|
| |
|
AMBASSADORS THEATRE
(formerly the New Ambassadors Theatre) |
|
 |
STOMP (performance art show)
This noisy mixture
of percussion (using trash cans and other street metal), dance, talk and comedy
celebrates street life in a uniquely individual way.A worldwide
hit, now enjoying an extended run in the West End, having transferred
here from the Vaudeville Theatre on 27th September 2007 following five
years playing there. Photographer: Junichi Takahashi.
Copyright: Junichi Takahashi
|
|
Theatremonkey Opinion: |
|
From the Vaudeville Theatre production:
Confined by a small stage (this has previously played much larger venues)
the noise can be overwhelming. On the credit side, we are able to see things
"close up" and appreciate the multi talented cast's movements to the
full. On the debit side, though, this remains little more than an extended piece
of street theatre. Some may find it energizing and creative, the
monkey just needed earplugs and an aspirin. Worthwhile if you like the unusual
and can find beauty in the urban soul. For anyone seeking a true musical
experience though, this is probably one to miss.
|
|
Important: Some reviews below can contain "spoilers" - please don't read if this
bothers you!
Latest 4 are below. For earlier ones,
click here. (1 review from the current
Ambassadors Theatre production)
The performance is amazing. It left me wondering if the actors
were Brazilian. Anyway, the sound can be annoying at points, I was
seated in seats E 1 and 2 in the stalls (though I don't recommend
edge seats) these were brilliant. On the bad side, this performance
didn't have a middle break - this really took points off - and the
Ambassadors Theatre is way too small for this amazing performance
which includes a terrific sound...
Cristopher H.
________________________________________
REVIEWS BELOW REFER TO THE
VAUDEVILLE THEATRE PRODUCTION PRE-TRANSFER. Seating comments refer to that
venue, and NOT to the Ambassadors Theatre.
________________________________________
You could view the size of the Vaudeville Theatre as a downside, but it seems
tailor made for "Stomp" by keeping the feel of street music,
improvisation, and audience participation. Personally, I love theatres
like the Vaudeville or Fortune where you never feel too far from the
action. I'd recommend the Dress Circle as an excellent place to view
the show from, though am not sure there are any "bad" seats in the
house (although certain seats do have a restricted view for about
10mins of the show)...In contrast to some reviews, I never felt the
noise level to be too much.
"Stomp" manages to entertain and please by fusing percussive music with
slapstick humour and silent comedy. A look around the crowd mid
performance could see all ages and sexes enjoying the interaction and
ingenuity of a performance that got the audience onside from the get-go. The use of the comedy classic "straight man" character to act as
a stooge for the rest worked well and you really got a feel for each
members personality shining through... Look out for the kitchen sink
section as this had the audience roaring with laughter, and while
there may be one of two weaker sections, these are swept along with
the overwhelming tide of energy and enjoyment that "Stomp" brings.
As usual, my acid test was to ask myself "would I go see it again?"
and the answer, is "yes." In fact if you are in anyway musical like me,
then there is a good chance you will be tapping tables, clapping
hands, and generally feeling rhythmical for some time afterwards
With seats at a bargain price (£20), this is a great way to turn your
brain off and sit back to enjoy a Friday night!
Graeme
________________________
Stalls seats J6 and J7 were perfect: excellent view, just the right
distance from the stage. TKTS usually has half price seats on offer
(£19.75 instead of 40).
The show can get rather loud - when the banging on dustbin lids
starts, you may want to plug your ears. A very jolly evening was had
by all - if your are after a show with little pretension, a high
entertainment value and the occasional hilarious joke, go and see
this 'spectacle' which runs the whole gamut of percussion from finger
snapping to splashing on washboards.
________________________
I took my 15 year old daughter last Sunday (13th May 2007) at 3pm and we both
thoroughly enjoyed this whole experience.
We were in the stalls K3 and 4 and were more than happy and could see most of
the action. I would like to go again at some later date and would like to try up
one level - there were just a few bits we missed.
Never having been to this theatre before I was impressed by the cosiness of it.
Ideal for the show.
We were both well engrossed and saw the humour and talent extremely well. To be
able to laugh when nothing has been said, just the look on the face was superb.
This was one of the best last minute decisions I have ever made. Recommend it to
everyone and we found the level of noise expected and acceptable.
I keep telling everyone I meet that they just have to go and see it.
Daf
|
|
The monkey advises checking performance times on your tickets and
that performances are happening as scheduled, before travelling. Monday and Friday at 8pm
Thursday and
Saturday at 3pm and 8pm
Sunday at 2pm and 5.30pm
NO Tuesday and Wednesday performances.
