STALLS
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.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. 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.
A reader says of row A for "Les Misérables" (September 2010),
"A 18: Fantastic seat for seeing the show, really close, however you do
miss some of the footwork because the stage height and also the
conductor was slightly in view. The seat was uncomfortable though and I
just couldn't get comfortable."
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.
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.
Wheelchair spaces have been added 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. See notes.
Legroom is excellent in all seats.
DRESS CIRCLE
Called the CIRCLE in this theatre.
This circle is overhung by the two circles above it, but the view is not
affected. Like the stalls, there are no aisles. Every row has a separate door
leading into it.
A bar runs across the front of the circle. This affects the view in all
seats, and is only just tolerable in row B.
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 closer to the stage are in two projecting side balconies,
designated rows AA to
HH. Theatre architecture ensures that the
edges of the stage cannot be seen. The bar across the circle front further
intrudes on the view.
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.
Legroom throughout the circle is good except in row AA which is cramped.
UPPER CIRCLE
The circle above overhangs the Upper Circle. Quirky design makes
this circle closer to the stage than the Dress Circle below it. Like the stalls,
there are no aisles. Every row has a separate door leading into it.
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.
Lower prices and a closer view 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.
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.
See notes.
A new pricing policy 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.
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 £5 each they are
fair value, any more is way too expensive.
Legroom is adequate except in rows AA and BB, which are cramped.
BALCONY
Seats here are slightly closer to the stage than the other circles, but high
up.
Like the stalls, there are no aisles. Every row has a separate door leading
into it.
A bar runs across the front of the circle. This affects the view in all
seats, and is only tolerable in row B.
Rows AA and BB project forward from the circle. The view is poor since
they are at the very edges of the stage.
A new pricing policy 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.
Legroom is good in all seats except row AA.
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," is available to download in PDF format
by clicking here.
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.
|
