STALLS
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row G. The view is unaffected from
all seats, with only the very top of the set not visible from row M back.The stalls are very narrow with the longest row only 29 seats. It is normally worth
avoiding the first and last four seats in rows A to E as their proximity to the
stage and angle at which the row curves in towards the centre makes viewing the
rear corner of the stage hard. If you are handing over good banana money the
least one expects is to see the LOT.
Those in row A and B in particular look up at the stage - some may wish to
avoid neck ache and sit further back. For "Buddy" though,
row A has been reduced to £20, and B to £35, which should ease the pain on the wallet at
least... The monkey would pick seats 5 to 10 first, and notes that usually the
way this show is staged sitting here and looking up may lose a little of the
back / top of the stage at times.
The rake in this theatre begins at row G. If you are paying full price, this
row is prime, then try H and J. Forward of these rows the view is fine, provided
the person in front is short.
Reader Lizzie says of row G:
"We sat in the stalls Row G 4 and 5 and although the seats were a little
cramped, the view was very good."
The view from the back rows is good enough to rate these seats value for your
money too.
Row N seats 1 and 29 are restricted view and are normally removed. Don't
bother if they are there, the saving is not
worthwhile as you can have a decent seat only a little further back for the same
or less money.
Be aware that a sound desk may be placed in the rear stalls replacing rows N
and O 12 to 14. Worth avoiding N and O 11 and M 11 to 14 for purists.
Legroom is best in central row A, average in rows B to F (F 1 and 21 have
more), better in rows G to O.
Centre aisle seats are available in row K back allowing extra comfort along with
a good view.
Wheelchair users cannot easily enter this theatre. See notes.
DRESS CIRCLE
Split into two blocks, front and rear by an aisle and wall across the front
of row D.
The view from all seats in rows A to C is fine, legroom is poor though, worst
in row A.
The views in the rear block are unobstructed. Row H1 and 22 are at the side
of the theatre with mostly only the aisle in front of them, these offer the best
legroom in the house, the only trade off is the rather distant view of the
stage.
Judge Theatremonkey normally rules the stalls better
value at top and second price, and the circle fair value for all or any cheaper seats. If
legroom is a factor, take the stalls row O (for less money than Dress
Circle rows A to C...otherwise,
there is little to choose between stalls and circle for view. Stalls are
probably a bit closer, but circle is worth thinking about if the lower prices
attract!
When rows D to F are top price, the monkey feels stalls are preferable
taking into account both the divide and legroom up in the circle.
For "Buddy" it might be tempted to take row A stalls rather than H circle
and save a few pounds, if not neck ache, just for proximity to the stage. That
said, row H isn't that badly priced, the monkey felt.
Legroom is poor throughout the circle, best H1 and 22, worst in rows A and
D. Reader Gavin Welch comments,
"Sat in Dress Circle Row B where view was good, legroom not too bad I thought."
Dress Circle Boxes
Two "boxes" - sort of isolated seats - at the front of the Dress Circle
are sometimes made available. These offer a side view but good legroom. Worth considering
if no stalls are available at the same price, and a little more legroom is
required than the circle can provide.
A further two boxes at the rear of the Dress Circle. The view from both is unobstructed
and the low price reflects the distance from the stage. These seats are worth
considering as an alternative to rear circle tickets since better legroom is offered if
sold at bottom price.
Notes
Total 475 seats.
Air-conditioned auditorium.
Infrared headsets available. Guide dogs can be dog sat. Wheelchair users cannot be carried into the auditorium
any more due to health and safety issues, though the ambulate can be helped and the chair stored in the foyer
cupboard. Another problem is that the disabled toilet door opens INWARDS!
Fuller details at www.theatre-access.co.uk,
www.seetickets.com
or 0870 895 5505 or e-mail customer.relations@rutheatres.com.
Artsline 020 7388 2227, email artsline@dircon.co.uk.
RU Theatres would welcome any ideas on making this auditorium accessible to
wheelchair users. Independent reports have sadly failed to provide a solution,
and the theatre's architecture at the moment has suggested nothing either!
No food except Ice Cream and confectionery.
Two bars, Stalls and foyer (for the Dress Circle drinkers).
5 Toilets in all. Stalls 1 gents 2 cubicles, 1 ladies 4 cubicles, 1 unisex
disabled; Dress Circle 1 gents 1 cubicle, 1 ladies 3 cubicles.
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