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EARLS COURT 1

Tickets for sold out events, notably concerts, are often offered for sale on online auction / marketplace sites. While sellers may well be legitimate, and abiding by the trading site's purchase codes, you have no way of telling who they are. Inadvertently you could be buying from a tout / scalper. Prices are also very high. "Let the buyer beware" is the motto here. Theatremonkey does not endorse buying from these sources. It does not sell tickets, and does not participate in any form of online auction. Links from auctions to this website are not made by theatremonkey and theatremonkey.com DOES NOT take responsibility for the legitimacy of the seller or tickets being offered. Please do however use the data on this site to make up your own mind about each deal.

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Performance Schedule:

The monkey advises checking performance times on your tickets and that performances are happening as scheduled, before travelling. Varies by event, see www.eco.co.uk for details.

Ticket Prices:

Varies by event, see www.eco.co.uk for details.

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Box Office Information:

Tickets offered differ between outlets. Outlets also may offer different seats via their phone and online systems. Offers may be available click here.

Venue Box Office: Telephone: 0870 903 9033 Operated by See Tickets on behalf of the venue. Booking fees per ticket for telephone bookings: Varies by event, usually between £1 and £10 per ticket. For personal callers or by post: Earls Court, Warwick Road, London SW5 9SY Tickets may not be sold for all events by post or to personal callers, and booking fees may be charged as by telephone / online. Special Access Needs Customers: Wheelchair users and other registered disabled theatregoers can book their seats on 0871 871 9809 and enquire about concessionary prices that may be available to them. This number connects to the venue. To confirm specific access needs details, call the venue on 020 7370 8078. See Notes. www.eco.co.uk is the official venue website. Tickets for sold out events, notably concerts, are often offered for sale on online auction / marketplace sites. While sellers may well be legitimate, and abiding by the trading site's purchase codes, you have no way of telling who they are. Inadvertently you could be buying from a tout / scalper. Prices are also very high. "Let the buyer beware" is the motto here. Theatremonkey does not endorse buying from these sources. It does not sell tickets, and does not participate in any form of online auction. Links from auctions to this website are not made by theatremonkey and theatremonkey.com DOES NOT take responsibility for the legitimacy of the seller or tickets being offered. Please do however use the data on this site to make up your own mind about each deal.

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Performance Times

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Venue Seat Opinions:

Please remember that cheaper seats often do not offer the same view / location quality as top price ones, and that ticket prices are designed to reflect this difference. The auditorium has no fixed seating at stalls or balcony level. Only the Gallery has permanent seats. The result is that block numbers change with mind-blowing regularity. Monkey plans do their best to keep up, but bear with it when it misses!  The following information applies to the seating plans given, and if the block labels change, the general advice on seating position will remain accurate as there is only so much floor space available! The arena has either: A: a stage at one end (mostly this is when staging pop concerts),  with seats in the central arena in front of it, and extra grandstands sideways along the length of the arena and across the back.  Further seats are sited along the sides and back of the arena in a balcony and gallery above the side and rear ground floor grandstands.  B: a central arena space with grandstands sideways along the length of the arena and across the end.  Further seats are sited along the sides and end of the arena in a balcony and gallery above the side and rear ground floor grandstands.  Theatremonkey describes both possibilities below. Details for arrangement A appear in BLACK type, Details for arrangement B appear in BLUE type. Also, depending on how popular the event is, the venue usually uses one of two plans in the downstairs Arena area. Check with the website booking system or box office for the one in use - it has been known for a new one to be invented for a single event - no wonder the monkey has a hard time to keep up! The two most common seating plans used when the stage is at one end are discussed below, referred to as Layout 1 and Layout 2. Clear as mud? Great! Here we go!

