Theatremonkey.com

An Independent Inside Guide to London Theatre and Concert Venues

Home Page
Take The Site Tour
Join Our Mailing List
OR SEARCH THE SITE
By Venue Name
By Show Title
For Best Seat Info
For Seating Plans
CHECK OUT THE
Latest Special Offers
Tips, Hints & Features
Top Five Charts
GUEST SERVICES
Theatremonkey Ticketshop
Hotel plus Show Deals
View Show Video Clips
Theatre Dictionary
FAQ's
Contact Us
Links To Other Sites
CD and Gift Shop
TICKETS FOR TODAY
For more, click any title.
Updates constantly on
every performance day.
FUTURE DATE OFFERS
Or click here for more...
If you can't see offers
above, please check your browser is permitting "ActiveX" controls to run.

 

 

 

 


Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

FORTUNE THEATRE

THE WOMAN IN BLACK (thriller)

Two actors relate a story of love and loss, building an atmosphere of terror in the audience. The Woman in Black may or may not be present in the stalls during the performance....

 

Theatremonkey Opinion:

If you have ever read a Stephen King novel, Seen 'Psycho', or visited a fairground 'Haunted House', you may just be psychologically equipped to deal with the first few minutes of this thriller. After those though, you embark on an ever rising learning curve of fear, with dazzling writing and perfect timing from the actors drawing you towards the coldest chill in London theatre.

There is a good reason this play has run so long with little publicity: anyone who stumbles in HAS to go back, this time bringing a friend for moral support. Theatremonkey takes his psychiatrist to be on the safe side. Anyone surviving unscarred can boast about it - precious few. See it.

 

Your Reviews: Add your own by clicking here.
Important: Some reviews below can contain "spoilers" - please don't read if this bothers you!

Latest 5 reviews:
For earlier reviews by contributors, click here
 _____________________

The classic approach to ascertaining whether you will find this thriller scary and moreover entertaining is to ask which you found scarier: "An American Werewolf in London" or "The Blair Witch Project." However, despite being very much in the former group of the two I was terrified in a couple of parts and at one point in the second act yelled out a very manly scream. Anyone who went on 9th November 2006? - That was me.

The fact that there are only two cast members does not detract from the production as the casting was fantastic - both actors' performances were best I have seen on stage for a while. It was not difficult to feel that at least half the audience had seen it before. The tension rises before the scary points and you can cut the atmosphere with a knife but this does not spoil the play as you might expect.

We were in seats B14 / B15 in the dress circle and found the view to be very good although not excellent as you would expect. The metal bars are in actual fact very low and it is only in a couple of points that they affect the view as the action nears the audience. At some points though you are glad to be away from the action - theatre goers with a heart condition should not sit in the aisle seats in the stalls!

A consequence of its 20+ year run is that if you are an avid theatre goer you have probably already seen it. - Twice. If not, book now! If on the other hand you are just starting off then still see it - only determined macho-driven men like me have a chance of not being scarred by this production.

Benjamin
_____________________

Decided to watch this play again after enjoying it so much last year, so attended on 29th August 2007 and sat in seats (Stalls G10 and G11) which offered a good view of the stage.

Have to admit that whilst I enjoyed the performance, I did prefer last years production more.

However, this performance may have been affected by one person messing around with their mobile phone and a couple of others needlessly chattering during the play. Noise like this spoils the atmosphere needed for this play to work.

If you like a play with a few scares then pop down to the Fortune and see this play. Remember to take a friend if you're easily frightened !
____________________

I have to say that my wife and I, after reading various reviews, were looking forward to watching this play.

As it turned out, what a let-down. Apart from the fact that the play barely comes alive only after the interval, there is more scariness in a ghost train ride at a fairground then there is in this production.

We were that bored that we even contemplated leaving at the interval!

David
____________________

Got given tickets for my birthday to go see the show as I'd seen it a few years back and it absolutely terrified me! So I was so chuffed to be able to take my boyfriend to see it this time... and see if it could scare him! It didn't, but he must of been lying.

