An Independent Inside Guide to London Theatre and Concert Venues

Seating Plan Diagram

Choir

Seating in all blocks is tiered and consists of benches without arm-rests. The seat parts are padded, but the backrests are simple wood, sloped backwards at about a slight angle. May not be suitable for some with certain back conditions, the monkey felt.

Seats in the centre blocks lose the view nearest part of the stage directly in front and below them. Seats in the side blocks lose the same - around 5% of the view, the monkey estimates, slightly more as you move towards the seats furthest from the front of the platform. A12 and 55, B9 and 55, C10 and 57, D12 and 55 have a safety bar in view too, not a problem - but purists might want to know.

A wheelchair can be accommodated in row B too, with a pretty decent view of the stage, see notes.

Theatremonkey chooses the side blocks of the choir first for feeling just that bit less exposed to public gaze!

In the pre-refurbishment days, a reader also notes that:
"The choir is often an excellent place to sit (after all, how many people can actually tell if their stereo speakers are reversed?) but less so for piano concertos because the lid deflects the sound away from you."

Legroom is adequate for somebody of around 5ft 8 or so, but may be feeling tight for the taller. D11 and 12; 29 and 30, 55 and 56 and B54 all have nothing in front of them except aisles. The double seat spaces might be particularly suited to the larger person if they buy both tickets, feels the monkey.

FRONT STALLS
The Stalls is divided into three sections by aisles. A nice rake of around four inches between all rows except A and B makes for some good sightlines. With the number of rows in this section reduced post-rebuilding, they also feel closer to the stage than before too.

Row B is on the same level as row A, making it worth skipping when priced the same, in the monkey view. Also worth skipping if the concert is being amplified with speakers on the stage are A 5, 6, 38 and 39. The same goes for the same numbered seats in row B for this reason. These seats in rows A and B are also closest to the exit doors.

Rows R to T seats 17 to 27 can be removed for a sound desk - worth avoiding P 17 to 27 if this happens, feels the monkey.

Remember that for orchestral events, the conductor's podium is in front of central seats in row A -  well, what do you expect at a concert! Also, for more visual events the platform can be raised to improve sightlines.

Those gripes over, choose seats 17 to 27 first, then the side section seats nearest the middle aisle to ensure best value and a central view.

The monkey would pick centre row G then F first, then G or F 12 to 16 or 28 to 32, then either E or D or even the rest of G and F then C or A depending on legroom required. Alternatively, move up a price band to take from H to M centre then sides. Pretty much every seat has a good to excellent view, though - the monkey merely suggests things here as thoughts to consider.

Legroom is good in all seats for those up to around 6ft or so. Row A has the most, with nothing in front of it except the platform.

SIDE STALLS
Formerly known as the "Annex."
Four long rows to the side and slightly above the front stalls, extending from row T to the start of the choir area a few metres beyond the edge of the platform. Rows W to Y are tiered from a level floor at the height of rear stalls row AA. Row Z is behind the other three rows, slightly elevated and requiring stairs to access it from row AA level.

Rows W and Z have wide wooden safety rails in front of them, slightly intruding into the view of seats closest to the stage.

Row W seats 1 to 4 and 30 to 33 are single seats placed one behind the other, facing the stage at an angle. Row W seats 5 to 17 and 34 to 46 and row X 11 to 17 and 40 to 46 are all angled to face the stage, with X on a raised plinth.

Row Y 19 to 27 and 47 to 56 is also raised above row X, but seats in this row, as well as the same numbered seating in W and X simply face the platform sideways on with no angle to them. This section of seating lose around a tenth of the view of the platform area nearest to them due to the angle of the seating and safety rails.

Row Z is in its own section behind the other three rows. All seats here face the stage, and the pillars in this row do not affect the view from any seat that the monkey noticed. This row is set back a little way, though, and the seats nearest the stage from around 21 to 27 and 50 to 56 lose up to a quarter of the platform from view.

For symphonic concerts of course any loss of view is not important to most, but for more visual events the monkey would probably skip the seats closest to the stage.

Wheelchair spaces can replace W seats 1 to 4 and 30 to 33. These provide an OK view, but chair users should take the places in rear stalls row AA first, in the monkey view, see notes.

Legroom is just adequate in most seats for all but the tallest over 5ft 10 or so. The exception is in row W seats 19 to 27 and 47 to 56 and Z 16 to 27 and 45 to 56. Here the architecture means legroom diminishes as you get further along the row towards the stage. The final seats in this row have significantly less - probably uncomfortable for those above 5ft 7 or so in the monkey view.

REAR STALLS
Formerly known as the "Terrace."

This is steeply raked area rising from an aisle behind the front stalls to the rear of the auditorium. The Balcony overhangs these seats at row DD but doesn't affect the view of the top of the performing area.

