An Independent Inside Guide to London Theatre and Concert Venues

Offers May be available - Click Here

Seating Plan Diagram

Aisles split the stalls into a centre and two side blocks. A further aisle in front of row K splits seats into front and rear sections. A noticeable rake ensures a good view from all seats to row S. Row K is a few millimetres higher than row J too.

An extra row, Stalls AA 1 to 18, has been added at the front of the venue. A reader says of it for "Lord of the Rings" (May 2007),
"The view from front row is fabulous. There's not as much leg room (as say front row at Wicked) but enough. The orchestra pit is in front of AA and covered by black netting that isn't high at all so you get a clear view of the stage set back. The rising stage isn't too much of a problem at all... I did feel my neck ache but only a tiny bit and worth it as it's such a flat rake at that theatre."

another reader agrees,
"Booked seats on AA5 and 6. Not always a big fan of front row seats but a review on Monkey had said the views were fabulous. From what we saw the reviewer was right. From the 30 minutes we saw, excellent seats although you miss out on their feet. Not really important! From these seats you really are totally in the world of MiddleEarth."

while another says,
"We had seats AA 17 and 18. The view was great - we were part of middle earth - not just the sounds and sights - but the smells and tastes... The only down side - the stage does a lot of rising and falling - we did miss the back of the stage when it was raised for one scene."

Reader Greg provides the definitive review of this row, saying,
"Row AA is excellent because you could see the actors literally 7 feet away from you and that they were giving you a personal performance. Also, you are not blocked by other people’s heads in the Stalls, which was beneficial since we had a little one with us.

The only negatives to Row AA, as previous reviewers have already mentioned, are (a) that the leg space is cramped as you are right up against the orchestra pit wall, (b) craning one’s neck upward for 3 hours can be a bit tiresome, and (c) views of the lighting effects on the floor of the and any action going on to the rear of the stage or atop the rotating stage platforms are obstructed from view. But these are minor inconveniences and we would do it again, without question."

A row back, regular Rings fan Thomas Robson says of his "day seat" bargain,
"A3 in the stalls! for £20! The view from this seat was immense. I got all the action, some wind from the balrog scene and shelobs web coating my face and the leg room, well, I had enough room to put my bags in front of my seat and outstretch my legs fully and still let people get past! And you also get many hobbits coming past you, muttering "Hay Day, don't mind me sir" and asking for apples, as well as one or two orks, who walked straight past me and didn't even hiss, or make eye contact, heaven!"

 

Moving back another row, another reader says,
"We had stalls B9 to B15 which were superb seats. Had to look up slightly but we didn't lose any of the view from where we were. You really get to "feel" the atmosphere from these seats and the orchestra is well "hidden" below the stage so again no problems. 3 children aged 8 to 10 years did find the booster cushions provided useful."

Behind this, theatremonkey regular seat connoisseur James says,
"D17: Good seat, but having seen this show a few times, would recommend Upper Circle or Balcony as the show is so "big" that it's better to appreciate it from afar."
 

Among the best seats in the house are rows E to G 10 to 26 and rows H and J 11 to 27. The monkey would also add rows K and L seats 6 to 30. Of the rest of the top price Stalls, the centre block row D then row M is prime. 

One reader says,
"Seats H 9 and 10 of the Stalls (for "Lord of the Rings" - May 2007) were just perfect. 10 is on the aisle and is angled to give a wonderful view of the stage. I had an enormous man of about 20 stone sitting in front of me but he didn't spoil my view one bit. The aisle seats, particularly the best seats towards the front of the Stalls, but also the Circle from the screams that emanated from up there, are well worth going for as you are right up there with the performers as they perform part of their act amongst the audience which is great entertainment and fun to be participating in."

Over the aisle, reader Sally Scott says H13 to H16 were "Great seats." while another reader rates central row F excellent, though with average legroom (that didn't bother her, as she wasn't that tall, but might concern others.)

Reader Daryl says,
"Stalls Row H17 - the view was fab"

Reader Rob continues the reviews one row back,
"we sat in J11 and J12 of the stalls – excellent seats (especially at the Teacher Preview rate of £15 – normal price £60). Bit of trade off with the seats – we were on the aisle of the centre set of seats; very handy for making a quick getaway but there were two moments during the show where the actors standing at the front of the stage blocked our view of actors in the middle – this would not be the case if you were sat in middle of this centre row. My guess is that the very best seats in the house would be K16 to 20 – these are bang in the middle and you have an aisle in front of you allowing extra leg room."

