STALLS
The Dress Circle (called the Royal Circle here) overhangs the stalls at
row O. This does not affect the view from the rear stalls. The stalls
are split into two blocks by a central aisle.The stalls have a very
shallow rake until the tiered steps kick in at row P. This means that from row K back
to O the view is progressively worse for the less tall! Rows A and B for
"Matilda The Musical" (November 2011) will find the stage fairly
comfortably sloping towards them. The only issues are that at either end
of the row the seats face a disconcertingly jagged edge to the stage,
with staircases beside them; while in the centre of the row those seated
in A 10 and 13 have a staircase directly beside them, which must be
scrambled over to reach your seats.
In general, the curved shape of the stalls make the first and last four seats in every
row poor value as the view of the stage does not justify the price. The box
office feel that the ends of rows are OK, as nothing
is missed. They also feel that all the seats are fairly priced.
Reader Natalie comments at a previous show,
"We were in row A seats 5 and 6 and had a great view, only missing the teeniest
portion of the bottom of the stage."
Best seats are rows D to J 9 to 20. Stalls seats N1 and N34 are removable for wheelchairs. Theatremonkey rates
the view below par for a top price seat, just acceptable if heavily discounted.
Having a decent centre aisle seat removable would have been nice, though. See notes.
Reader Nicky says of a previous show,
"E8 was a fantastic seat - you could really see every expression on the
actors' faces. It took a while to get used to at first, as there is so
much going on on stage that at times I struggled to know where to focus
my attention, but would definitely sit there again if the tickets were
available at the same price. I wouldn't mind trying out something in the
Dress Circle too though, to get a more panoramic look at the stage."
Reader 'Rattly Noise' comments of a previous show,
"row G, seat 6. I'm 6ft and found the leg room to be good, better than
the train I'd travelled down on in fact. The view was great, even at
full price (but obviously incredible, given what I'd actually paid for
it)."
Further along, reader David says of a previous show,
"G17, 18 and 19: gave an excellent view and better legroom than most
theatres."
Reader Ali P agrees, at a previous show,
"Stalls seats H16 and H17 - top price tickets but good value, as we had an
excellent view of entire stage. The seats provided good leg room (we are both
tall) and have the added advantage of being aisle seats and pretty much centre
stage."
Alun of Basildon, in the same row, says, at a previous show
"H23. Good seat, view good, but if some tall Monkey was in front of me
maybe the view would not had been so good, luckily for me it was a short
female."
In row K reader Cristopher H says, at a previous show,
"The Cambridge theatre is quite simple absolutely nothing special, the
rake is the shallowest of all west end theatres. K 12 and 13 were great,
if only the rake wasn't so shallow. The legroom was not great, and I
would definitely pay full price tickets only if the seats were located
in the stalls."
From row L, a reader says of a previous show,
"L9 and 10: I was given these seats as an apparent upgrade after only
paying £27.50 for seats in the dress circle; because of this I can’t be
too critical of these seats. However, these seats are advised as top
price tickets, and if I had paid top price for these tickets I would
have been disappointed. They feel too far away from the stage. Some
people may prefer this however I prefer to feel a little closer. The
rake in the stalls is practically none existent; this can be a problem
if someone taller has the seats in front."
Reader Danielle Knights says of a previous show,
"I was slightly worried about where we were sitting as it was row O seats 7 and
8, but they were both very good seats, enabling us to have a clear view of
everything going on on stage. I was pleased with the size of the theatre - I was
convinced it would be too big to see from everywhere, but I could confidently
say that you could see from anywhere, certainly in the stalls."
Further along the row, reader Paul West opines, at a previous show,
"We got seats on row O of the stalls from TKTS (seats 24 to 29.) The
view was great, the theatre is small enough to see everything really
clearly, although the shallow rake meant that a couple of my group had a
few problems with big people in front of them. however, I feel they were
maybe unlucky, as with a quick swap, they could see perfectly. However,
I found the legroom (or lack of it) pretty painful. Once my legs were
wedged in, they weren't going anywhere! All the others (who are
substantially shorter than me) were very comfortable."
Rows P to S are progressively stepped, raising them a little more
than a floor slope alone. With short folk in front, the view is pretty
good, though seats on the very end of the row may feel a little far over
for "Matilda: The Musical" (November 2011). No action is missed, from
here, however.
