest side not visible. Expensive
at second price for "Dirty Dancing" (September 2006), the monkey feels, though.
A wheelchair can go next to seat C1 and transfer to C1, 2, 24 and 25 is
possible. The customer gets a fairly
good view. See Notes.
Legroom throughout the circle is average, with slightly more in the last two
seats at the ends of row B to M. Row A has less legroom due to a wall
rather than seats being in front.
Dress Circle Boxes
Boxes B
and E are on ledges to the corners of the Dress Circle.
The chairs used in boxes B and E offer
excellent legroom, though a very average view of about two thirds of the stage. A
bar runs across the front of the box, adding to the problem.
Box D can house a wheelchair and companion. See Notes.
Users should take Dress Circle C1 instead.
Boxes A and D, between the circle and the stage; offer poor views, about half the stage is not
visible, but good legroom.
UPPER CIRCLE
Known as the GRAND CIRCLE in this theatre.
Notorious for being high and steep, the view none the less is generally good
from most seats. Only rows G back feel, naturally, a little remote from the
action.
A metal bar runs across the front of the circle cutting into the view from
row A, which also has less legroom.
Row D is preferable to the rear stalls row Q back since more of the stage is
visible from here. Legroom is almost equal to the stalls too. Note that the
first and last four seats have a rail in view if you are shorter, and may be
worth a miss, a reader in C1 noticed this.
In row F a reader comments,
"F 12 and 13: Excellent views for £33. I'm short so leg room was fine
for me. But it was VERY hot up that high - one woman passed out!"
Reader James says,
"Sat in F20 - view was fantastic and really didn't
feel a long way from the stage at all, could almost
see all the action, rake very good. I found leg room
fine, more of a problem was width - I'm not a large
person at all, and neither were any of the people
around me, but I was very cosy to the people on either
side!"
Reader Karen reports,
"We sat in the Upper Circle row G15 and 16. I have to say the view was
great and it was raked so that not even the person in front could have
blocked your view. HOWEVER, leg room is REALLY tight. I am 5"4 and I
have never been so uncomfortable. We were packed in like sardines. I
know they were the cheaper seats but for £35 we got fold down seats with
not even an arm rest separating you from the person next to you."
A reader also moans that seats in row L were pretty bad too with a view of
the row in front rather than the stage - they are much cheaper now because of
this, still maybe something worth knowing, though...
At the sides of the Circle, six slips seats are tacked to the ends of row
A. Don't bother unless they are the only tickets left. Poor view (with bar in
the way too) and uncomfortable.
Legroom is just adequate in all seats barring row A, with row D offering more
due to a gangway running in front of it.
A larger reader opines,
"Strange seats at the side of the upper circle. at an angle... not a
good view in my opinion but not uncomfortable."
Notes
Total 1176 seats.
Air-conditioned auditorium.
No food except ice cream and confectionery.
Three bars one each at the back of the Stalls, Dress Circle and Upper Circle
Occasional signed performances, hearing loop.
1 guide dog per performance allowed in box D only. Wheelchair users
(non-motorised chairs only) must use the
fire doors but have a level access to the Dress
Circle box D. Row C seats 1, 2, 24 and 25 are available for transferees. One adapted toilet has been fitted. Fuller details
from the theatre on 020 7379 3367 or Artsline on 020 7388 2227, e-mail artsline@dircon.co.uk.
Nine toilets. Foyer 1 ladies with 9 cubicles, Stalls 2 gents 1 cubicle each,
2 ladies one with 1 cubicle, one with 5 cubicles. Dress Circle 1 gents 1
cubicle, 1 unisex disabled. Upper Circle 2 gents 1 cubicle each, 1 ladies 2
cubicles.
|