Reader Ian notes,
"I sat in K20 in the Stalls and it was the most amazing place to sit. Yes - it's a Green seat without doubt. I am 6 feet 4 inches tall and there is tons of leg room and the seat affords a magnificent view of the spectacle on stage... I will always choose this row in the centre block of the stalls for all future visits to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. They should be 24 carat Gold - not green !! WOW."

Reader Rich agrees,
"Row K in the stalls is an excellent position to see the show from, loads of legroom and a great view, although you are in prime orc territory!"

Off in the side block, reader Jon reports,
"Stalls F27, aisle seat right hand side of left block. Excellent view (though Dress Circle I guess will be better for some of the raised set), seats a little low (i.e. your backside is slightly below your knees if you are over 5'8" so "cheek shuffling" may be required - apologies to those sat behind me!) though plenty of leg room as I could full extend under seat in front and I could shift to stretch to my right into the aisle."

Reader James comments,
"Stalls L12 and L13 were great – you are far enough back to see the whole stage without turning your head from side to side, but still close enough to really engage with the show. Stalls C22 and C23 were far too close to the stage and I would not sit there again."

Next try the rest of side blocks of K to M, then central row C and the side block of rows C to J (except the first and last 4 seats - which should be avoided), and finally row N back - centre then side blocks.

Of M8 and 9, reader Steph Nicholls says,
"The seats were great with a clear view. I would like to see it again from the dress circle to get the full spectacle as sometimes we were too close to take in everything."

One reader rated aisle seats in row P excellent.

In row R a reader says,
"7 and 8: Pretty good view, leg room OK. 1 and 2 are OK as well."

Reader Sharon reports,
"We had seats in the Stalls in Row S numbers 29 to 33 and had a wonderful view of the stage. One of our party is a 6-footer and he had just enough leg-room, whilst the somewhat shorter family members borrowed the theatre's booster cushions which made our line of sight uninterrupted."

Rows AA to J have reduced prices at the extreme ends. Large speakers are often positioned at the edges of the stage, which may blast those at the ends of rows B and C in particular. All the very end seats are well outside the proscenium arch, leading to strange viewing angles around the soundman's hardware. The discounts reflect this, and for "Lord of the Rings" those wishing to orc-spot at close quarters, the monkey felt them not seats to take first or all that great, but close to the front and a bit cheaper for those willing to take a chance.

As for the rest of row A, one reader writes:
"Seat 15: The view from here is of course, excellent. I had no difficulty seeing anything on stage...and the legroom was excellent."

Reader Ali agrees from the adjacent seat,
"Row A, seat 16, one of the best seats I have ever had – good legroom, very little neckache, and is fantastic for getting a really good look at the action"

Note that on Thursday Afternoons, the Stalls, Dress Circle and Upper Circle are the same price... take the most central stalls / front Dress Circle first, is the monkey advice.

The monkey notes legroom in front of A for "Lord of the Rings" is less with another row added.

Wheelchair spaces are at K 1 and 35 and L 1 and 35. Take K first. The view is fair, a little sideways on but better than the rows in front. Transfer able can use any seat - take aisle if possible. See notes.

Seats have been restored to the back of the centre block and a sound technicians desk has been added. Avoid the seats around this desk if you will be disturbed by the noise and light, though sensibly they have added a gap between the desk and the seating. Currently, the worst affected seats are Y15 to 24, YY13 and 21, Z13 and 25 and ZZ 14 and 25. Other seats in the centre blocks rows Y to ZZ  have to contend with being either side of the pillars. Just avoid them if possible, though if sat here, you could do worse - and ZZ 14 gets a slightly larger discount too...

Pricing for "The Lord of the Rings" (May 2007) has been revised, placing seats at top price only as far back as row S. New pricing makes seats the monkey would skip - particularly side block seats from row U to X at top price - a much better bet. all "fair value" now.