The only suggestion I have is, and I don't mean to sound like a scrooge, but the theatre should really put a ban on little screaming girls! It ruined it for me and my party, made the play seem really immature.

But anyway, other than that; fantastic show, fantastic acting and fantastic atmosphere.

Leanne
Performance: 2nd February 2008.
____________________

Wow. This is a very powerful play! It was very good, the second Act is extremely scary... Oh-my-god that scream is horrible... and the woman in black is so creepy!

I would still suggest everyone to go and see it. I couldn't sleep with the light off for a few nights, and I just had a nightmare about it last night!! BUT, it is a brilliant play from a drama perspective - will have to go and see it again before my drama exam.
 

 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Performance Schedule:
The monkey advises checking performance times on your tickets and that performances are happening as scheduled, before travelling.

Monday to Saturday at 8 pm
Tuesday at 3 and 8 pm
Saturday at 4 and 8 pm

runs 1 hour 50 minutes approximately

 

Ticket Prices:

Offers May be available - Click Here

View this information in diagram form

Stalls rows A to K: £39, row L: £29
Dress Circle: £39 except rows D to G seats 1 and 2 at £29
Upper Circle rows A to D (except rows B, C and D seats 1 and 2): £23,
rows E to G and rows B, C and D seats 1 and 2: £13.50

Boxes: A and B £39, C and D £23 per seat.

 

 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here


Buying Tickets Through the Venue:

More Ticket Buying Options

Tickets offered differ between outlets. Outlets also may offer different seats via their phone and online systems.
Theatre Box Office:
Telephone: 0870 060 6626
( 020 8544 7424 if you cannot use the 0870 number)
Operated by the Ambassador Theatre group's own phoneroom from 9am until 10pm (Sundays 10am until 8pm). Outside these hours the Ticketmaster agency answer calls on their behalf.

Online: Ambassador Theatre Group, the theatre group's own website provide the service for this theatre.

Other Online Booking Options: click here.
 

Booking fees per transaction for telephone and online bookings:
£2.50 per transaction (not per ticket) fee is made - towards paying the lady, thinks the monkey.

For personal callers or by post: Russell Street, London. WC2B 5HH
No booking fee for personal callers.

Special Access Needs Customers:
Wheelchair users and other registered disabled theatregoers can book their seats on 0844 8717 677 and enquire about concessionary prices that may be available to them. The wheelchair users line connects directly to the theatre chain central phoneroom in London during working hours. See Notes.

.
 

More Ticket Buying Options: Using S.T.A.R. genuine ticket agencies.
Tickets offered differ between outlets. Outlets also may offer different seats via their phone and online systems. Offers May be available - Click Here

Ticketmaster provide another alternative with the same booking fee as via the venue. A £2.50 per transaction booking fee is made, the same as by telephone. If you use this method, be aware that the computer offers tickets at random. If you are unhappy with its choice, keep re-selecting using the "Back" button on your browser, NOT the "reselect button" on the page, until you get tickets you consider worthwhile. Note that the tickets offered may differ between phone and online sources.

When the theatre does not have the tickets you desire available, it is well worth trying the Theatremonkey Ticketshop agency, which offers seats with a £3.90 booking fee per ticket - moderate by agency standards, though higher than box office fees, worth trying as they often have an alternative choice of seats available! Simply select the show from the "drop down" menu in the centre of the page. Note that this system will confirm exact seat numbers prior to purchase.

Another alternative is www.seetickets.com / telephone 0870 830 0200 which offers £39 seats with a £3.90 per ticket booking fee and £1.60 per booking (not per ticket) postal charge.

Encore Tickets offer £39 seats with a £10 booking fee per ticket - plus optional UK postage of £1 per booking, not per ticket, available if time allows. Discounts and "Meal and Show" packages may also be available. Quality and Value hotel / theatre ticket packages are also available.

Other Independent S.T.A.R. ticket agencies may also offer an alternative choice of seats.
 

 
 
Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Theatre 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.

Seating Plan Diagram

Stalls Dress Circle Upper Circle Notes
STALLS 
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row H, it does not affect the view from the stalls in any way.