Seating Plan Diagram

Central Arena

Side Arena

Rear Arena

Balcony

Gallery

Notes

CENTRAL ARENA LAYOUT 1  Block AA first twelve rows are the best in the venue, Blocks BB, CC and DD are flat on the ground and worth avoiding. A sound desk can go in front of block DD 2 as well - another problem, though prices allow for this. Block EE at the back of the arena floor is often raised sufficient to make the first row worth taking. Although far from the stage, the view is clear and over the heads of the rest of the audience. Consider these over seats in front. LAYOUT 2 Block AA first twelve rows are again the best in the venue, then avoid what is behind and pick the side grandstand seats in block 2 or 15. When the "Central Arena" space is used for performances, there are no seats in the central arena area. Legroom: Adequate in all seats. Dancing in the aisles is not permitted at concerts, but there is a little space in each row with the seats up! Choosing seats in general: Blocks BB, CC and DD are flat on the ground and worth avoiding. Blocks CC and DD are often actually blocks CC and DD re-named for the occasion! SIDE ARENA LAYOUT 1 Rows D to K are the prime seats in these blocks as they are high enough to see over the crowd in the central arena. Next take row L. Then row C, M, N, O, A in that order. Row P back cannot see the top of the stage due to the overhang of the balcony above. LAYOUT 2 Rows D to K are the prime seats in these blocks as they are high enough to see over the crowd in the central arena. Next take row L. Then row C, M, N, O, A in that order. Row P back cannot see the top of the stage due to the overhang of the balcony above. When the "Central Arena" space is used for performances Layout 2 block seating usually applies. Legroom: Legroom is adequate in all seats. Dancing not permitted at concerts, as the stands vibrate (both layouts). When "Central Arena" space is used for performances Layout 2 block seating usually applies and legroom is adequate in all seats, best in row L. Choosing seats in general: Layout 1 Blocks 1, 2, 18 and 19 are closest to the stage. The viewing angle prevents seeing the nearest back corner of the stage, but rows A to P (rows D to K being the best) in these blocks are better than any seats other than the first twelve rows of block AA. 1 and 19 are at the sides of the stage when extended out too (as most concerts are now). The monkey still likes them for being close to the stage, and the restricted view seats at the very ends of the row are worth thinking about if the discount is big enough too. Blocks 3, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16 and 17 are halfway down the arena, offering a fair view, again, any row is preferable to almost all central arena seats. Take rows D to K in these blocks first, then A to C, then L back in alphabetical order. Blocks 7 and 13 are near the back of the arena. Take these after the first row of block EE. Again, take rows D to K in these blocks first, then A to C, then L back in alphabetical order. Blocks 8 and 12 are in the far corners of the venue. Take anything in block EE before these, and consider blocks 9, 10 and 11 for a central, if more distant view. Take rows D to K in these blocks first, then A to C, then L back in alphabetical order. Be aware that you will be looking along the arena to the stage sideways, so if anyone leans forward in your row the view may be blocked. Layout 2 Blocks 2 and 15 are closest to the stage. The viewing angle prevents seeing the nearest back corner of the stage, but rows A to P (rows D to K being the best) in these blocks are better than any seats other than the first twelve rows of block AA, . Blocks 3, 4, 12, and 14 are halfway down the arena, offering a fair view, again, any row is preferable to almost all central arena seats. Choose blocks 3 and 14 first, then blocks 4 and 12.Take rows D to K within all blocks first, then A to C, then L back in alphabetical order. Blocks 5 and 11 are in the far corners of the venue. Take anything in block EE before these, and also consider blocks 7, 8 and 9 for a more central, if more distant, view. Take rows D to K in these blocks first, then A to C, then L back in alphabetical order. Be aware that you will be looking along the arena to the stage sideways, so if anyone leans forward in your row the view may be blocked. When "Central Arena" space is used for performances Layout 2 block seating usually applies and the following advice is given re choosing seats: Rows D to K are the prime seats in all blocks. Next take row L. Then row P back, in alphabetical order, noting that these seats cannot see to the roof or the arena due to the balcony above. This is important if there is (as at the late and much mourned Royal Tournament) any airborne display. Check with the box-office before buying. Blocks 2 and 15 are closest to the ends of the arena. The viewing angle is just adequate and the prices often make these seats good value. For an opera event where staging is geared towards the sides and end of the arena take blocks 3, 4, 12 and 14 before 5 and 11. Blocks 5 and 11 are near the end of the arena. Take these after blocks 2 and 15 choosing rows in the order outlined. The only exception is for opera, where 5 and 11 will offer a better view than 2 and 15 due to staging being geared towards the central area of the floor. Reader comments: “Block 13, Row Y, Seats 33 to 34: We found our seats and sat down and the views were okay (bearing in mind everyone was seated at the time). Anyway, the lights go down and bingo, everyone stands up! I'm only 5ft tall, so for the first song I stand on my seat, but promptly get asked to stand down by the bloke behind. For the rest of the show it's a case of sitting on the chair, which probably was no better, crouching on the chair or just getting on with it and enjoying the music. When I managed to see, it looked pretty good. Theatremonkey was right, though - glad I didn't buy two tickets further down as I probably would have been in the same situation, but just a bit closer." "Block 19: The seats were brilliant. I was very close to the stage in row E and had noone in front of me as the first four rows were not sold - maybe because the view wasn't as good for this particular concert. Seat numbers 1-12 in every row were also not sold as you could not see from these seats."   When the "Central Arena" space is used for performances: Layout 2 block seating usually applies. Rows D to K are the prime seats in all blocks. Next take row L. Then row P back, in alphabetical order, noting that these seats cannot see to the roof or the arena due to the balcony above. This is important if there is (as at the late and much mourned Royal Tournament) any airborne display. Check with the box-office before buying. Blocks 2 and 15 are closest to the ends of the arena. The viewing angle is just adequate and the prices often make these seats good value.  