For best results, try and avoid the first and last 4 seats in the side blocks, plus those around the sound desk to maximise the experience. There isn't much wrong with any of the mentioned tickets - except missing the top of the stage at times, just that there are better seats for the same hard earned bananas in the monkey view. The front Upper Circle is more expensive than the very back stalls - but the show sure looks spectacular from up there (though the legroom isn't as good...).

Legroom is good throughout the stalls for all but the very tallest (over 6ft or so), particularly good in row K - the only place for the longest legged to choose. One reader found A a little tighter, though.

DRESS CIRCLE 
Called the Grand Circle in this theatre.

The Upper Circle overhangs the Grand Circle at row E. The view of the top of the stage is badly affected from row H back.

The Grand Circle is split into three blocks - centre and two sides - by aisles. It has a very shallow rake making row F back seem a long way from the stage and also affecting the view for anyone not tall enough to see over the row in fronts' heads.

Reader Rich opines,
"The best position to see "The Lord of the Rings" from is the front of the Dress Circle. You get to appreciate the whole spectacle. Having sat at the front of the stalls and the Dress Circle, I would go for the Circle any time."

Among the best seats in the house are rows B and C 12 to 26, D and E 13 to 27, and row A 11 to 25 in that order. Row A loses marks for legroom comfort. Next best are rows F and G centre.

Reader James was happy in A, though,
"Seat A24 Front row of Dress Circle was perfect for view and legroom."

reader Paul Nicholls disagrees on legroom, though,
"row A of the dress circle. Superb view, but legroom for hobbits and people who were born without knees!"

Contrast that with reader Vicky at the end of row A,
" We sat in Row A of the Dress Circle, seats 3 and 4. These seats were absolutely fantastic and I cannot recommend them enough. Everyone should see this show from the front row of the Dress Circle if they can! Reviews of cramped legroom is absolute rubbish, there is much more room here than what you would get in a normal row. In fact we had room to put down our bags, coats and sweets in front of us! Fantastic show and view."

More room at the ends than the centre, it seems to the monkey.

Then consider the side blocks. Take rows B to G the first four seats nearest the centre aisle. Then choose whether to take row H back, or seats in rows B to G further along to the side. If action mostly happens centre stage, then rows B to G ends get a reasonable (just about) view. The first and last seats in the side blocks of all rows are affected by the boxes projecting into the field of view a little, but the rest allow an adequate view. Side block seats are not really a bargain, and for top price special occasions are possibly best avoided, but for those willing to pay top price to just "see the show" the monkey feels many will be satisfied.

Thomas Robson, a regular "Lord of the Rings" visitor reports,
"Row H, Dead centre gave me a full view of the stage, literally the edges of the walls bordered the set. The leg room is OK, and it allowed me to look down slightly, so I got the impact of the on stage projection and lighting as well as some unexpected wind and confetti from the Balrog scene."

A reader reports, of discounted tickets,
"Sat in seats K3 and K4 in the Dress Circle. We got them half price at TKTS half an hour before the show started (the matinee on 24th November 2007). View was absolutely fine and for £32.50 were really good value. Could see the whole stage and set really well and didn't feel like we were all the way over at the side."
 

Reader Peter Grant reports for "The Lord of the Rings" (May 2007)
"Our particular seats (which were described as "best" and appeared to be normally full priced - now reduced, editor) were in row L of the Grand Circle, but have a very restricted view of the top of the stage. They don't actually miss any action but they do miss some of the atmosphere which would be created from seeing the entire stage, which is surrounded by a "frieze" of branches and twigs."

New pricing has cut the cost of rows J to L - now worth a go in the monkey view!

Note also that on Thursday Afternoons, the Stalls, Dress Circle and Upper Circle are the same price... take the most central stalls / front Dress Circle first, is the monkey advice.

Legroom is adequate in all seats except row A for all but the tall (on reader says row A has, "legroom for hobbits and people who were born without knees!" Another reader though felt A 3 and 4 had space and even room to put bags down. Seems to be less space towards the centre of the circle in that row. The tall should should pick row K stalls. Extra comfort can be had taking seats on the central aisle.

Dress Circle Boxes
Boxes J to P are arranged across the back of the Grand Circle. These offer average views of the stage, being affected by the overhang of the Upper Circle. When sold at third price, they are a good value, preferred alternative to the rear stalls.

