STALLS
The Dress Circle overhangs the Stalls at row K. The top of the stage
becomes invisible from row T back.
The stalls are vast, 28 rows, 50 seats per row in four blocks. The rake is
very good, aiding the view.
In the two central blocks, rows D to H are the best seats in the stalls.
Other seats in these blocks offer fair value for money. Sightlines are clear
from all seats in the two centre blocks.
One reader notes,
"was in front row of stalls which is fine, although you miss a small amount of
action at rear of stage"
another cautions,
"I thought I had scored great tickets when I got A26, 27 and 28. The
show was phenomenal, but now I know why those seats were available. To
look up at the stage, I was constantly craning my neck. When the front
part of the stage lifted up and out overhead, I had to crane my neck
upwards and still then it was hard to see with the stage “surfboard”
overhead. Plus, during the intermission, a theatre employee set up at
the foot of the aisle to sell ice cream. People were congregating,
chatting right in front of us, so when others walked by they had to cut
right in front of my long-legged husband who was sitting on the aisle in
A28. After several instances of crunched toes, he just got up to stand
at the stage, way out of the way until “ice cream-boy” was done selling.
If I had know now what I knew, I would have tried to get seats a tiny
bit further back."
Reader Daniel, a row behind, agrees,
"B, seats 16 to 19. The stage was slightly above head height but it
didn’t matter at all. As these seats were central we could see
everything clearly, whether at the front or the back of the stage, and
didn’t have to strain our necks in any way at all. Whilst obviously not
as good as seats a few rows further back they were still really good,
comfortable seats. The advantage of being so close was you could really
see the actors particularly well as you’re so close to them (the band is
in the wings so the front of the stage is right in front of you). It was
enjoyable to see all their facial expressions. And you almost feel part
of the show at the board table rotates above your head."
another says,
"We sat in row D seats 12 and 13. Leg room great, view great."
Reader Mandi adds,
"We had E12-17 in the stalls which were fantastic although the band was noisier
than when we were in the dress circle! Fantastic for me but my mother in law was
a bit shocked at first!"
Another reader feels,
"Row O seat 25, an aisle seat, should be in green - you can see and hear
everything."
Reader Teresa Gustafsson says,
Got full price tickets (£60) for £30 at TKTS - Q11 and 12. We had
a perfect clear view of the stage, although at a slight angle, and we
sat close enough to see the actor’s faces! The music was really too loud
though and sometimes you couldn’t even hear what they were singing."
To the side, reader Kirsty says,
"I was in J41, which according to your plan is in red, but I really
liked the seat. Sure I was at the side, but I could still see everything
that happened onstage and if I was offered this seat again I would take
it. I could see all the actors expressions clearly, but the only thing I
may have missed out on was seeing the very left hand side of the stage
where nothing really happens anyway, LOL."
Reader Ali says,
"We had stalls, row R 33-35. Legroom was possibly the best of any theatre I've
been to so far, and the seats were wide enough for any 'fat bottomed girl' (like
me!)."
Rows V to Z at top price is fairly greedy, considering the distance from the
stage. Only the clear sightlines and good legroom allow the monkey to rate all
but the ends of these rows as "average" value
Current pricing makes rows Y and Z centre overpriced at all shows feels the
monkey.
The last rows - VV to ZZ feel far from the stage. Keen pricing makes rows VV
and WW good value at all performances except Saturday Evenings and peak
performances (when they become about average) in monkey opinion - and reader Tim
Holloway concurs. The central blocks of these rows are a comparable choice with
the rear Dress Circle, if they are available, feels the monkey.
Reader Cristopher H also agrees,
"row VV seats 15 and 16. The view was fabulous."
Reader and musical theatre seating connoisseur William Cooper, notes that,
"I sat in stalls Row WW. The height of the circle above and the rake of the
stalls gave a clear, if distant, view. This meant that, although these seats
were bottom price, they were at least comparable to second-price rear stalls at
other popular musicals. That said the bottom price of £27.50 (now £32.50 /
£39.50) is fairly similar to second price for other big shows."
Reader Kevin says,
"We sat in seats 49 and 50 in row YY. I was a little apprehensive before going
as these particular seats are given a red rating on theatre monkey. They are
situated at the rear of the stalls on the left hand side, however I was
pleasantly surprised at our position and the good views of the stage. There was
no restriction of our view. If you are looking for a cheaper ticket price, still
with good views and comfort, then these seats are the ones."