For an opera event where staging is geared towards the sides and end of the arena take blocks 3, 4, 12 and 14 before 5 and 11. Blocks 5 and 11 are near the end of the arena. Take these after blocks 2 and 15 choosing rows in the order outlined. The only exception is for opera, where 5 and 11 will offer a better view than 2 and 15 due to staging being geared towards the central area of the floor. Legroom is adequate in all seats, best in row L.  REAR ARENA LAYOUT 1 Blocks 9, 10 and 11 at the back of the arena offer raked seating and a central if distant view. LAYOUT 2 Blocks 7, 8 and 9 at the back of the arena offer raked seating and a central if distant view. When the "Central Arena" space is used for performances: Blocks 7, 8 and 9 at the back of the arena offer raked seating and a central view. Choosing seats in general: Block EE blights the view of the first six rows in these blocks, so choose seats at least seven rows back to avoid the problem. The distant view of the stage is compensated for by the fact you can see over the heads of those in front. Choose block 10 as it is the most central first, then blocks 9 or 11. These blocks are worth choosing before blocks 8 and 12 if you prefer a distant but more central view. Layout 2 Since most rows are are raised above block DD the distant view of the stage is compensated for by the fact you can see over the heads of those in front. Pick seats at least five rows back to maximise the effect. Choose block 8 as it is the most central first, then blocks 7 or 9. These blocks are worth choosing before blocks 5 and 11 if you prefer a distant but more central view. When the "Central Arena" space is used for performances Blocks 7, 8 and 9 at the back of the arena offer raked seating and a central view. Theatremonkey prefers these to the side blocks unless it is for an opera event where staging is geared towards the sides and end of the arena. Take the rows in the order D to K, then row L back, in alphabetical order, noting that these seats cannot see to the roof or the arena due to the balcony above. This is important if there is (as at the late and much mourned Royal Tournament) any airborne display. Check with the box-office before buying. Legroom: Legroom is adequate in all seats. Dancing in the aisles is not permitted at concerts, as the stands vibrate. This was the infamous stand that collapsed a few years ago. Theatremonkey still sits here though as it feels after the event the design must have improved (both layouts) When the "Central Arena" space is used for performances: Blocks 7, 8 and 9 at the back of the arena offer raked seating and a central view.  Theatremonkey prefers these to the side blocks unless it is for an opera event where staging is geared towards the sides and end of the arena.  Take the rows in the order D to K, then row L back, in alphabetical order, noting that these seats cannot see to the roof or the arena due to the balcony above. This is important if there is (as at the late and much mourned Royal Tournament) any airborne display. Check with the box-office before buying. Legroom is adequate in all seats.  This was the infamous stand that collapsed a few years ago. Theatremonkey still sits here though as it feels after the event the design must have improved... BALCONY This is the lower tier of the upstairs seating area at this venue, with portable seats. The upper tier, rising directly behind, is called the Gallery. With fixed seats, it is discussed later in this section. NOTE: SEATS IN THE BALCONY ARE WOODEN AND UNPADDED. THEATREMONKEY ADVISES BRINGING A THICK CUSHION. CUSHIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO RENT ON ARRIVAL, BUT ARE EXPENSIVE AND FAIRLY SMALL, THIN EFFORTS. Legroom: Legroom is cramped in all rows except A and E. Choosing seats in general: All blocks have double rows of metal bars in front as well as a gangway. The view is not badly affected but Theatremonkey advises row D back in all blocks before choosing C then B then A in that order. Blocks 20 and 29 are closest to the stage, then 21 and 28. All offer a good view, preferable to the centre arena below. Blocks 22 and 27 offer a fair view. Blocks 23 and 26 are at an angle to the stage with a fair view, worth taking before blocks 24 and 25 which are facing the stage but further from it. When the "Central Arena" space is used for performances: All blocks have double rows of metal bars in front as well as a gangway. The view is not badly affected but theatremonkey advises row D back in all blocks before choosing C then B then A in that order. Blocks 23 and 26, at an angle to the arena, offer the best view and value in this monkey's opinion for arena events except Opera. Then choose blocks 21 and 23 for a central sideways view, or 24 and 25 for a view down the length of the venue. Personal choice here. Theatremonkey prefers 24 and 25 to see both sides of the show! Then choose blocks 22 and 27 over 20 and 29 for a better overall view of arena events. For an opera event where staging is geared towards the sides and end of the arena, take blocks 21 and 23 first, or 20 and 29 as a cheaper option. Then 23 and 26, 27 and 22 then 24 and 25. Note that most of these seats feel far from the action though, and value for money may not be great compared to the ticket price. Reader comments: “Row A: I was worried about the view in Block 29 Row A (designated "Very Restricted View" on my ticket) but I'm pretty certain they were the best seats in the house. The bars were nowhere near being in the way, the angle of view was awesome etc etc. I can't imagine those bars getting in the way for the vast majority of the blocks especially those at the side of the arena." “Row A, Block 29: Severely Restricted" seats where not only not restricted, they also offered an absolutely fantastic view!" “Rows A and B: The only seats really affected by the "restricted view" are seat 9 in rows A and B (Block 29, seat numbering in 20 is reversed). All seats 1 to 6 in any row aren't affected at all and look directly down onto the stage (assuming end stage). Seat numbers higher than 9 aren't really affected by the stair rails at all and 9 isn't affected higher up than row B. Having said all that I would still take 29/B/9 as just leaning forward (or for the most part of this gig standing up dancing changes the viewpoint significantly to make it a great seat. (The monkey would add that it does depend on the way the performances is staged, on personal height and personal preference too - so do be aware that this MAY NOT be applicable to all occasions. Generally, though, it has found readers to be quietly pleased on most occasions. The view is through stairway railings, vertical bars like a gaol cell...). When the "Central Arena" space is used for performances: All blocks have double rows of metal bars in front as well as a gangway. The view is not badly affected but theatremonkey advises row D back in all blocks before choosing C then B then A in that order. Blocks 23 and 26, at an angle to the arena, offer the best view and value in this monkey's opinion for arena events except Opera. Then choose blocks 21 and 23 for a central sideways view, or 24 and 25 for a view down the length of the venue. Personal choice here. Theatremonkey prefers 24 and 25 to see both sides of the show!  