Boxes B, C, BB and CC are at the sides of the Dress Circle between it and the stage. B is the Royal box and is double height. BB matches the design architecturally. C and CC offer the best view of the stage, then B and BB. Frankly, choose central seats first as around an eighth of  the stage is not visible from any of these boxes.

Reader Daryl says for "Lord of the Rings" (June 2007):
"sat in Box CC (ticket then costing £40) and then on this Saturday Box CC again but as a 'day seat' for ONLY £20 - well I can 100% say if this box is let out at £20 it is well worth it! (not a usual concession - editor). I've had the box to myself twice now and it comes with its own decoration (branches etc), the view is stunning from here. Yes, about an 1/8th of the left of the stage is cut off, but  much of the show is symmetrical so you can quite easily picture the other side. I'm an avid box user, as I've said before elsewhere on this website, and this box doesn't fail to please: a great view, great space, privacy and a fab sound quality."

Above this set of boxes are D, E, DD and EE. E and EE are preferable, but should only be a first choice for those wanting more legroom at Upper Circle prices. Again, the view is restricted slightly. For "The Lord of the Rings" only a few seats are available in box E. Also, note that the set extends over some of the boxes, cutting views further.

PLEASE NOTE: For copyright reasons, information and graphics on this page should not be directly copied and reproduced on other websites / noticeboards. Hyperlinks to this page are, of course, welcomed. 

UPPER CIRCLE
The balcony overhangs the Upper Circle at row E. The view of the top of the stage is affected from row H back.

Like the Grand Circle, the Upper Circle is split into three blocks - centre and two sides - by aisles. Each aisle has a low bar at the end. The circle, too, has a very shallow rake making row F back seem a long way from the stage and annoying shorter persons. Quirkily, rows A to D feel quite close to the stage.

Best seats are rows B and C 13 to 28, D and E 13 to 28, and row A 17 to 32 in that order. Row A again loses marks for legroom comfort. Slips at the edge of row A offer a poor view - looking down at the stage through the thicket of projecting boxes, as well as poor legroom and are worth avoiding!

A reader notes,
"I was in seat B12 of the Upper Circle. Before the show everything seemed fine but as soon as the performance started my view was restricted by the safety barrier. At 5ft 8 inches I do not regard myself as abnormally short but I must have been a distraction to the people behind as I was ducking and stretching to see what was happening on stage".

Another reader, slightly further to the edge of the venue says,
"B6 and 7: Leg room was just about adequate for me (5'10'') and view was great, but the very front of the stage was blocked by the balcony, and when most of the acting which took place at the front was happening, we all had to lean forwards to see."
 

Another reader notes that,
"Seats B12 and 29 for 'Lord of The Rings' at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane are now only £5 in review season and £15 thereafter, due to some complains over a safety rail. A bargain, particularly when you consider the surrounding seats are £42.50 and the only other seats at that price are either far to the side in the slips/extreme edges of the circle or behind a pillar!"

Reader James weighs in with,
"The double height safety bar at the aisle affects the view in seats A, B, C and D 12 and 29. Not particularly badly, but would avoid these and sit around them."

The monkey welcomes reports from others experiencing the same problem, along with other comments from other readers like James on this one - especially since producers now seem to acknowledge an issue and have made the seats cheaper... well worth a look, as the second reader points out!

Indeed another reader -  Mike from Shropshire says,
"Sat in B29 in the upper circle for £5. What a bargain!!! Yes, the handrail is in your view but because of the nature of the production, much of the action takes place in the raised revolving set so you don't need to look around it very often.

If you are a perfectionist and expect a clear view, then avoid it but for £27.50 LESS than all the seats next to me, it is definitely worthwhile! Even after previews, at £15 it is still well worth the money but I wouldn't be surprised if the producers don't decide to increase the value of this seat to 'one less than surrounding tickets (£35 instead of £42.50 after opening!)."

Fingers crossed they don't, feels the monkey... who notes they haven't yet...

Another reader rates the centre of row B, "Good for the price."

One row back a reader says,
"We sat in Upper Circle C28 and C27. View was excellent and legroom perfectly adequate for two people of 5’6” and 5’8” respectively. A word of warning - the Upper Circle steps are quite steep and there are no handrails or anything else within grabbing distance if you slip, so if you’re not good on steps, give yourself plenty of time to find your seat before the last minute crowds."

