An Independent Inside Guide to London Theatre and Concert Venues

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Seating Plan Diagram

Pillars are located at the ends of rows G and H. These pillars affect seats in Row H, numbers 1,2, 15 and 16 and J18, though only J18 (not generally on sale - and removed) was directly behind one. The monkey is just not keen on the other seats around the pillars though. It also opts for more central seats in this venue, taking the first and last three in each row as a final choice.

The high stage makes viewing from rows A to D a neck-aching experience. From row E back however, the rake compensates sufficiently to provide good views. 

Rows AA and BB at the very front of the stalls are generally removed. If row AA is in use and discounted then some may well find it worth the neck ache thinks the monkey.

The rear stalls are close to the stage in this tiny theatre. At high prices, some visitors may want to avoid the edges of rows to maximise value. If sold at second price though, the monkey considers them pretty good and might well be preferred by those who don't wish to get neck ache on the front row.

Legroom is acceptable throughout the stalls.

DRESS CIRCLE 
Called the CIRCLE in this theatre.

Six rows of seats cling to a narrow shelf, with a further two rows extending from the circle down the sides of the theatre. 

View from all central block seats in the circle is fine, despite the low bar running across the front of row A. Row F is a bench, so arrive early to stake out your portion. 

Wheelchair spaces are at the side of row F, offering a good view but distraction from the soundboard when positioned nearby. See Notes. If the soundboard is used and positioned here, it is worth avoiding row E seats 4 to 9 and F seats 1, 2, 7 and 8 if you dislike that kind of interference! "

Side circle seats, Rows R and L 1 to 14 have bars restricting the sightlines. These rows are benches too, so again arrive early to stake out your portion! The price makes them worth considering, if the discount for restricted view is worthwhile - though you may want to pay the same to sit in the front row or rear rows of the stalls instead for legroom / seat width comfort in particular.

Legroom is poor throughout the circle, notably rows R and L.

Notes
Total 340 seats approx.

Not air conditioned. Be prepared for a hot and uncomfortable time in the height of summer, alas. To minimise the effects, seating in the front stalls is normally coolest as heat rises - and is also trapped in Circle overhang. Just a bit of advice from someone in the theatre industry who has a grasp of physics...

Spacious bar / restaurant area in foyer.

Guide dogs are welcome either inside or dog-sat. Audio described and signed performances occasionally. Wheelchair access is via a side entrance and there is an adapted toilet near the seats (just a unisex one though). Contact staff in advance for full information on 0207 836 2132. Fuller details from www.theatre-access.co.uk or Artsline on 020 7388 2227 or e-mail artsline@dircon.co.uk

1 gentleman's and 1 ladies toilet on each level. 

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. 

Look for the one showing the Arts 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 of it, turn right, taking the "Cranbourn Street" exit. Go up the stairs. In front of you will be Cranbourn Street. On the opposite side of the road are shops.
 

Turn to your left. Walk to the end of the street.

 If you see the Hippodrome Nightclub on the opposite corner across a busy road, turn around. Wrong Way. If you reach the end of the street and see a large restaurant - The Sussex on the opposite corner, well done. 

Do not cross the road to it. Instead just turn left at the corner. The Arts is ahead of you on the left, a small building on Great Newport Street.

If you take the other staircase at Leicester Square station then at the top, in front of you will be Charing Cross Road. On the opposite corner, notice the Hippodrome Nightclub and a wide pedestrianised street. Turn to your right then right again at the corner and walk down Cranbourn Street passing the entrance you originally aimed for and missed. Change to the other side of the road and walk to the end of the street. If you reach the end of the street and see a large restaurant "the Sussex" on the opposite corner, well done. Do not cross the road to it. Instead just turn left at the corner. The Arts is ahead of you on the left, a small building on Great Newport Street.

Next is Newport Street. Turn left into it and the Arts Theatre is along on your left on the same side of the road.

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.