In the rear stalls, a sound desk is usually installed. Avoiding row Q 10 to 17
and rows R and S seat 10 should put you furthest from any problem.
Better yet, pick seats on the other side of the aisle. Seats near the sound /
lighting control desk may suffer noise and disturbance to your enjoyment. R10
will be conscious of the desk when looking to the right, S10 will find
it even more noticeable - though not totally sightline blocking in
either case.
For "Matilda: The Musical" (November 2011) pricing makes row R seats 18 to 23
worthwhile value, feels the monkey. The other side of the aisle is OK too, away
from the sound desk.
Reader Miles T says, at a previous show,
"The seats in the rear stalls were great and provided a good view of the stage."
Legroom throughout the stalls is good for all but the tallest. Seats on row
A and the centre aisle offer the most exceptional comfort and view.
DRESS CIRCLE
Called the ROYAL CIRCLE in this theatre.
The Upper Circle (called Grand Circle in this theatre) overhangs the Dress
Circle at row C. This overhang affects the view of the top of the stage from row
G back.
A metal bar runs across the front of the circle. This does not particularly
affect the view from any seat other than those in row A.
This circle is tucked away at the back of the theatre, a long distance from the stage and
almost behind the Stalls. The rake of the seats is shallow, contributing to that
distant feeling.
If you get sat here, rows B to G seats 12 to 24 are the prime seats in the
centre block, the pick of the bunch. Theatremonkey says if you must sit in this
circle, the centre block is the only way to go. The side blocks are not
particularly poor, but if paying full price, you might as well be central.
Reader Andy Ellis feels differently, at a previous show:
"I must disagree with your negative comments
about the Dress (or Royal) Circle. It was a gentleman called Chris at the
box office (who I think works at the Cambridge) who recommended our seats,
saying the view were very good, and I was pleased we took his advice. We sat
in C16 and C17, and found the raking adequate, the leg room (I'm 6ft 1in)
OK, and the view of the whole stage excellent. I accept that the back of the
circle and extreme sides would have been less satisfactory, but the centre
block was fine - especially for admiring the dance routines and action."
Reader Barry Liimakka says, at a previous show,
"Our seats, in Dress Circle C18/19, were good seats, just as TM describes them."
Further over in C, another reader adds, at a previous show,
"C 10 and 11: We got these on a deal, but would have been good value at full
price. Fabulous seats with a great view of the whole stage and all the action."
"Matilda: The Musical" (November 2011) has central A to C at "premium
prices." Your call, feels the monkey, who would go one row back for the same
view... particularly skipping row A if taller than 5ft 8 or so.
Theatremonkey reader and regular seat commentator James says, at "Matilda"
(November 2011),
"C19 and 20: Paid regular top price rather than premium as the show is still in
previews. The seats were superb. A perfect place to see the whole stage and the
sound was great here too. It didn't feel far away at all, although when I go
next, I'll go a row behind rather than pay premium price."
Another reader is also keen on this circle, at a previous show,
"We sat in the Dress Circle - G27 and 28 and although we are not tall we had a
great view and the sound perfect."
Theatremonkey regular seat connoisseur James feels, at a previous show,
"G31 and G32: sound is fine from here and the view is good, but feels a little
distant at top price."
In row J at "Matilda" (November 2011) reader Rich says,
"Row J: The view was great, probably helped by the fact that the two seats in
front of us were empty. Legroom - not so good for a 6ft 2 theatregoer."
Do note that row J has rails at either end of the row, slightly affecting
sightlines if sat here.
The box office do indeed feel strongly that the Dress Circle is well priced
and worthwhile. A reader also notes the sound balance in row B was excellent in
November 2007. Legroom is just adequate for a five foot seven Theatremonkey
in row A, try the stalls. Elsewhere it is pretty fair for those up to
around 5ft 11 or so. Aisle seats in this circle do offer
slightly better legroom with space for a leg to shift into.
Dress Circle Boxes
Two boxes, one either side of the Dress Circle. These have a restricted view
- up to one fifth of the nearest side of the stage is not visible. Sold at an
ambitious price when used.