Another row back a reader reports,
"D23 and 24 had a decent view (slight obstruction due to person sat in front) but slightly cramped for legroom."

Row J of the centre block offers good value, being cheaper than the row in front but having a very similar view. Take J over H and save a few pounds!

Row K also wins a reader's vote:
"Upper Circle Row K seats 24 to 28 were wonderful. Felt like I was near the stage and fantastic view. Leg space was not bad for me considering I'm 5''2 but my friend who is 5''8 had more of a problem".

As in the Grand Circle, the first and last few seats in the side blocks of all rows offer grotty views and poor value - the last 2 are possibly the most worth avoiding given that there is a discount now, making the next two in bearable.

Reader Michael notes, for "Lord Of The Rings" though,
"seat A6,and the mirror image on the other side of the house is being sold for £5! When I checked this out the box office said that there may be a restriction on the view but when you consider that for The Producers it is on sale at £37.50 I think its worth the risk - the seat next to A6 goes to £32.50 at previews and £42.50 once opened. If not wanting to spend a huge amount of money and you are visiting alone - its a good option."

The monkey agrees, and adds that row B 1 and 40, behind A 6 and 43 are also at the same price. The boxes at the sides of the theatre protrude into the view, and the set for "Rings" may obscure the view, but for £15 it is worth a look indeed (legroom issues in A notwithstanding - take B first if this affects you).

Note that on Thursday Afternoons, the Stalls, Dress Circle and Upper Circle are the same price... take the most central stalls / front Dress Circle first, is the monkey advice. If confined to the Upper Circle, go for central B to E first, then the first six seats off the centre aisle in the side blocks, then F and G centre if possible.

Rows K and L seats 12 and 29 are behind pillars. They offer fair value at a lower price. If you can bear the restricted view then choose row L over K for the slightly better view for this production in the monkey's opinion. The pillar is thick and directly in front of the seat in row K, so you lean further over to see around it. Those in row L will lean less and be a bit more comfortable in the monkey opinion. It also felt that seat 12 was slightly superior to seat 29. DO REMEMBER, though, that these are restricted view seats - you won't see the whole stage from them...but many pillar seat fans may well be happy here. 

Row D seat 1 is haunted, but never after 6 pm and only if the theatre is full. The gentleman is an elegantly dressed, white wigged man who moves from his seat, across the gangway, and through a wall. A skeleton with a dagger in its ribs was found behind this wall in mid Victorian times. His appearance during previews is a good omen for the production.   

Legroom is just barely adequate in all seats except row A. One reader goes further in his report:
"Upper circle row J seats 12 & 13 at The Theatre Royal: I am 5ft 8, my friend 5ft 6 so we're not that tall and we found the leg room a bit cramped, how people 6ft and over cope is beyond me!". This was echoed by other readers for rows B, D and K too (see above).

Upper Circle Boxes
Between the Upper Circle and Balcony are boxes E and EE. High up and slightly restricted views. Good value at near Balcony price for extra legroom and lack of ironwork spoiling the view. These are a good budget option, sold to the public instead of housing spotlight operators. For "The Lord of the Rings" only a few seats are available in box E. Also, note that the set extends over some of the boxes, cutting views further.

BALCONY
THESE TICKETS ARE OFTEN BOUGHT BY TOUTS / SCALPERS FOR RESALE. THEY ARE THEN PASSED OFF AS DRESS CIRCLE (first balcony) SEATS - WHICH THEY ARE MOST CERTAINLY NOT!. DO NOT PURCHASE FOR MORE THAN FACE VALUE OR FROM UNAUTHORISED SOURCES. 

The balcony overhangs the Upper Circle at row E.

A metal bar runs across the front of this circle, triple height at the ends of the aisles in the corners. Row A and B seats are sold at bottom price to make amends for the restricted view. If you can stand the legroom, sit in the centre block of this row.

Regular reader Astrid comments,
"We sat in row A for "The Producers". We thought the tickets were fine with a good view - we didn't really need the binoculars much. We did lean forward to look through the bars. My arms are still hurting from doing that, though."

Like the Upper Circle the balcony is split into three blocks - centre and two sides - by aisles. It too has a very shallow rake and is very high above the stage, inducing vertigo in many people. Reader Jean Marshall felt that:
"the balcony was steep enough to give a good view of the stage, but I wouldn't have wanted to be at the back".