Fair comment, felt the monkey. The "red" rating just refers to "third pick at
the price" just to clarify things.
The rest of rows VV to ZZ at third price offer just about fair value (except
at the ends of the rows and near the sound desks).
In the central block, it is worth avoiding row XX seats 26 to 38. These are
in front of the technical desk, and so will suffer noise and distraction!
In the side blocks it is worth particularly avoiding the ends of rows A to S,
A seats 1 to 10 and A 31 to 34, B 31 to 34, C 31 to 35, D 34 to 38, E 34 to 39,
F 34 to 39, G and H 37 to 43, J and K 39 to 46, L 39 to 47, and M to S 41 to 50.
These are the ends of the row and the viewing angle is often disrupted by bits
of scenery during many productions; anyhow, why should you pay the same as those
more centrally seated, argues the monkey.
Past row T the distance from the stage compensates for the angle and the view
is usually clear, though the closer to the centre aisle, the better - and why
settle for a side view when one can pay the same money for centre block tickets?
From row V back, pricing from October 2005 makes the first four seats
adjacent to the aisle worth considering as average value in monkey opinion - but
the closer to the centre aisle the better.
Manual wheelchair users have three spaces in rows XX, YY and ZZ at the back
of the stalls. These do not have the greatest view but are fairly priced.
Motorised chair users get put in a seldom used box at Dress Circle level.
Transfer to any centre aisle seat is also possible. This is more like equal
access in theatremonkey's opinion. See notes.
Reader Hannah reports,
"We had standing tickets (£15 on the day). They are at the back of the
stalls, give an excellent view and plenty of room to rock out if you so
desire. Worth it if you are cheap and have good legs."
Physically, not aesthetically, the monkey notes.
The stage is very high and the orchestra pit, (when in use - not for this
production) is wide. This means neck ache for those in row A, plus the odd
sensation of feeling like one is sitting on the lip of the Grand Canyon. Not
a reason to avoid, just an interesting feeling this monkey has (similar to the
one after too many nuts).
Legroom in the stalls is excellent, particularly row A.
A larger reader opines,
"Very comfy and large seats in the stalls for the larger person."
DRESS CIRCLE
Called the CIRCLE in this theatre.
A vast circle split into front and rear blocks by a wide aisle running
between rows G and H.
The front block is divided into four, the centre two blocks - rows A to G
seats 13 to 38 offer the best views in the house, though row A seats suffer
restricted legroom for those over five foot six tall. Safety bars at the ends of
the aisles do not affect the view, though pedants might want to sit one seat off
the aisle to avoid them, if they feel like it! Since May 2006 the two seats
nearest the safety bars have been reduced in price (and A1 taken off sale) to
allow for the problem - good response, thinks the monkey.
Of the two side blocks, avoiding seats 1 to 4 and 47 to 50 is prudent as the
boxes and a set of stage lights interrupt the view. The rest of the seats are
fine, and seats here are preferable to seats in the side blocks of the stalls -
assuming no centre block seats are available!
A reader says,
"Row E seats 31 and 32. I knew in advance these seats would be good
based on this website...thanks. The view was excellent. We could see ALL
the action and even see the band, a real bonus."
The rear block betrays this theatre's cinema origins. It is easy to imagine
looking at a ten foot tall Julie Andrews on a screen from here (the Dominion ran
the movie 'The Sound Of Music' for ages) but a regular height actor on a stage
is different.
Entry to these blocks is up a gantry like set of stairs from the circle
foyer. Naturally, the front block inhabitants get the level access - still, come
the revolution…
The rear block is split into five segments. Avoid the outermost two, rows L
to Q seats 1 to 7 and 40 to 46 unless you really, really need to see a show. It
is bad enough being far away from the stage without being stuck in the corner
too.
For the current production "We Will Rock You", audiences have noted that the
extended stage means that for 15 minutes of the show those seated in seats 6, 7,
8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 18, 27, 28, 29, 30, 38 and 39 may find the double height
safety bars at the front of the block intrudes into the view. If the actors
choose to stand too far forwards on the stage by mistake, you will be watching
through the bars for a tiny fraction of a moment. Against this, the legroom is
excellent. The feeling used to be "don't worry - the seats are fair value, just
thought monkey readers might like to know this info". In other words - Don't
PANIC!!!!! Your seats are fine and the information is given just "for the
record".
