STALLS
The circle overhangs the stalls at row E.
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 two or three
in each row as a final choice. The only exception is in rows M and N, where
seats 1 and 2 are more central than in other rows.
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.
In row B a reader notes,
"B1: Would definitely go for something more central if I could have
chosen. Still had a good view though, although felt a bit disconnected
from the action by being right at the side."
Further along the row, a reader says,
"B11: Seat was SO creaky I had to move to the empty one next to me.
It was creaking like no theatre seat has ever creaked before. Avoid this
seat. View from 1 along was very good and squeak free."
Regular theatremonkey seat reporting reader Mark says,
"Row C centre - Good clear view of the stage."
In row D, he adds,
"D9: for 'Naked Boys Singing' it's certainly close enough to see
everything, put it that way."
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. If row BB is the front row and not discounted it's not a bad
view, but possibly expensive for those who prefer to take in the stage without
the strain.
One reader notes,
"F5 and 6 were as good as they get in this small venue."
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, as is row L usually, the monkey considers them pretty
good, even if the top of the set may be missing.
With all seats the same price,
the monkey would go for seats
forward of row L first.
If there are two prices in the rear stalls with the cheaper ones
starting at row M,
it would take M over L and save a little, and would take row M before dress
circle row F at the same price. For "A Guide To Sexual Misery" (September 2010)
row H is cheaper than the row in front - worth thinking about, feels the
monkey...
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.
On odd occasions when row F seats are the same price as slips, the monkey would go for seats in row F
first. When rear stalls are also the same price it would take rear stalls first.
Legroom is poor throughout the circle, notably rows R and L.
Notes
Total 350 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...
2 Spacious bars.
Guide dogs are welcome either inside or dog-sat. Audio
described and signed performances occasionally. Step-free access from foyer to
Circle. Wheelchair access is via a side
entrance and there is an adapted toilet near the Circle seats (just a unisex one
though). Contact staff in advance for full information on 0207 836 8531. Fuller details from www.theatre-access.co.uk
or Artsline on 020 7388 2227 or e-mail artsline@dircon.co.uk.
A "venue access guide" from the team who created book "Theatremonkey,
A Guide to London's West End," is available to download in PDF format
by clicking here.
1 gentleman's and 1 ladies toilet on each level.
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