Best seats are rows D to F 13 to 27. Row A loses marks for legroom comfort, rows B and C because inconsiderate folk leaning forward could be a problem - though B may worth a try at bottom price, feels the monkey...but only if you can intimidate folk in front to behave. If you can't, then pick A instead and maybe be the person to be intimidated...! That of course is a whole different discussion, though.

On Thursday afternoons, when all balcony seats for "The Lord of the Rings" are £15, take centre block D to F first for best value in the monkey opinion.

Reader Adam Walker reports from row D,
"We sat in the Balcony row D 29 and 30. Be warned, the climb to seats from ground level is a big one, especially when you're faced with the curt warning of 'Showtime in 2 minutes!' Leave yourself plenty of time to get in and settle back. Agreed, it is high up. But really the seats are excellent value for money (especially in preview price). You see the whole set from here, and you're looking down on it, so really you don't miss a trick - and it's awe inspiring to see the set at work (more on that in minute)."

Another reader says,
"I was sat on row D of the Balcony seat 27 which sounds really high up, which in some ways it is but for a show of such enormity I wouldn't have wanted much closer at all, it was a brilliant seat to be honest, although it was very hot and a long walk.  I can't really pick a fault at these seats apart from when somebody stood towards the front of the stage I missed it due to the person's head in front of me, but that was only once or twice."

Reader James is also keen on row D,
"Would agree strongly that row D centre block of balcony is a good buy - such a "big" show that being far away didn't matter. However, not sure how this will be for Oliver, which will obviously depend less on big spectacle and more on characters."

The monkey thinks it will be fine... it has been for other smaller shows... paws crossed...

Reader Thomas Evans is also a Balcony fan:
"I booked two seats at the centre of row H of the Balcony, and was initially worried about the distance from the stage. However, pleasantly surprised, I seemed to have picked the perfect row: the whole stage could be seen and only once did we need to lean forward"

While reader Zoe, another few rows back for "Lord of the Rings" (May 2007) says,
I sat up in the balcony Row K. It was very high up, and very hot, but at only £10 a ticket was excellent value. I have to admit though it is probably even better when you are closer. Even up in the cheap seats they have some Orcs come into the audience, and close to they are really very good, and genuinely sinister looking. "

As in the Upper Circle, the first and last few seats in the side blocks of all rows offer grotty views and poor value. Only row B seat 38 is excepted because it offers a little extra legroom combined with being sold at bottom price to compensate for a slightly restricted view of one side of the stage.

Note too that C 1 to 3 and 36 to 38, D 1, 2, 38 and 39 and E 1 and 39 are also being sold at bottom price. A way of sitting a little further back for less money - the monkey would think about these, noting problems like rails or set blocking view, of course.

The rear two rows offer very poor views from all seats, being far from the stage. Skip them as the are now the same price as rows in front for "The Lord of the Rings," making them a "red" warning rating to the monkey mind. Take these last or as an option if you don't fancy paying less to lean through bars or peer round pillars. Go centre block before side blocks, naturally, in true theatremonkey style!

Do remember that this is the Balcony, though, and even £29.50 will not provide the same (or even close to the same) view as a £60 stalls seat might.

Reader Chris May comments:
"At twenty quid a ticket in the balcony I feel that if you are  in the centre block up there it's a fine view no obstructions. Binoculars are  good for close up views

The  only problem is that you may want to strip naked as its so bloomin' hot up  there. But it's worth the sweating for the cheap 20 quid. 

Plus if you can't  walk well or like me had danced the night away for 4 hours non stop the  previous night don't expect the climb to the top to be an easy one.. The view of the actual show from row H is fine but you may miss the top of the sets". 

Someone else comments,
"I sat in J 24 of the balcony. I had plenty of leg room, but I know other people didn't as the two ladies beside me ended up moving so that they could put their feet over the seat. The view was great - I could even see some facial expressions! The only problem is if someone sits on the edge of the stage - literally the whole balcony leaned forward. Actually the other bad thing about being so high up was that it ruined some effects, if you can see behind the set.