Runs 1 hour 40 minutes
approximately.
|
|
View this information in
diagram form Stalls:
Rows C to N: £45
Rows O and P: £35
Rows Q and R: £25
Dress Circle:
Rows A to G (except A 1, 2, 21 and 22): £45
Rows H and J (plus A 1, 2, 21 and 22): £35
Rows K and L: £25 "Day Seats": Tickets in
row B of the stalls, priced £20 each, goes on sale at
10am on the day of performance to personal callers at the box office. First
come-first served, these may be limited to 2 per person, and transaction methods
may be restricted to either cash or cards at box office discretion. The monkey always advises taking both to be safe,
and also calling the theatre in advance
to check that the "day seat" ticket policy is in operation.
|
|
Buying Tickets Through the Venue: |
More Ticket Buying Options |
|
Tickets offered differ between outlets. Outlets also may offer
different seats via their phone and online systems. |
Theatre Box Office:
Telephone: 08448
112 334
Operated by the theatre during the hours of
10 am and 7.30 pm. At busy times / when the theatre is closed,
Ticketmaster answer on behalf of the venue.Online: Ticketmaster
provide the service for this theatre.
If you are unhappy with the tickets offered, keep re-selecting using
the "Back" button on your browser, NOT the "reselect button" on the
page. Other Online Booking Options:
click here. Booking fees per ticket for telephone and
online bookings:
£2.50 per booking, not per ticket, handling fee,
For personal callers or by post: West Street, London. WC2H 9ND
No booking fee for personal callers.
Special Access Needs Customers:
Wheelchair users should note that this theatre is not accessible,
though those able to walk a short distance can book their seats on 08448 112 334 and enquire about
concessionary prices that may be available to them.
The telephone line connects
directly to the theatre box office in London during working hours 10am to 7.30pm.
See Notes.
|
|
When the box office does not have what you require, the
Theatremonkey
Ticketshop offers an extra selection of top price £45 seats with a £4.50 per
ticket booking fee. Slightly higher
than the box office, but lower than most agencies. Worth checking if the box
office cannot provide the exact tickets you might require. Simply select the
show from the "drop down" menu in the centre of the page. Note that this system
will confirm exact seat numbers prior to purchase.
"See" -
www.seetickets.com.
charge £4.50 booking fee on £45 tickets, plus an
extra £1.60 per booking (not per ticket) to cover postage. Note that the tickets offered may differ between
phone and online sources.
Encore
Tickets offer £45 seats with an £11.50 booking fee per ticket - plus optional UK postage of £1 per
booking, not per ticket, available if time allows. Discounts and "Meal and Show" packages may also be available.
Quality and Value
hotel / theatre ticket packages are also available.
Other Independent S.T.A.R. ticket agencies
may also offer an alternative choice of seats.
|
|
Theatre Seat Opinions: |
|
Please remember that cheaper seats often do not offer the same view /
location quality as top price ones, and that ticket prices are designed to
reflect this difference. |
STALLS
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row K, the top of the
stage from row Q back is not visible.Normally, row B may be avoided by many for the neck ache - but for "Stomp"
(October 2007) they aresold cheaply as "day seats" and worth the money, feels
the monkey. Neck ache
avoiders should note that rows O and P are the next cheapest option, bookable in
advance for a few pounds more.
Row C is often considered by many to have same effect too. If this is fine for
you, consider them...else a bit further back is the obvious solution, and
remember that sitting just a row in front may save you money on some productions
here..
Reader James comments,
"we sat in Stalls A1 and 2 (when in use), which is very close to the stage, but
you get loads of legroom to make up for it."
Seats in rows D to H offer fair value with the exception of the first and last
two seats in each row, in monkey opinion. These end seats have a slightly
restricted view of the stage with the rear corner not visible. F to J are the
prime picks here. Remember, that for those wishing to really avoid neck ache,
the further back, the better.
Reader Cristopher H comments,
"I was seated in seats E 1 and 2 in the stalls (though I don't recommend
edge seats) these were brilliant."
Rows K, L and M, when being at the same price feel simply too far from the stage
(even in this tiny theatre) to be worthwhile. Choose the Dress Circle over
these. Also ignore N. Sitting just one row behind in row O will get you
roughly the same view but more cheaply!
Rows O to R huddle at the back of the theatre. A poor rake and the low circle
make these seats worthwhile only when obtained at a good discount - say half the
top price - but even a small saving makes them worth a thought for those who
prefer to avoid the neck ache of row A or the rear Dress Circle at the same
price as O. At top price it is expensive, though.