Then choose blocks 22 and 27 over 20 and 29 for a better overall view of arena events. For an opera event where staging is geared towards the sides and end of the arena, take blocks 21 and 23 first, or 20 and 29 as a cheaper option. Then 23 and 26, 27 and 22 then 24 and 25. Note that most of these seats feel far from the action though, and value for money may not be great compared to the ticket price. Legroom is cramped in all rows except A and E. GALLERY This is the upper tier of the upstairs seating area at this venue, with fixed seats. It is high and steep, not suitable for those who dislike heights. Legroom: Cramped in all seats, best in the unreserved block row A. Choosing seats in general: (applies also when the "Central Arena" space is used for performances) Rows A to C in all blocks are equal to rows in the Balcony in front. Rows from D back feel far away from the stage, and the view from row H back may induce vertigo. Metal posts at the ends of all rows affect the view slightly. From row D back supporting pillars may affect the view from many side block seats unless the event takes place in the centre of the arena. These seats are often unreserved so arrive early. If they are being sold with designated numbering, avoid or choose very carefully and question the box office closely. Blocks 43, 44, 45 and 46 face down the arena and do not suffer the same pillar problem. Blocks 43 and 46 are at an angle to the sides, 44 and 45 face straight down the arena. 44 and 45 feel slightly closer for some reason and offer a better view in this monkey's opinion. When the "Central Arena" space is used for performances: Rows A to C in all blocks are equal to rows in the Balcony in front. Rows from D back feel far away from the stage, and the view from row H back may induce vertigo. Metal posts at the ends of all rows affect the view slightly. From row D back supporting pillars may affect the view from many side block seats unless the event takes place in the centre of the arena. These seats are often unreserved so arrive early. If they are being sold with designated numbering, avoid or choose very carefully and question the box office closely.  Blocks 43, 44, 45 and 46 face down the arena and do not suffer the same pillar problem. Blocks 43 and 46 are at an angle to the sides, 44 and 45 face straight down the arena. 44 and 45 feel slightly closer for some reason and offer a better view in this monkey's opinion. Reader comments: “Row A, Block 40: The seats have a cushion for your backside but not for your back so you don't really want to lay back on the chairs - but most people stood the whole way through it anyway, so that wasn't a problem! I also noticed that there are many stairs to climb before you get to your seats. You also have to walk down stairs once you are in your seating area and these are very steep. It is also a longer walk to your seats if you sit in blocks 40 or 49. I would say these are the best seats to choose, though, for being closest to the stage. Out of the 4th level gallery tier seats I would choose one of these blocks before any others, and row A is the best row to sit in as there is plenty of room. If the seats are more expensive in the 3rd level balcony tier, and the seats you have are in the last row of these blocks, then I would choose to sit in a 4th level gallery tier block row A if they are cheaper. I know that for the concert I went to, the row in front of us paid more, so we were all quite fortunate to get about the same view for less money". “4th level tier: If there is a wall / pillar obstructing your view in the 4th level gallery tier seats, they made sure they put you were you can see without having a obstructing view, which is good. This means that only half of every block is actually sold for ticketed performances"     Notes Seating capacity varies widely depending on the performance being staged. Earls Court now claims between 16,000 and 19,000 seats can be made available; with between 11,000 and 17,500 being the "average" capacity. Not air conditioned. Seating in the balconies and the stalls under the balcony overhang, get very hot as heat rises and is trapped. Take layered clothing to events. No hearing loop and only a few events are signed. Guide dog sitter available. Wheelchair access is good with lifts as appropriate. Places in the first balcony - quality of view varies by event. Adapted toilets. Fuller details are available by calling the box office. 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. Do not bring a camera or recording equipment to the show. It will be confiscated at the door. You could well be searched and 'frisked' too. If they find concealed equipment by doing this, your ticket will be cancelled. The whole risk is pointless anyway as, even with a flash, pictures will often barely come out. Since a concert programme is often the price of a disposable camera, monkey advice is to buy the programme. Choice of restaurants, bars and snack food stands. Toilets at all levels. EC&O Venues are also committed to the environment. Their 2011 Sustainability Report reported that one the results (of the many initiatives implemented) was recycling enough carpet to make 1,852,500 cups of tea. By working with their service partner OVS (Opex Venue Services), the recycling of 402,322m2 of carpet into pellets for the plastics industry saved 585 tonnes of CO2 emissions and around 312 tonnes of crude oil. As well as a lot of cups of tea, this equates to the same amount of energy to drive a family sized car for around 39 years. This continues EC&O Venues pioneering approach to green issues over the last six years that has seen such milestones as them being the first venues to be certified to BS 8901 (British Standard on Sustainable Event Management System); build dedicated recycling centres at both Earls and Olympia and reduce total waste removed from the venues by 27%, or the equivalent weight of 146 double-decker buses. The latest development is the Refuse Derived Fuel system that, through a process of sorting and processing, turns waste into fuel that is then used for cement manufacture and commercial incineration processes. As a result, 82% of waste is now recycled. EC&O Venues’ commitment to sustainability continues, getting the venues ready to be certified to the new International Standard for event sustainability – ISO2021”

