CHOIR
Layout:
Behind and above the
stage, facing the rest of the auditorium.
These are sold for performances where the whole stage is not required -
they can be removed when it is.
Seats in the centre block face the rest of the auditorium, those in the
side blocks just face the stage from either side of the platform
performing area.
Seating in all blocks is tiered.
All choir seating is above the platform area at the same level as the
side stalls.
Legroom:
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.
Choosing Seats in General:
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, with a pretty decent view of
the stage.
Theatremonkey chooses the side blocks of the choir first for feeling
just that bit less exposed to public gaze! All seats are pretty good
value, though, as they are normally very well priced.
General Hazard Notes:
Seating is on benches
without arm-rests.
Seat parts of each bench 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.
Action happening directly in front and below seats will be missed.
Aisle end seats have safety rails in front.
Some may feel quite “exposed” sitting facing the rest of the audience.
Changes for the current production:
None.
Reader Comments:
“Choir: 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. (This comment was made
pre-refurbishment, but little has changed, editor).
FRONT STALLS
Layout:
The Stalls is divided into
three sections by aisles.
There is a stepped rake of around four inches between
all rows except A and B.
Legroom:
Good in all seats for
those up to around 6ft or so.
Row A has the most legroom, with nothing in front of it
except the platform.
Choosing Seats in General:
Seats feel close to the
stage.
For orchestral events, the conductor's podium is in
front of central seats in row A - well, what do you expect at a concert!
For some more visual events the platform can be raised to improve
sightlines.
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
also happen to be closest to the exit doors.
Row B is on the same level as row A, making it worth
skipping when priced the same, in the monkey view.
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.
Be aware of a sound desk behind centre row P.
General Hazard Notes:
Conductors podium and speakers in view from row A and B seats.
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.
Changes for the current production:
None.
Reader Comments:
“G26 and 27: "The Wizard
of Oz" (July 2008). We sat in Row G seats 26 and 27 of the front stalls. It
was actually the 4th row of seats and the sight lines were excellent as you
are level with the stage. The leg room was good also. If I was buying
tickets in the front stalls I would go for row G and back as before that you
have to look up very slightly."
SIDE STALLS
Formerly known as the "Annex."
Layout:
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.
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 raised above row X, but seats in this
row, as well as the same numbered seating in W and X, face the platform
sideways on with no angle to them.
Legroom:
Just adequate in most seats for all but the tallest over 5ft
10 or so.
In row W seats 19 to 27 and 47 to 56 and Z 16 to 27 and 45 to 56,
architecture means that legroom diminishes as you get further along the
row towards the stage.
The final seats in row W have significantly less legroom - probably
uncomfortable for those above 5ft 7 or so in the monkey view.
Choosing Seats in General:
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.
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.
It would always take seats furthest from the stage first, as they have
the best viewing angle.
Single seats W seats 1 to 4 and 30 to 33 are a decent pick if available,
simply for peace as much as view.
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.
Row W 23 to 27 and 52 to 56 are cramped, avoid if tall.
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 – make these a final
choice.
General Hazard Notes:
Rails and seat angles deduct 10% of the stage view from most seats.
Rows W and Z have wide wooden safety rails in front of them, slightly
intruding into the view of seats closest to the stage.
One reader wasn't crazy about the sound at a 2012 concert here.
Changes for the current production:
None.
Reader Comments:
"RR
28 and 29:
Just wanted to let you know that we went to a
Philharmonia concert last night (13th December 2012) and started in RR 28
and 29. These are centre of the auditorium but quite far back. Visuals were
fine with the caveats that have been noted on your site. But the sound was
TERRIBLE. It was very heavily bass and muddy. But coughs from people under
the overhang were louder than the orchestra in even medium sound passages. We moved at the intermission and the second half was like being in
a different concert. And we were on the extreme right of the auditorium in KK. My advice to anyone who cares about sound quality is they should avoid
any of the seats from LL back underneath the overhang from the seats above
you. We have been to any number of concerts in the top level and found the
sound just fine."
REAR STALLS
Formerly known as the "Terrace."