Rows P to R are closer to the stage than the rear circle but be aware of the limitations, one person notes that the
rows slope backwards, rather than rise above the rows in front of them - the
authentic trench experience. Action is missed for a short 5 minute sequence for
"Stomp," when events on stage
take place high up. Take the circle to avoid this.
Reader Ali P comments from her perch in the circle,
"Having got to the ladies in record time meant I was able to use the rest of the
interval to hang over the circle balcony, being nosey. The rake on the seats in
the stalls is minimal and cannot aid the view; plus as the circle overhangs the
stall seats by approx two thirds and given the stage height, I can well imagine
neck ache could be a problem for probably the first four rows."
Legroom is uncomfortable in all seats except row A, and is worst in rows C and
D.
Stalls Boxes
Box A is at the side of the stalls and offers a restricted view of the stage
with the side of the stage nearest the box invisible.
Boxes are not sold any longer, as they are used for
lighting. Box C in the Circle was better than stalls box A, though.
DRESS CIRCLE
Nothing overhangs the Dress Circle in this theatre.
This is split into front and rear blocks by an aisle running across between
rows E and F.
Rows A to E offer fair value for money. Unless tall (in which case take row F
above all others), choose row B 6 to 17 first for view, then either A or F. Row
A can be chosen first if legroom and the extra cost is not a consideration,
otherwise do note that row F offers far more legroom.
A reader reports for "Little Shop of Horrors" (August 2007);
"A7 to A9 in the Circle. The Ambassadors Theatre is one of the most intimate I
have experienced in London. Leg room in row A is not great – I am 5’9, and
would have found it uncomfortable in a longer performance."
Row A seats 1, 2, 21 and 22 are pairs of seats apart at the edges of the circle.
The view of the stage is sideways, but if offered at a good discount is worth
considering over rear circle seats, provided again that legroom isn't a factor.
Normally, skip them - there are better seats for the same price or less.
Row F is positioned on the aisle running across the circle. It offers a good
view and the best legroom available. If offered at less then top price it is a
bargain, even when at top price the legroom (often the best in the theatre)
makes them worth considering.
Reader Ali P affirms,
"Circle seats, F12 and 13. Took monkey's advice when buying tickets and agree
entirely with his assessment. These two seats fall almost exactly centre stage
and as this row also provides the walk way across the circle, the leg room is
fantastic.
There is quite a steep rake on the circle seats and this, coupled with the fact
that the New Ambassador is a really intimate, sweetie of a theatre, meant our
seats felt very close to the stage, with a brilliant view. Another advantage was
ease of access to the ladies loos and as long as you are quick out of your seat
at the interval, you too can be first in the queue!"
An advantage the monkey hadn't considered... and a good one for the ladies of
course.
Rows G to L are behind a low wall at the back of the theatre, almost as if the
Upper Circle had given up the fight and decided to settle behind its' expensive
sister.
A metal bar runs across the wall in front of row G. The architecture makes
sitting here feel far from the stage even in such a tiny place.
Worth avoiding G at top price, pick stalls or row F in front of it at the same
price. Rows H and J at second price can be weighed against row O in the stalls.
The monkey would pick the slight extra legroom over the more distant view, but
it really is personal choice. It would also miss row J, as row K behind it is
cheaper for almost the same view...
Behind these rows K and L are at third price for this production. This pair
of rows are normally a trifle expensive in monkey opinion, a bit of a way from
the stage. The back two rows of the stalls are the same price... so pick between
a fuller view of the stage or being a little closer to it in the stalls, feels the monkey.
Reader Gavin notes, though:
"I sat in seat L5, which I would recommend as there are no seats in front of it
so view and legroom were fine."
Legroom is poor in row A, uncomfortable in rows B to E and G to L (except L5),
and good in row F.
A reader comments,
"Got tickets in the Dress Circle row B. Although we had a great view of the
stage the leg room was really poor. As I am 6ft + I was rather uncomfortable as
my knees were really digging into the seat in front. My friend, who is also tall
found it uncomfortable also. I would recommend that anyone tall thinks twice
about booking these seats. The play was only 90 minutes long. However, I was so
cramped that at the end of it I was tempted to give a standing ovation just to
relieve my aching legs."
A row behind that, a reader says,
"Sat in Row C of the circle seats 9 to 12. Great seats but will agree the
legroom is fairly limited, although the seat next to me was empty so I was able
to stretch out a bit more."
Dress Circle Boxes
Box C hangs on the side wall of the circle above rows A to E. Again it offers
a side view of the stage but is far enough back to see the whole of it.
Boxes are not sold any longer, as they are used for
lighting. Box C was better than stalls box A, though.
Notes
Total 408 seats (398 with row A removed).
Air-conditioned auditorium.