A reader comments, at a previous show,
"Me and my family sat in Box C seats 1 to 4 (taking the whole box),
theatremonkey gave the seats a red rating saying that a 5th of the stage wasn't
visible and perhaps that the seats didn't show value for money at £39 per seat.
However on my experience of Chicago - these seats are fab - the view was great
(though at an angle) none of the action was missed and only a small part of the
orchestra stage left was unviewable. Even when Roxie and Val are extreme stage
left and right on the ladders you are still able to see them perfect. At a great
price (£39 slightly cheaper then stalls and equal to Dress Circle) these seats
offer great views , a private area and great sound quality (which isn't too loud
due to the speaker being side of the box) Great seats...will definitely consider
again !!!!!!"
The monkey notes that other seats at the same price give a fuller view of the
stage, but for those willing to take a side view the above will certainly be of
interest. Not used for "Matilda: The Musical" (November 2011).
UPPER CIRCLE
Called the GRAND CIRCLE in this theatre.
This circle is above the Dress Circle, overhanging it to row C.
It is split
into a front and rear block, divided by a wide gangway.
Both are fairly steeply raked, feeling a little disconnected from the stage once
past row C or so. A metal bar runs across the front of the circle, restricting the view in row
A. Row G also has a bar in front.
The monkey has registered several complaints about poor sound quality in this
part of the theatre, though one reader reports this problem has now been fixed.
The front block is split into three by aisles. Like the Dress Circle, the
centre block offers best value for money. Select row C 13 to 23 first, then D to
F - though row A is also possible at the same price but with less legroom.
Reader Chris says of row A, at a previous show,
"We sat in the central block of the upper circle, row A. I'd seen that this
was coloured red according to theatremonkey but was actually quite pleased.
There is a safety bar which runs across the front of your view, but sitting
up straight and leaning slightly forward, you pretty much eliminate it's
effects. I was surprised how far forward I felt, and how clearly I could see
all the cast and their facial expressions, the upper circle didn't seem as
high as it has done elsewhere either."
Reader Jackie comments, at a previous show,
"Row A: As the monkey notes, there is a safety bar which does rather
obscure the stage, however, sitting forward gave a good view (although
by the end of the show a bad back!)."
Your call, feels the monkey, depending if you are willing to sit up straight
and lean a little - and can put up with the legroom.
Another reader, at "Matilda" (November 2011) says of row D,
"D20: The view was excellent for an upper circle, even when people in
the three rows in front leaned forward a little at times. The sound was
also excellent (people I know who have sat in the stalls say it is
rather loud down there, but the balance was perfect for me upstairs).
HOWEVER, the problem I had was that the seats in that row (perhaps also
in other upper circle rows?) seem to have been raised, meaning that my
feet did not touch the floor when I sat down. I am around 5'2" and I
would guess that anyone under around 5'4" would have the same problem.
You may wish to get a booster cushion to put your feet on!"
The monkey noted that this is indeed the case. It's a technique to
add legroom...
At "Matilda" (November 2011) a reader says,
"E 13 and 14. They were great seats and I'd recommend for this show!"
Next best are side blocks B to F 12 to 7 (12 being an
aisle seat with good legroom), and equally B to F 25 to 30 (25 also aisle). The
other seats here are too far to the side to offer good value.
The rear block is very high up and a long way from the stage. The shallow
rake further diminishes the view, even allowing for low prices. Aisles
divide the seats into four blocks, with only the back row, M, running the whole
width of the circle.
The two middle blocks suffer from stairwells let into them. The walls around
and on top of the stairwells affect views in rows G and H 11 to 14 and 19 to 22,
also row J 11 to 18 and 23 to 30. The row J seats particularly suffer from both this
and poor legroom, and a restricted view (a bar which annoys children and shorter adults, but is not
noticed much by other people), in the monkey's opinion, provided you accept the
limitation.
On the plus side, behind these stairwells are the cheapest seats for
"Matilda: The Musical" (November 2011). The monkey would still skip row J, but those looking for a cheap seat
(and prepared to accept the limitations in view) might well find K 13 to 16 and
25 to 28, worth a thought as central seats for a low
price. NOT for those who expect a full and good view, though, the monkey points
out.
