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. If row A is cheaper, the monkey would pick
seats 5 to 10 first, and notes that usually the way the show is staged sitting
here and looking up may lose a little of the back / top of the stage at times.
A reader says, for "The Secret of Sherlock Holmes" (August 2010),
"When Row A had been removed - as in this case - Row B was the front row. I was in Row B and it
was quite a neck ache situation, and I am quite happy in the front row
normally."
At "Love Story" (December 2010), Theatremonkey regular seat
connoisseur James says,
"C1 and 2:
Interestingly for this production, being at the end of the row
doesn’t detract from the production or restrict the view. It’s an
intimate show and it was great being so close, although I would have
preferred to perhaps be a row or two further back just to avoid
looking up at the stage as much as I did."
Behind him, another regular reader, Mark, says of the same show,
"B4: Got this on a £10 student offer. Excellent seats for the price I
paid, but go a bit further back and central for top price."
Three rows back, reader Clive opines for "Sign Of The Times" (March
2011),
"E13 to 16: Excellent view of the whole stage and good leg-room.
Fortunately no-one tall in front as there is no rake."
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.
If a show has central rows at "premium" prices then it's your call,
feels the monkey, who probably wouldn't - as there are decent seats
nearby at lower prices. "The Pitmen Painters" (October 2011) has so far
resisted - good news feels the monkey.
In row F, reader Mark says,
"F20: Seat was very good, no complaints at all." He felt the
same about F16 at another show, too.
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."
To which Mark adds,
"G14: Wow! Amazing seat, view was perfect, although seats in the Duchess
aren't exactly the comfiest to sit in, they are a bit hard and not a lot
of padding!"
Another reader says,
"H20 and H21. Masses of legroom and an excellent view."
Beside them, another reader adds,
"Row H18 and 19. Good seats, but I wouldn't want to be any further
back."
Another row back for "The Secret Of Sherlock Holmes" (July 2010)
reader Clive opines,
"J21 to J24: The view was fine although the rake is poor. The seats were
slightly cramped and a little uncomfortable. Leg-room was fairly average
i.e. a little tight for my taste."
In the same row for "Love Story" (December 2010) theatremonkey regular seat connoisseur James says,
"J13 and 14: Luckily we had no-one directly in front of us, as the rake
is quite shallow. For this production I’d prefer to be a little closer
(previously sitting in row C), to see everyone a bit more clearly but
the seats were perfectly fine (especially at a discount) and the sound
is great from here too."
At the same show, and again a row behind, reader Annie Gross says,
"K12 and 13: Excellent seats, the row behind 'premium' and dashing good
value."
In row L a reader comments,
"L18: Thought the seat was great. The Duchess is such a tiny
theatre!"
The view from the back rows is good enough to rate these seats value for your
money too. For musicals the monkey might avoid N
9 and 10, O 9
and M 11 to 14 for being close to a sound desk, though.
Reader Clive comments for "Love Story" (November 2010),
"M9 to 14: A good view and also good legroom. However there was not a
great difference in height between the seats and the row in front. The
sound booth was immediately behind but caused no distractions at all."
"The Pitmen Painters" (October 2011) has row N cheaper than
row O - you get the same view for less one row back, notes the monkey...
Reader Clive says of these for "Krapp's Last Tape" (September 2010),
"N13 and 14: Perfect view with good rake and good legroom. The seats
were comfortable but those of some fellow theatregoers were clearly very
noisy."
In row O for "Love Story" (November 2010) a reader says,
"O15: The back row but still close enough to see well and feel involved.
The Duchess theatre is small and intimate, just right for such a
romantic play/musical. They really do need, however, to fix the seats in
that row as when a rather large young couple sat down in seats O19 and
20 the whole row of seats rocked back three or four inches which was
very disconcerting."
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. Wheelchair users can make use of these spaces. See notes.
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 - one taller person remarks a bit cramped even
there, though.
Centre aisle seats are available in row G (K for musicals) back allowing extra comfort along with
a good view.
DRESS CIRCLE
In November 2010 an extra row was added to the Dress Circle, between rows C and D, so that rows
behind C were all re-labelled and the back row
becomes row J.
The view from all seats in rows A to C is fine, legroom is variable though,
worst in row A.
The views in the rear block are unobstructed. Row J1 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 N or O (for less money than Dress
Circle rows A to D...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!
In row A, reader Clive comments,
"A1 to A4: The view from anywhere in this row is fine but legroom is
tight. With such a narrow stage the side two seats with increased
legroom due to the semi-circle shape may actually be better than the
middle for some theatregoers."
Another reader says,
"A15: I have never had so much leg room in my life! There was over a
foot of space in front of my knees, and I am by no means a midget at
about 5'9 (neither do I have extremely short legs and a
long torso). However, the front of the circle does cut off the
actors from the knee down when they are at the front of the stage.
This didn't matter that much for the production I saw because they were
mostly standing around and having a chat, but if it was something
with dancing or whatever then maybe not so good. But as a trade for
losing feet you do get a really good close up view of the actors."
In row D for "Love Story" (December 2010) the Lordship Theatregoers
report,
"D19 and 20: Although seated at the end of the row in seats 19 and 20
the view of the stage was fine; but theatregoers should be aware that
the seats in this row are not the same as the remainder of the theatre
and the row is still used by the ushers as a gangway (which it
presumably was before the installation of the seats).
Seats in this row are more upright and have very straight across backs
as well as annoying flip-up arms which make them not as comfortable as
the others. Leg room is very good. In future we would choose to sit
elsewhere especially for a 1¾ hour show without an interval."
"The Pitmen Painters" (October 2011) has seats from row E back to G at
second price. The monkey would look at F first, to avoid a dividing
wall.
When rows F and G are second price, the monkey takes into account both the
distance from the stage and legroom between circle and stalls. Taller folk will
be more comfortable downstairs, but upstairs is closer with less chance of a
large head in the way. Your call, it feels. If a show has both D and E
at top price - "The Pitmen Painters" (October 2011) - the monkey would try for seats downstairs first
rather than these.
Row F at second price is also a reasonable bet, though, it feels.
Also, remember that row H may be cheaper than G, for a similar view.
"The Pitmen Painters" (October 2011) has this situation,
- save a few pounds,
perhaps?
For some shows (luckily not "The Pitmen Painters" (October 2011) another issue is
that row J 5 to 18 is more expensive than seats next to it. The monkey
would take the end four seats in the row first, simply on the principle
that these are cheaper for pretty much the same view.
Legroom is variable throughout the circle, best in row D and J1 and 22.
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.
Not often on sale as they are used for technical equipment. Not sold
for "The Pitmen Painters" (October 2011).
Notes
Total 495 seats.
Air-conditioned auditorium.
Infrared headsets available - not effective in the front three rows of the
stalls or in boxes. Guide dogs can be dog sat. Wheelchair users can
get down to the stalls and use spaces at N1 and N29 with the aid of an ATT Stair
Climber. This must be booked in advance as it is not stored at the venue. Also
note that the disabled toilet door opens INWARDS!
Fuller details at www.theatre-access.co.uk,
www.seetickets.com
or 0844 412 4648 or e-mail customer.relations@rutheatres.com.
Artsline 020 7388 2227, email artsline@dircon.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. One reader says (May
2010),
"We had one in our party in a wheelchair, just as well there was only one. It
was fascinating seeing them load him on to a caterpillar track contraption that
very slowly climbed up the stairs on rubber tracks. It would have taken an age
to have dealt with more than one. but the staff were extremely obliging and
helpful."
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. One reader rated
these the best in the West End!
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