Hearing loop available. Occasional audio described and signed performances. Guide dogs allowed in
theatre in aisle seats or row F of the circle. Take row F of the circle for
comfort. Wheelchair users who can leave a chair and manage five steps up (aided
by a carer, not venue staff) can
transfer to two seats in row F of the circle. The view is not terrible, but the
access arrangements are difficult. To make up for it, staff will bring users drinks in
plastic cups direct to seats. No adapted
toilet on the premises. More information from www.artslineonline.com,
or call Artsline 020 7388 2227 email artsline@dircon.co.uk
for further info.
No food except Ice-cream and confectionery.
Two bars; 1 Stalls, 1 Dress Circle.
4 Toilets. Stalls 1 gents 1 ladies, Dress Circle 1 gents 1 ladies.
|
Nearest Underground Station:
Leicester Square - Northern (black) and Piccadilly (dark blue) lines.Plan your tube journey to this station using the button below:
The escalator from the platforms deposits passengers into a circular space
with a number of staircases leading to the surface. Beside each staircase is a
vast white panel listing the places accessible from that exit. So look for the
one showing the Ambassadors Theatre. It is marked "Charing Cross
Road East" and "Cranbourn Street". When you leave the ticket
gates, do a 180 degree "U" turn. This exit is hidden behind you,
between the gates! Go up the first little staircase.
At the top are two options - Left is Exit 3, right is Exit 4. Take Exit 3 -
Charing Cross Road East. For an alternate route from Exit 4, click
here.
Go up the staircase. At the top, in front of you will be Charing Cross Road.
On the opposite corner, notice the Hippodrome Nightclub and a street. Do not cross to them! Turn to your
right, pause to let those who took a wrong exit catch you....
If at the top of the underground stairs you see a narrow street with only a
row of shops and offices in front of you,
this is Cranbourn Street. You can either use the alternative
walking route or turn to your right and walk to the end of the street
to continue this one. If you see the Hippodrome Nightclub on the opposite corner across a busy
road, good. Do not cross the road to it! If you reach the end of
the street and see a large restaurant, The Sussex on the opposite corner, wrong
way. Once safely on Charing Cross Road, turn to your right.
Now everyone is together on Charing Cross Road.
Keep walking until Litchfield Street appears on your right on your side of
the road:
Turn down this street:
Cross over to the other side of the Street as
you walk down it. The St Martins Theatre and
The Mousetrap sign are ahead of you:
Cross the road to the St Martin's Theatre, and walk in front of it, to your left
hand side:
The Ambassadors is there, just across a paved alley from the St Martin's.
|
Buses:
None stop outside the theatre. Number 14, 19, 24, 29, 38 and 176 stop
on Charing Cross Road or Shaftesbury Avenue. As a starting point, stand in front
of the Palace Theatre. Turn your back to it. Cross the
road ahead of you to put yourself in front of the large Pizza Hut restaurant.
Turn to your left and take the quiet side street next to the restaurant. This is
West Street. Walk along it, the theatre is on your left. If you pass many
bookshops on a busy road, wrong way.
|
Car Park:
Newport Place, China Town. On leaving, use Gerard Street to get you
onto Shaftesbury Avenue. On Shaftesbury Avenue look to your right. The
brown brick building to your right is the Palace Theatre. Don't bother
crossing the road, but turn to your right on Shaftesbury Avenue and walk
in the direction of it. When you come to the main road intersection in
front of Shaftesbury Avenue, cross Charing Cross Road at the traffic
lights. Go straight on, entering the other half of Shaftesbury Avenue
for a few moments. Look to your right for West Street. Walk down it and
the theatre is clearly visible on your left. Cross the road to it.The
"Theatreland Parking Scheme" is in use here. Call Westminster City Council car
parks on 0800 243 348 or see
www.westminster.gov.uk/carparks for details. Parking under
the "Theatreland Parking Scheme" allows a 50% discount in cost. Spaces CANNOT be
reserved at these prices, so choose whether you would prefer to book and pay
more, or use this scheme.
If you choose the "Theatreland Parking Scheme", you must get your car park
ticket validated at the theatre's box office counter (the theatre attendant will
insert the car parking ticket into a small machine which updates the information
held on the magnetic strip on the reverse, thus enabling the discount). When you
pay using the machines at the car park, 50% will be deducted from the full
tariff. You may park for up to 72 hours using this scheme and it is endorsed by
the Society of London Theatre.
For a full list of car parks that participate in the 50% off theatreland
scheme here see
www.westminster.gov.uk/carparks/theatreland.cfm, and for a full list of
theatres that participate in the scheme see
www.westminster.gov.uk/carparks/theatres.cfm.
|
.
.
| |
|