Seating is split into middle and two side blocks by aisles. Row AA is split from the main section of seating by a wall and rail between it and row BB. It sits on the wide aisle that divides the stalls from the rear stalls.

Seating in rows BB to XX is not "offset" - seats are directly behind each other, but the steep rake should mean few viewing problems over those ahead, feels the monkey. Rows SS back may feel a little further from the stage for visual performances - though the view should improve if the stage is raised - but for classical concerts this won't worry anyone, the monkey feels.

For visual performances where sightlines are important (not orchestral concerts usually) the monkey felt that row BB's rail could be an issue for shorter people. Further, again for visual performances only when the stage might be framed by an arch at the sides, are that seats 1 to 4 and 48 to 51 in rows BB to XX may not have quite as good a view, being to the sides of the auditorium and outside the line of the sides of the stage area.

The side sections of row AA are mostly used to provide the best wheelchair viewing places - chair users should enjoy these, the monkey feels, see notes. They are also closest to the exit doors. Central section seats 15 to 25 in this row may have a problem with visual events as a sound desk could be in front of them, as could safety rails ahead of them, right behind front stalls row T. These bars are high and intrude noticeably into the view. Row BB 21 to 31 may also be worth skipping in this event.

Further wheelchair places are available in row XX in the centre block. The monkey would take row AA places, then side stalls and box places before these, just for proximity to the stage - though anyone sat here will enjoy at least a fair view, see notes.

Also in the rear stalls are small standing areas offering a fair view of the stage.

With all seats at the same price, the monkey would pick row FF 15 to 37 first, then work backwards to row LL taking either 15 to 37 or side block 7 to 14 or 38 to 45 for preference. The rest of these seats are at least fair value, the monkey felt.

Legroom is good in all seats for those up to around 6ft tall, felt the monkey, with the exception of row BB which has a little less. Row AA has most legroom as the wide aisle has nothing in front of any seat.

BALCONY
Formerly known as the "Grand Tier."

This is split into front and rear sections by a broad aisle between rows B and C.

Forward of the aisle, in the front section, rows A and B are split by walls into sections like boxes containing sixteen seats arranged (mostly) in blocks of eight. Seats 2 to 4 and 45 to 47 suffer the boxes intruding into the view slightly, the monkey noted - which might be a bother for events more visual than a simple orchestral recital. B 4 and 49 are closest for a quick exit.

Similarly, the view from seats 4, 5, 12, 13, 20, 21, 28, 29, 36, 37, 44 and 45 are also affected by high safety bars at the ends of the aisles.

Moving back to the rear section behind the broad aisle, rows C to N are split into five sections by aisles. Aisle seats in row N (except 4 and 49) are closest to doors for a quick exit. Claustrophobics might want to avoid rows F to N seats 4 and 49 as there is no aisle beside them. A safety rail in front of row C may block the view for some shorter visitors.

The aisle bars in front of row A may also affect the view from some seats in rows C to F (the monkey noted it does in 20,21, 32 and 33, but suspects more) at some performances when the stage height is low. If raised (for visual events rather than simple orchestral concerts) this situation should be alleviated, especially with the stage at maximum 7ft height, but the monkey couldn't test that at this stage and would welcome reader feedback contact us.

Rows C to E seats 1 to 3 and 50 to 51 are to the sides of the hall and the monkey feels them worth missing for visual events where a central view is preferable.

Regular Festival Hall user Alan Marshall also notes that before refurbishment:
"We go to the Festival Hall fairly regularly and go for seats in the Grand Tier / Balcony (rows A and B). Safety bars do obscure the view in some seats - try to avoid aisle seats. It is true that the tickets are sometimes marked to show a "restricted view" but prices are not reduced on these seats." 

Invaluable advice, thinks the monkey, who feels it still applies to a great extent.

The view from all seats can be distant for visual performances, but the sound is adequate for orchestral ones. The monkey would probably pick the non-restricted view seats in row A first, avoid row B and C, then go for seats as near the front and central as possible, avoiding the rail intrusions if the event is a visual one. For orchestral ones it would just pick seats near the front.

Legroom is just acceptable in all seats except row B where it is noticeably far less, and C where it is tending to tight too. Row A perhaps has an inch or so more as well.  Before rebuilding, some one reader feels that the stalls are far superior - noting that the seats appear wider downstairs, and have far more space to stretch in. The monkey agrees and urges the taller to take front or rear stalls first if comfort is a priority.

BOXES
Arranged on four levels in the walls beside the front stalls area and above the side stalls to just beyond the front of the platform. A rail runs around the front of each box. Each box contains 4 movable red chairs (up to 16 in the Goodman box only), and all except the Goodman box are angled towards the stage. A good sideways views of the stage is possible from them all, though the shortest might find the rail at the front of the box a slight issue.

