Layout:
A single block of seats, the ends of which are slightly angled towards the stage.
The circles in this theatre are at the back of the stalls, so they do not overhang the seats except at the edges of the auditorium.
Legroom:
Good in all seats, even better in the front row if a row is removed for
any staging reason.
Choosing Seats in General:
For some reason, no matter which seat he chooses in this modern theatre, this
monkey feels he cannot get a good view of the stage. The shape of the theatre and stage
(no aisles, every row has a separate door leading into it) conspire to
eliminate intimacy between actor and audience.
All seats officially have a clear view of the stage. Rows A to P seats 1 to 9 and 31 to 44 are at an angle to the stage. This is especially annoying in rows A to G, as the actors seem to be standing side on to the audience when viewed from these seats.
Frankly, avoiding the first and last 9 seats in all rows is worthwhile (unless heavily discounted, when they may well be worthwhile), and further back then row P is getting remote from the stage - poor value for money when you can usually sit near the front for the same price.
The good news is that sometimes the whole of row A is sold VERY cheaply - when it is, this can be a bargain for those happy with the angled view.
Otherwise, Theatremonkey's pick of the bad bunch are first, Rows E to G 11 to 27, then A to C 15 to 24, Row D 12 to 26, then Row H to P 11 to 30.
Wheelchair spaces are at the rear of the stalls. The view here is on par with the rest of the seats, but users should take the Upper Circle first if possible as the view is better.
General Hazard Notes:
Claustrophobics: There are no aisles, entry is direct into long rows
from each end.
Staging of all productions often restricts views for those at the ends of rows.
Reader Comments:
"
B10 and 11: Big and Small – April 2012 (Chris B). This is the front row for this show so these seats have all the legroom you could wish for. They do feel very close to the stage but as it is a large stage that goes back a fair way you don't feel too close. They are, however, quite far the right as you look at the stage but if you are prepared to look slightly side on, it makes little difference to the viewing experience. It does feel very intimate and personal to be so close to the actors and especially for plays with only a handful of actors, I would recommend them.
DRESS CIRCLE
Called the CIRCLE in this theatre.
Layout:
This circle is overhung by the two circles above it, but the view is not
affected.
Most seats are in a balcony overhanging the back of the stalls in two long rows without aisles.
The only seats closer to the stage are in two projecting side balconies, designated rows AA to HH.
Every row has a separate door leading into it.
Legroom:
Good except in row AA which is cramped.
Choosing Seats in General:
The majority of seats are at the back of
the theatre, behind the stalls. Anyone sitting here gets a distant view of
the stage.
The only seats to consider are row B 9 to 51, followed at a pinch by row A 9 to 51. It is no surprise that circle prices are generally lower than the stalls.
General Hazard Notes:
A bar runs across the front of the circle's main block. This affects the view in all
seats, and is only just tolerable in row B.
Theatre architecture ensures that the edges of the stage cannot be seen in side block rows AA to HH. The bar across the circle front further intrudes on the view here too.
Claustrophobics: There are no aisles, entry into rows A and B is direct into long rows from each end.
Reader Comments:
None.
UPPER CIRCLE
Layout:
This circle is overhung by the balcony above it, but the view is not
affected.
Most seats are in two long rows overhanging the back of the stalls. Quirky design makes this circle closer to the stage than the Dress Circle below it.
The only seats closer to the stage are in two projecting side balconies, designated rows AA to EE.
Every row has a separate door leading into it from the outer ends.
Legroom:
Adequate except in rows AA and BB, which are cramped. One reader wasn't
keen on row A either.
Choosing Seats in General:
Lower prices and a closer view than the dress circle below make row A seats 8 to 14 and 51 to 57 quite
good value, followed in order of merit by row B seats 16 to 52, then row A seats
15 to 50.
The pricing policy often sees row A seats 1 to 6 and 59 to 64 cheap but good value, even if the view is a little "sideways on" to the stage.
Wheelchair spaces are available in row B. These offer a fair view of the stage. Users may prefer these to the stalls as they seem closer to the action.
The only redeeming feature of AA and BB is the extra width of the seat and being in a row on your own. Shame about the legroom and view though. The extra wide seat was originally for two people, but the one and a half person width indicates why that idea was revised soon after opening - though it may make a comeback on singles night! At £10 or so each they are fair value, any more is way too expensive.
General Hazard Notes:
A bar runs across the front of the circle. This affects the view in all
seats, and for the short is only tolerable in row B.
Claustrophobics: There are no aisles, entry into rows A and B is direct into long rows from each end.
Reader Comments:
"A11 and A12: "The Master and Margarita."
Visibility very good from here. A clear view of the entire stage and the
backdrop. This particular production involved clever interaction between
stage and screen projections - I felt that we had the best of both
worlds on this, had you been sitting in the stalls for example you
wouldn't have been able to see the actors from an aerial position as we
could. (sorry very complicated - you had to be there really!).
There is a bar running along the circle but it's not obtrusive and I
didn't find it restrictive.
The seats are small and by that I mean not very wide and very poor on
legroom. If you are over 5'6' you will struggle to stretch or get
comfortable. Definitely not recommended for 6 footers. Wear something cool, it gets hot up here.
Given the choice, at a push I would sit here again because the
visibility was good and I am quite small in stature!
"A49 and 50: Carousel – August 2012 (Chris B). This circle does feel very high up but allows for a good overview of the entire stage, useful as there are plenty of people on stage at any one time. These seats are slightly left of centre but allow viewing of the whole stage. As this is the front row, there is a safety rail that is about 12 inches above the circle wall in front but as long as you sit back or lean forward slightly, it doesn't hinder the view at all. The legroom is sufficient if not ample, with plenty of space for your knees but I found my feet a little constricted, especially if you like to stretch out. An added bonus for musicals is you get a bird’s eye view into the orchestra pit which is always a treat."
BALCONY
Layout:
Most seats are in two long rows overhanging the back of the stalls. Quirky
design again makes this circle closer to the stage than the Upper Circle
below it - though high above the stalls...
The only seats closer to the stage are in two projecting side balconies, designated rows AA and BB.
Every row has a separate door leading into it from the outer ends.
Legroom:
Good in all seats except row
AA.
Choosing Seats in General:
The pricing policy often sees row A seats 1 to 8 and 55 to 62 and row B 1 to 8
and 56 to 63 cheap but good value, even if
the view is a little "sideways on" to the stage.
Rows AA and BB project forward from the circle. The view is poor since they are at the very edges of the stage.
General Hazard Notes:
A bar runs across the front of the circle. This affects the view in all
seats, and is only tolerable in row B.
The height may bother vertigo sufferers.
Claustrophobics: There are no aisles, entry into rows A and B is direct into long rows from each end.
Views can be through a lot of lighting, which is often hung on bars below the level of the front of this circle.
Reader Comments:
"Balcony": "Gross und Klein." Sat in the Upper balcony (almost on the
roof - it was all I could get!!) - dreadful seats - shame on the Barbican
for even selling them."
Notes
Total 1162 seats.
Air-conditioned.
Infrared headsets for Hire. Guide dog sitter available. Wheelchair access is good but maneuvering is tight in the Upper
Circle. Adapted toilets available. Wheelchair users get free parking in the
centre car parks. www.artslineonline.com
has comprehensive details or call 020 7388 2227, artsline@dircon.co.uk.
A "venue access guide" from the team who created book "Theatremonkey: A Guide to London's West End
Three bars shared with the rest of the theatre complex in the common foyers.
A range of cafes and restaurants in other parts of the centre. Ice cream and confectionery in the auditorium.
Toilets on all levels of the common foyer outside the auditorium.