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Getting to this Venue

Find this theatre on a Street Map

Nearest Underground Station

Buses

Car Park

Nearest Underground Station: Earls Court - District Line (green) and Piccadilly Line (dark blue)    From the Piccadilly Line platforms follow the signs to a long tunnel leading directly into the centre foyer. If this tunnel is closed, or from the District Line platforms, exit the station and cross the road. The centre is ahead of you. Reader Lauren Hurtley notes that: "If you stay on one further stop to West Brompton you are directly outside the venue when you leave the station. Loads of people always get off at Earls Court tube and have a little walk to make, but West Brompton is literally 10 steps from the edge of the venue and only an extra minute or so on the Tube" Fair point, feels the monkey, whose only comment is that it is worth checking whether the station is open on the day, and also whether Earls Court will allow entrance to your event through the Brompton Road doors at the venue (they sometimes don't, for security reasons, though you can exit that way.)

Buses: 30, 31, 74 stop outside.  Traffic near the venue on event days make this option a bad one unless you have three hours to spend wending your way through. The seating capacity of a London bus also cannot cope with the number of users wanting to board. The monkey advises the underground where possible.

Car Park: Seagrave Road. Pre booking is advised as off street parking is limited. Call 0871 871 9809 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm UK time) or book online at www.eco.co.uk.  On leaving the car park turn right and walk uphill to Old Brompton Road. Turn right, cross the bridge and cross the road to Earls Court centre. Remember, you are entering by the Brompton Road doors, exit the centre the same way or face a long walk from the other side of the complex to your car.

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