Boxes 3 and 31 can take a wheelchair, and are worth taking once row AA places have gone, in the monkey view, see notes.

Legroom in all boxes is good.

Notes
Total 2788 seats.

Air conditioned auditorium. this is underneath the seating, so don't place coats there if possible.

Infrared headsets and loop available, guide dogs welcome. All documents available in large print. Wheelchair access available to all levels via ramps and lifts to decent seats in auditorium. Wheelchair places are in boxes 3 and 31, choir row B, side stalls row W and rear stalls rows AA and XX. Adapted toilets are available on ground and first floor levels within the main toilets. Dedicated help is available on 0871 663 2587, and an "access list" can also be joined on this number, which helps members gain concession priced tickets for visits.

Toilets on levels 2 to 6; level 2: 2 ladies 6 cubicles and 5 cubicles respectively, 2 gents 4 cubicles / 3 cubicles. Level 3: 2 ladies 8 cubicles / 6 cubicles, 2 gents 3 cubicles in each. Level 4: 1 ladies 3 cubicles, 1 gents 2 cubicles. Level 5: ladies total 10 cubicles, gents total 9 cubicles, 1 disabled cubicle in each. Level 6: ladies total 5 cubicles, gents total 5 cubicles, 1 disabled cubicle. 3 ladies, 3 gents and 3 unisex facilities are also available by the roof pavilions on level 6. Small toilets for children are available on the "Spirit Level" of the Hall, and baby changing facilities are also available here, on level 2 and within the Southbank Centre Square lobby near the glass lift. Some restaurants on the site also offer baby changing facilities too.

Cafés, Restaurants, Art Galleries and open foyer performance spaces are offered in this complex.

First, use the button below to plan your route to Waterloo Station:

Then, once arrived...

A PHOTOGRAPH ILLUSTRATED VERSION of this walking route is available by clicking here.

This station has multiple exits, not clearly marked, so be careful! The best route is as follows:

Follow the exit signs marked "South Bank" and / or "Shell Exit" and / or "York Road Exit" from the platform to the surface. All lead to the same place! Leave the station and you will be on York Road.

Turn to your left, and walk past the Lloyds / TSB Bank. Ahead to your left is a huge silver steel rectangle. No, the monkey does not know what it is either. To the left of it, and behind, is a pedestrian passageway called "Sutton Walk"; which goes under a bridge. Take it, at the end is a fountain ahead of you. 

You are now on "Concert Road Approach". Turn to your left. The Royal Festival Hall is ahead of you. Walk towards it. Go to the right hand side of it.

You are now in an area of grey concrete. The Festival Hall is to your right, a mass of balconies with open space below them to your left. On one of the balconies, words spell out the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room.

Walk up the centre of this area. You can either turn to your left and use the side entrance doors to the hall - about a third of the way along the street, or walk to the end of the area and turn left. The main Festival Hall entrances are to the left of you!

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If you have the misfortune to leave the station by the "Waterloo Road" exit, fear not. You can either walk through Waterloo mainline station, leaving by the York Road exit OR use the route below - BE AWARE OF YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY if you do, though.

On leaving the glass doors, turn left. Walk to the corner, and turn left into "Mepham Street". Walk all the way to the end of it, avoiding the temptation to go under any bridges.

At the end of the street is York Road. Cross it. Ahead of you, to the left, is "Sutton Walk", the pedestrian road under the bridge. Take it.

At the end is a fountain ahead of you. You are now on "Concert Road Approach". Turn to your left. The Royal Festival Hall is ahead of you. Walk towards it. Go to the right hand side of it.

You are now in an area of grey concrete. The Festival Hall is to your right, a mass of balconies with open space below them to your left. On one of the balconies, words spell out the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room.

Walk up the centre of this area. You can either turn to your left and use the side entrance doors to the hall - about a third of the way along the street, or walk to the end of the area and turn left. The main Festival Hall entrances are to the left of you!

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Another visitor suggest this route: Take the tube to the Embankment station and walk across the Hungerford  footbridge to the south bank, then walk to the Festival Hall complex. 

Noted are the "Gorgeous views both up and down river on a good day or evening.". The monkey endorses this comment, especially at twilight!

Get off on the Bridge and look for the triangular neon sculpture on the roof of the Hayward Gallery, and the glass front of the Festival Hall. Take the stairs on this side of the bridge down to the ground. A safe crossing of this bridge can be made by taking the stairs down to first level and walking under it on a walkway linking the staircases either side of the bridge.

On the correct side staircase, leave it, turn to your left and walk along the river front to the Festival Hall on your right past the ugly underground wasted space (used as a skate park by children).

Remember to get your ticket validated at the venue box office for a discounted parking rate in these car parks.