Rows H to K seats 1 to 7 and 40 to 46 are last resort at top or second price
- though from 31st October 2005 they have become more keenly priced, making rows
H to K very fair value, feels the monkey. The very ends of row H also have a
metal bar in front.
The rake is very steep from Row L back, making these rows feel a long way
from the stage. Taking row L and N seats 8 to 20 and 27 to 39 is about
acceptable if the stalls is full.
Row L has a stairwell wall in front of seats 23 and 24. Annoying for viewers
in seats either side and in the row behind. Legroom is also affected.
A reader says,
"We were initially issued tickets for row N on the circle. There was
nothing wrong with these seats at all as the circles' seats were
reasonably steep so there was not problem with the view no matter where
you sat. The theatre was very empty so we were able to move the entire
group right to the front row of the circle on the right hand side (as we
faces the stage). There was nothing with these seats either but if you
sat right on the front row then the edge of the circle may be in your
view and may miss some of the action on the front of the stage if you
don't lean forward."
Row P when sold at bottom price, is comparable to Stalls bottom price seats
in rows XX to ZZ as it is closer to the stage. Unfortunately, Row O back is
equivalent to the stalls, with added vertigo! Avoid unless related to Sherpas.
A reader notes,
"Row P of Dress Circle 17,18,19,20. Great Seats!!! Could see everything super
clearly and highly recommend."
The reader also noted that he managed a discount on these seats using the
London Theatre Bookings Ticket agency booth on the edge of Leicester Square. A
genuine and good agency outlet, the monkey notes.
Another reader, Pip, says,
"We were in the Circle row Q seats 29 to 33. Basically, they're almost
central! So you have a good view. For a back row you can see everything
and anything, even facial expressions. I was shocked! And only £30 (or
£28 depending on the day) when we saw it in 2009! They were extremely
comfortable, and had acceptable legroom (I only had to stretch my legs
once at the end). More expensive than any other show, but totally worth
it and for cheapest seats will be pleasantly surprised."
On another visit he notes, "Q 20 and 21. For back row, the view is
amazing and the sound is VERY loud. Can see every detail and action.
Wonderful legroom and extremely comfortable seats. Love it at the back,
can get up and dance if people aren't in standing. Cheapest seats, worth
it."
Legroom is good except row A and where indicated in row L.
A larger reader opines,
"Circle area the seats seemed slightly smaller than the stalls, but
still acceptable."
Dress Circle Boxes
Two, one either side of the circle. Poor views with the nearest fifth of
the stage not visible. Motorised wheelchair users get stuck with these seats.
Nobody should bother with these unless all seats are taken and you really
want to see the show. Wheelchair users should not be compelled to sit here.
Notes
Total 2001 seats
Air-cooled Auditorium. Not as effective as proper air conditioning, so be
prepared for a hot and uncomfortable time in the height of summer, alas. To
minimise the effects, seating in the front stalls is normally coolest as heat
rises - and is also trapped in the Circle overhang. Just a bit of advice from
someone in the theatre industry who has a grasp of physics...
Infrared headsets available. Signed performances occasionally. Guide dogs
allowed in auditorium or dogsat. Unisex disabled toilet. Go the extra
step and make two some time, perhaps? A platform lift from foyer to stalls is
available for wheelchairs when it is working, with places at the far ends of
rows XX, YY and ZZ. Alternatively, motorised wheelchairs have to use a restricted view box. Poor view and poor
treatment of the problem of a larger chair. Lose an extra seat in the stalls
instead and it would give them a better view. www.artslineonline.com
has comprehensive details, also Artsline 020 7388 2227, email artsline@dicon.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.
A reader reports in early 2007,
"Elizabeth and Rachel at the Dominion theatre's disabled enquiries were
excellent. Despite going with a coach company (as part of a group) they reserved
a space for us with no trouble at all, with instructions that on arrival to make
ourselves known to front office staff. Many thanks to the Dominion theatre."
Food is ice cream, confectionery, hot dogs, burgers and milkshakes.
Four bars. Two each at stalls and circle level.
Nine toilets. Stalls 2 gents 2 cubicles each, 3 ladies 2, 3 and 4 cubicles
respectively, 1 disabled unisex; Circle 2 gents 2 cubicles each, 2 ladies 4 cubicles each.
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