STALLS
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row L. Two large pillars in row M
hold this circle up and destroy the view from most seats in the rear stalls
(though creating a few cut price ticket opportunities; see below).The rake of
the stalls is adequate. Rows A and B may well be uncomfortable for many,
as those seated here "look up" to the stage and suffer neck ache in the
process, though the tickets aren't sold more cheaply to allow for that
fact! Row A seat 1 especially is to be avoided as it has an official
"restricted view" designation, but isn't discounted.
Reader Kevin agrees:
"We sat in the stalls row B, seats 7 and 8, and I'd tend to agree with the
Monkey about the possibility of neck ache because it's so close"
Reader Adam Walker says,
"We sat in Stalls row B 17 and 18. These were EXCELLENT! Agreed, a little
neck-ache but totally worth it. You are so close to the action that you
might as well be on stage with them. Neil Stuke's sweat was more than
evident. "
Almost all of rows C to M normally offer acceptable value for money with only the first
and last few seats in rows C to H should be avoided. These are outside the
proscenium arch, with a poor view of the outermost edges of the stage.
Unacceptable at the price. Sadly, they are too close to the stage for distance
to improve the viewing angle. Row C seats 1 and 21 and row K seats 1 and 20
should be avoided for having restricted legroom.
Reader Mila reports,
"We had a great view from the stalls row D seats 5 and 6 (only a white but a
perfect view)"
Reader Sam feels of G4:
"Stalls G4. On this occasion (the first time really) I
strongly disagree with theatremonkey's assessment. Even though I bought my ticket
from TKTS, so it was discounted, I still would recommend this seat at full
price. I felt very satisfied with my seat. The view was very clear, and legroom
was good. The monkey raises the issue of the outermost edges of the stage. I
can't comment on all productions, but for "Donkey's Years" that wasn't the case
from G4, but I believe he is right for G1, and G2, and maybe G3. I can't comment
on the first 3 seats, but personally I would give G4 a Green. White at worst."
Fair enough, feels the monkey, who tends further towards caution when
writing.
Rows D to H seats 7 to 16, row J seats 5 to 14 and K 6 to 15 offer best value
at top price, in the monkey's opinion.
A 6ft 6 reader says,
"Sat in seat K5 in the stalls. Excellent position, legroom was adequate,
therefore the seat was comfortable. However the theatre has a very shallow rake
which means that there is a lot of head dodging to be done, although the spacing
of the seats allows you to see through gaps. If you are smaller than average I
would advise caution, suffice to say I personally didn't have a problem,
although others in my group did. The person behind me did ask me to slouch in my
seat but the legroom would not allow that even if I wanted to!"
Reader Hannah reports,
"We sat in stalls J 1 to 3 (Mum paying, why go with the cheap seats?) They are
nice and close to the action and the view is not obscured by one of the myriad
of poles the architect seems to have distributed through the theatre. However,
the rake is only very slight and if you are a bit short and are sat behind some
tall/with an afro you may have to do a bit of leaning. Deserving of the white
rating methinks."
Further along the row a reader says,
"Stalls J7 and J8 were good as enough legroom and centre stage."
beside them, reader James says,
"Stalls J9 and J10 – great view, feels very close to the action."
Reader Lizzie said of her discounted seats,
"row L of stalls 11 to 15 – very good indeed."
Pretty good at full price too, thinks the monkey.
Rows N to U are behind the pillars. Central row P at top price for this
production is worth a miss, as is Q behind. Not terrible, just more expensive
than usual. The seats in the centre of rows
P back feel as if one is looking through a window. Trying sit forward of
row M is a wise investment here - worth the extra money, in the monkey's
opinion. Also note the overhang of the circle adds further lack-of-delight to
the view from the rows beyond around row R.
For "Dickins Unplugged" a sound desk replaces T and U seats 8 to 10.
Row S 8 to 10 might be worth a miss for purists, though most won't
worry.
All the other stalls seats are restricted view as the pillars put a vertical
stripe through your field of vision. Sold at third price or lower, the seats
worth considering, in order of preference, are P 5, R4, Q18 / 19 , R18 / 19. These
are not great, but they beat the rest for minimising impact of pillars, and
proximity to the stage.
Legroom is acceptable throughout the stalls for all but the tallest, except in row N 7,8,15 and 16
where the pillars restrict it and row C seat 1 and 21, and row K seats 1 and 20.
Stalls Boxes
Four boxes, two either side of the stage. The view from the boxes is
sideways on with the rear corner of the stage not visible. Theatremonkey rates
the seats barely adequate. These seats are rarely sold.
DRESS CIRCLE
The Upper Circle overhangs the Dress Circle at row B. The support pillars
holding it up appear in row B. The overhang does not affect the view from Dress
Circle seats, the pillars, do!