My other complaint about the seats up there - they're all connected very firmly. Normally this is not a problem, but in this case anytime the people next to me moved, they brought my seat with them - this was particularly uncomfortable during the interval. Also, I felt it anytime the person behind me moved their leg because they moved my seat. Luckily I wasn't able to notice it too much once the show started!"

Another reader notes similarly:
"We sat in Row L of the balcony... At first I thought it would be a nightmare being so far back, but the Producers is not an intimate show and you don't miss out on the action by being there. We shared a pair of binoculars to get a few close up looks at the dancers costumes etc... I must agree it gets HOT up there, and the seats are very cramped so get an aisle (not that it's any worse than other theatres!)"

Legroom is just tolerable in all seats except row A - the very tall won't be happy up here in any seat, though. Extra comfort can be had taking seats on the central aisle and row B seat 38 - except for the tallest!

One person felt that,
"I could see very well as each row was raised up, but if I had been taller than 5ft 6 here, I would have been uncomfortable where I sat in row E."

PLEASE NOTE: For copyright reasons, information and graphics on this page should not be directly copied and reproduced on other websites / noticeboards. Hyperlinks to this page are, of course, welcomed. 

Notes
Total 2200 seats approx. 

Air-conditioned using an air cooling system. Readers report this ineffective (paper fans and bottled water are sometimes provided!), 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 Circle overhangs. Just a bit of advice from someone in the theatre industry who has a grasp of physics...

Infrared headsets available, working best in the central stalls - get the technicians on the current show to improve this says the monkey; Signed and audio described performances occasionally. Printed matter available in Braille. Wheelchair access via a firedoor but no step for a change. Guide dogs can be dogsat. Unisex adapted toilet available. Kept locked - ask for key. Fuller details www.theatre-access.co.uk,  www.seetickets.com, or 0870 895 5505 or e-mail customer.relations@seetickets.com.  Artsline 020 7388 2227, email artsline@dicon.co.uk.

Food: a café plus confectionery and Ice cream. 5 bars: Stalls, "Saloon" at Grand Circle level, 1 Upper Circle, 2 balcony.

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.

16 toilets; Stalls 2 gents, 3 ladies, 1 disabled, Grand Circle 2 gents, 2 ladies. Upper Circle 1 gents, 1 ladies. Balcony 2 ladies, 1 gents.

A further ghost, theatremonkey's hero Joe Grimaldi, haunts the stage and kicks lazy and poor actors in the rear end as appropriate. Rumour has it that the spook retired with exhaustion after dealing with a problem during the run of "My Fair Lady" in the early 2000s... but the monkey cannot confirm that...

Plan your tube journey to this station using the button below:
 

An ILLUSTRATED PHOTOGRAPHIC version of this route is available by clicking here.

For mobility impaired audience members, the Society of London Theatre provide a "photo map" - illustrated walking route to this venue from a near landmark and also Waterloo Station (the nearest fully accessible station) on their website www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk, via the theatre's listing page on that site.

On leaving the station, turn right and walk into the large pedestrian plaza that is Covent Garden. If you see a long road with cars in front of you, wrong way.

On entering the plaza space, turn to your left and walk along the collonaded area (cut across if it is not raining!). If you see Tesco Metro Supermarket or a bank, Wrong way.

Keep walking ahead as far as the collonaded area will allow (it forms the outer part of the market Square). Follow it to the right. At the end of the building is Russell Street. Walk along Russell Street, crossing one road, until you reach a street corner with the Fortune Theatre to the left and the Drury Lane theatre ahead of you on the opposite side of the road. 
______________________

A photographic illustrated version of an alternative route from Temple underground station is available by clicking here.

Plan your tube journey to this station using the button below:
 

Walk straight on, crossing Great Queen Street. Continue down Drury Lane. Please cross to the other side of the street and continue, crossing over Broad Court and Martlett Court until you come to a four way crossroads.

Turn to your right at these crossroads. Do not cross any street. Just walk ahead down Russell Street. Cross Crown Court and continue straight on, changing to the other side of the street. 

The end of this street has the Drury Lane Theatre as its corner. Turn to your left at this corner to the Drury Lane Theatre entrance. This is in Catherine Street. and walking downhill, the Duchess Theatre is halfway along on the other side of the road. If you come to Covent Garden pedestrian piazza, wrong way.