Layout:
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.
Legroom:
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.
Choosing Seats in General:
Central section seats AA 15 to 25 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.
The side sections of row AA are mostly used to provide the best
wheelchair viewing places - chair users should enjoy these, the monkey
feels. They are also closest to the exit doors.
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.
One reader found that they really were not staggered enough, though, and
advised caution if booking here for a visual performance.
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, 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.
At all performances 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.
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.
Extra 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.
Rear stalls standing areas behind row XX offer a fair view of the stage.
General Hazard Notes:
Seating is not “off set” to see between seats in front.
Row AA may have a rail in view.
Central rows AA and BB may have a sound desk in view.
Row BB may have a rail in view for the shortest.
Changes for the current production:
None.
Reader Comments:
"KK 31 and 32:
"The John Wilson Orchestra."
Because, as mentioned on your website, the seats are not staggered - my wife
and I ( I'm almost 6ft ) had great difficulty seeing the singers on the
stage and we noticed that many people around were having the same problem
swinging their heads from side to side straining to obtain a clear viewing
line.
Although the seats are raked they are not raked sufficiently and I would
suggest that potential patrons proceed with caution when considering
purchasing seats in the central rear stall area for any concert involving
soloists or singers who they might actually want to see.
I believe that paying patrons should be warned of the limitations of these
seats before purchasing the same.
I have made this point to the Festival Hall but had a generally unhelpful
response."
BALCONY
Formerly known as the "Grand Tier."
Layout:
This is split into front and rear
sections by a broad aisle between rows B and C.
Rows A and B are split by walls into sections like boxes containing
sixteen seats arranged (mostly) in blocks of eight.
Rows C to N are normal long rows of seats, split into five sections
by aisles.
Legroom:
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 legroom.
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, even after refurbishment,
and urges the taller to take front or rear stalls first if comfort is a
priority.
Choosing Seats in General:
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.
In rows A and B, 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.
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.
A safety rail in front of row C may block the view for some shorter
visitors at all performances.
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.
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.
General Hazard Notes:
Rows A and B 2 to 4 and 45 to 47
have boxes in view. Seats 4, 5, 12, 13, 20, 21, 28, 29, 36, 37, 44 and
45, and row C also have a rail in view.
Sightlines decline if a low stage is used (the stage height varies by
event).
Rows F to N seats 4 and 49 have no aisle beside them.
Changes for the current production:
None.
Reader Comments:
"Rows A and B: (Alan Marshall).
[Commenting before the 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).”
BOXES
Layout:
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.
Each box contains 4 movable red chairs (up to 16 in the Goodman box
only).
All except the Goodman box are angled towards the stage.
The Goodman box has a side view with the wall not angled.
Legroom:
Good in all boxes.
Choosing Seats in General:
A rail runs around the front of each box.. 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.
The monkey notes that sightlines alter depending on the height of the
stage for each performance.
A reader feels that the lowest boxes have the best views of the stage.
Boxes 3 and 31 can take a wheelchair, and are worth taking once row AA
places have gone, in the monkey view.
General Hazard Notes:
Rail at the front of each box.
Views are side on to the stage.
Sightlines may be affected by changes in stage height.
Changes for the current production:
None.
Reader Comments:
“Box 8: The rail is quite a nuisance. With the stage at such a steep
angle below, to see over it you have to lean right forward. If you sit back
and relax, the view is through the rails.
For a classical orchestra with no amplification, the sound was still
excellent. But for amplified performances with speakers directed at the main
auditorium I wonder if the sound might not be so good. Also, the seats are
not nearly as comfortable as in the main auditorium.
At the end of the performance we did try the view from the bottom row of
boxes (box 5). There the rails did not get in the way of the view to the
stage. We intend to check this properly at some future concert. The seats
may not be so comfortable, but it’s still quite fun to have your own little
space."
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
0844 875 0073 (select option 2), 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. 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.
Cafés, Restaurants, Art Galleries and open foyer performance
spaces are offered in this complex. A singing glass elevator connects all
levels... yes, it does...
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