Reader Pip says, at a previous show,
"Row J seats 9 and 10. (We were meant to be in Row K seats 15 and 16 but
as it was quiet and hardly anyone was there, they told us to sit where
ever). We decided that these two seats were the best on this side of the
circle. They are fairly cheap and they best avoid the metal bar that
separates the front and back of the circle. You can see everything and
the seats are comfortable, though legroom could be better (though is
acceptable). The seats we were meant to be in were far worse because of
a bar across which is why they are worth less."
When sold at a discount, notable value is row G 7 to 10, 15 to 18 and 23 to
26, skip when sold at normal prices, as for "Matilda: The Musical" (November
2011) though. They are not priced for the restricted view (a bar which annoys children and
shorter adults, but is not noticed as much by other people), they are only worth
thinking about, in the monkey's opinion, if you accept the limitation. Indeed,
the whole central three blocks seemed expensive to the monkey for this
production, with nothing below £29.50 in the first four rows except a few restricted view tickets already
discussed.
If you have a problem with low bars in view, then skip rows G and H -
even J for purists - but K back are about fairly priced, felt the
monkey. Do note, though, that in the rear block there are no aisles at
the extreme ends of the row. Claustrophobics may like to avoid these!
These side blocks - notably the outermost 4 seats either end are
somewhat expensive for "Matilda: The Musical" (November 2011), feels the
monkey, as there are centre block seats going for the same cash.
Row
M 7, 8, 24, 25, 41 and 42 are worth considering for children, allowing for the fact they are in
the back row, since they are at the top of the aisle and offer a view down it, and
maybe a bit more legroom. just about fair value for money.
Some sensible pricing prevails in the rest of rows L and M.
Central rows L and M may also suit
anyone seeking a more central view who don't mind being a little further back.
Reader Alun Moss comments at a previous show that:
"You are up very high in these seats and I felt a little bit as if I was out of the way out of the
show in the first half. I would say if you go for the Upper Circle try as hard as you can not to go for any further back than row F."
Reader Chris May adds at a previous show:
"I was sat up
in the Upper Circle on seat E25 and was perfectly happy with my view and the
sound quality and rather chuffed with my legroom. I had a wander up into the " gods" of the
Upper Circle
and really there is no point paying for these seats."
From row K, at a previous show, reader Hannah notes,
"We were sat in seats K35 and 36, which we got for a discounted £19. I
would say for this price they are very good. Whilst being very far from
the stage, you can see everything, except for although one tiny safety
bar which occasionally comes into view."
Legroom is best in M 7, 8, 24, 25, 41 and 42. Otherwise it is barely adequate
in rows A and G, cramped for anybody taller than around 5ft 10 elsewhere except
in aisle seats with a little space. The theatre have, though, placed the seats
higher than usual to maximise legroom for all, and this seems to work rather
well unless 5ft 11 or over, the monkey felt, though a shorter 5ft 2 reader in
row D was left dangling and suggests borrowing a booster cushion to rest your
feet on.
Notes
Total 1249 seats.
Air-conditioned.
Infrared headsets for hire, some signed and audio described performances.
Guide dog sitter available. Level access with a gentle slope through Earlham
Street fire doors to Stalls seats N1 and N34, removable for wheelchairs. The
adapted toilet is at the back of stalls and is kept locked until requested. Specific information from
www.seetickets.com
or 0844 412 4648 or e-mail customer.relations@seetickets.com. www.artslineonline.com
also has comprehensive information on this venue. 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.
Food: Ice Cream and confectionery available. Also bookable in advance (redeem
voucher on day of performance to collect) is a food container called a "Royal
Box" (nothing to do with sitting in a box in the theatre!) containing a
selection of canapés for consumption in the
bar or at your seat. A half bottle of champagne is also available as an optional
extra with the box too - for those over 18 only, subject to usual licensing
laws. Click here for more
information.
Three bars. Stalls, Dress Circle and Upper Circle.
7 toilets in all; Stalls 1 gents 3 cubicles, 1 ladies 4 cubicles, 1 unisex
disabled; Dress Circle 1 gents 2 cubicles, 1 ladies 3 cubicles; Upper Circle 1
gents 2 cubicles, 1 ladies 3 cubicles.
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