Seats are divided into three blocks by gangways. The outer two blocks follow
the curve of the horseshoe shaped circle towards the sides of the theatre. Each
gangway has a double height bar at the end of it - it does not really affect the
view (except in A 6 and 12) but the picky like to know these things and sit one
seat in from them, the monkey finds.
The circle has a shallow rake, making rows from E back seem far from the
stage. One reader reports a poor view from row E back too.
In the centre block, B 7 to 13, C 8 to 13, B 4,5,15,16,
C 4,5,16,17 are the ones at the better end of average. Some also like central
row A very much too - note that row
A 6 and 12 have that safety bar in front of them.
The remaining central block seats are between pillars and sitting here feels
like watching through goalposts.
Side block seats offer an odd viewing angle. Seats here face the stage at an
angle - the view of centrestage is fine. The view of the sides less so.
Seats behind the pillars are poor value with a bad view. Theatremonkey
advises not buying them.
Wheelchair users can either sit at seat E17, or transfer is possible from a
wheelchair to E4, 5, 16 or 17. See notes. Seats on
the ends of the row have some of the worst restricted views. E 5 or 17 are best
bet, feels the monkey.
Legroom is poor, worst
in row A, though one reader disagrees - "the seats in row A appeared to
have more legroom not less as stated in your seating plans". A fair point
feels the monkey, though it's rating was based on the idea that the wall in
front prevents you from stretching or changing leg position. Still, worth noting
the reader's view and could be good if you are not too tall.
Another reader says,
"I specifically booked row F as the seating plan shows a space in front of that
row which suggests extra legroom and two members of my family are over 6 foot
tall. In fact the row had even less legroom than elsewhere in the dress
circle and my 6'4" husband had to move to a restricted view seat. So be warned, avoid row F if you are tall.
UPPER CIRCLE
The Balcony overhangs the Upper Circle at row B, pillars holding it up
appear in row B. The overhang does not affect the view from Upper Circle seats,
the pillars, as in the Dress Circle, do!
A metal bar runs across the front of the circle. This intrudes into the view
from many seats, running horizontally across it. Vertical supports cut across
the view of every fourth seat, notably in rows A and B. Further safety bars at
the edges of the circle make row A seats 1,2,16 and 17 well worth missing.
Best seats are row B 7 to 14 and row C 8 to 14. Row D 11 to 14 are also good
value when sold at fourth price. The shallow rake of the circle does not help
sightlines from row D back.
As the circle curves like the Dress Circle below it, the first and last five
seats in each row face the stage at an angle - the view of centrestage is fine.
The view of the sides less so. This makes these seats poor value.
Of the seats behind the pillars, consider paying more - they are too poor to
recommend.
Legroom is poor throughout the circle, worst in all of row A and in seat
numbers B 5,6,15,16.
Reader James F summarises the situation,
"I sat in the Upper Circle (I believe it was E15 and 16) and could not wait for
the production to end. The seats leg room was really small, which meant everyone
was really uncomfortable. I recommend buy two seats next to each other (one for
you, or one for your legs) or buy the much cheaper standing tickets and you will
not have to suffer the pain and you will enjoy the production more."
BALCONY
Overhangs the Upper Circle at row B and is high up enough to see the pearly
gates. A shallow rake means looking down is fortunately not particularly vertigo
inducing. Rails in front of each row add to the secure feeling.
A metal bar runs across the front of the circle. This affects the view from
all seats in rows A and B, running horizontally across it. Vertical supports
also cut across the view of every fourth seat in rows A and B. Further safety
bars at the edges of the circle make row A seats 1 and 20 worth avoiding.
As in the other circles, the first and last five seats in each row face the
stage at an angle - the view of centrestage is fine. The view of the sides less
so. This makes these seats poor value unless the first and last two seats in
each of rows C to F (which are designated restricted view) and were often sold
cheaply - not often the case any more, so avoid.
Without pillars to distort things further, at fifth price take any central
seat going - row C first, then B or D, then A; which will be uncomfortable for
those over four foot tall. For "Dickens Unplugged" (June 2008) row E is also
worth a thought - cheaper than D but with a similar view.
Legroom is poor throughout the circle, worst in all of row A.
Notes
Total 796 seats.
Air-conditioned auditorium.
Infrared headsets available, as is guide dog sitting. Wheelchair spaces or
transfer seating are in row E of the Dress Circle via an 8cm ramp at a side door
and into the foyer. Chair footrests may have to be removed. No adapted toilets,
the best in offer is down 6 stairs and a 64-cm wide door. A little construction
work is needed here. Fuller details from www.theambassadors.com
or 0844 8717 677; Artsline on 020 7388 2227 or e-mail artsline@dircon.co.uk
No food except Ice cream and confectionery.
Three bars. Foyer, Stalls and Upper Circle.
6 toilets. Stalls 1 gents 1 cubicle, 1 ladies 5 cubicles; Upper Circle 1
gents 1 cubicle, 1 ladies 3 cubicles; Balcony 1 gents 1 cubicle, 1 ladies 2
cubicles
|
