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. This means that from row K back the view is progressively
worse for the less tall! Rows AA and A is a neck ache too...but in AA
you may get your rose from Roxie...
A reader says of this row,
"I saw Chicago from the front row gangway (and got 50% of tickets through a
special promotion) and thought I had an excellent view, I could see everything
and the leg room was fantastic. The only problem was the child (yes a child!)
rustling some sweets a few seats away and the latecomers who made everyone stand
up!!!!"
another reader agrees,
"Chicago from stalls seat AA18 - front row, middle seat, half price thanks to
GILT - was pure luxury: Due to the distance between the first row and the
stage, you can actually lie back and stretch your legs and take in the whole
show as if you were sitting in your sofa at home."
as does reader Nicky,
"We were in seats AA22 and AA23. It was absolutely FANTASTIC... Seeing it right
on the front row was also very special, you could virtually reach out and touch
the cast (we didn't!) and it was fascinating to have such a close-up view. The
seats were comfortable with lots of leg room."
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 (or using the space behind H 14 and
15) would have been nice, though. See notes.
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 for the current production, as nothing
is missed. They also feel that all the seats are fairly priced.
Reader Natalie comments,
"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.
Reader Nicky says,
"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,
"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,
"G17, 18 and 19: gave an excellent view and better legroom than most
theatres."
Reader Ali P agrees,
"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,
"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,
"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."
Stalls D 6 to 11 and J 15 to 18 are sold with a
"hospitality package" including use of a hospitality room, glass of champagne
and souvenir brochure at premium prices. If these seats are unsold 48 hours
prior to performance, they may be released for sale at the usual top price
WITHOUT the extra package elements. If you like that sort of thing then "go for
it" feels the monkey.
From row L, a reader says,
"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,
"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,
"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."
In the rear stalls, a sound desk is usually installed. Avoiding row P 16 and 17,
Q 10 to 16 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.
For "Chicago" new pricing makes rows Q and R seats 7 to 9 and 18 to 22
worthwhile value, feels the monkey.
Reader Miles T says,
"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
AA 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
still…
Reader Andy Ellis feels differently:
"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,
"Our seats, in Dress Circle C18/19, were good seats, just as TM describes them."
Further over in C, another reader adds,
"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."
Another reader is also keen,
"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,
"G31 and G32: sound is fine from here and the view is good, but feels a little
distant at top price." 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 six theatremonkey, try the stalls. 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,
"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.
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.
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,
"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,
"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.
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
"Chicago." 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 12 to 16 and
25 to 29, and L 13 to 16 and 26 to 30 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,
"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 "Chicago" 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 £30 except a few restricted view tickets already
discussed.
Row
M 7, 8, 24, 25, 41 and 42 are worth considering, 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 both the rest of row M and also the rear
side blocks.
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! 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 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:
"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, 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 just about best in M 7, 8, 24, 25, 41 and 42. Otherwise it is barely adequate
except in aisle seats with a little space, row A
especially is cramped.
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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