The stalls are divided into two unequal blocks by an aisle. The main block is in front of the stage. Choose any seat except the first three in each row. Thick pillars, not shown on the house seating plan, are on the ends of rows D and K, in front of seat number 1. The effect on the view is annoying rather than truly restricted from these seats, but why suffer in expensive seats. Seats close to the centre aisle are best for the current production 'The Woman In Black'. Second price seats in this block offer good value.

Row D back in the main block are best, compensating for the high stage.

Reader KJ Hailes notes:
"Stalls Row B seats 11/12. Nice seats and view. Plenty of leg room."

Theatremonkey regular James reports,
"G12 to G14. Legroom is good here and the view is great but I was particularly lucky not to have anyone sitting in front as the rake is not that steep."

Another reader notes,
"I was sat in the Stalls, row G (seat 10) in fact, to watch this play and the view of the stage was very good. Also, there was plenty of leg room in the seats so having to endure aching legs whilst watching the play."

in the same seats, another reader says,
"G10 and G11 offered a good view of the stage."
 

Reader Benjamin comments,
"At some points though you are glad to be away from the action - theatre goers with a heart condition should not sit in the aisle seats in the stalls!"

The last few seats in each row are positioned to the left of the stage in a block that offers a very strange viewing angle. Sitting here makes this monkey feel he is in a different theatre altogether as the actors have to work double hard to include us in the action. Take the centre aisle seat if you like - again, it enhances watching the current production, but avoid the rest of this block, and if you can't then take the farthest back seat you can to compensate for the strange angle.

Legroom is acceptable throughout the stalls - best in part of row B where there are no seats in front.


DRESS CIRCLE 
The Upper Circle overhangs the stalls at row E, it does not affect the view from any seat.

Thick metal bars across the front of the circle affect the view from rows A and B noticeably, and are mildly off-putting from other seats.

Seats are split into two unequal blocks as in the stalls. Here though the aisle cuts the first five numbered seats in the row off from the rest. 

The larger block offers an adequate view from rows C to F, if the bars can be tolerated. Avoiding the last two seats in all rows is advisable for a comfortable viewing angle. Choose the stalls first. F17 is at the disposal of wheelchair users who can transfer. The view is poor but the only option on offer, sadly. See notes.

Reader Benjamin comments,
"We were in seats B14 / B15 in the dress circle and found the view to be very good although not excellent as you would expect. The metal bars are in actual fact very low and it is only in a couple of points that they affect the view as the action nears the audience. At some points though you are glad to be away from the action - theatre goers with a heart condition should not sit in the aisle seats in the stalls!"

The first two seats in rows D to G have also been made cheaper - the monkey would take row L stalls over these at the same price for comfort and view.

Legroom is barely tolerable in all seats, worst in row A. Row B 1,11 and row G 6 have no seats in front of them and offer better legroom then the rest.

 

Dress Circle Boxes
Both offer a clear but side-on viewing angle to the stage and are fair value. One reader notes the speakers housed here make them noisy!

A reader feels,
"though views to the sides were limited we had a much better view, much closer to the stage, and plenty of room to stretch out."

Legroom is good in all seats

 

UPPER CIRCLE
This circle is high up and feels behind as well as above the Dress Circle.

Ornate ironwork runs across the front of this circle affecting the view in rows A and B particularly.

Upper Circle seats are split into two blocks the same as the Dress Circle. Of the first six seats, avoid numbers 1 to 3.

Of the other block avoid the last two seats in the row. Best value is row E which is bottom price but has minimal disrupted view from the safety bars. Take row F next. In this circle, third price is not worth paying until these two rows are unavailable. If you must pay third price, take row D first, then C, then B, then a box, then row A if you have to.

Be aware that rows F and G feel far from the stage.

Legroom is poor, especially in row A. Reader Kathy Sutter agrees,
"the seats are rather small with no leg room but otherwise OK."

Another reader also feels that,
"In row A, the safety bar was a real hindrance to a good view". 

Yet another reader comments,
"Just a quick note to say you are dead right about Upper Circle Row A. We sat in A13 and A14, and I had to watch the first half through the gap in the safety rail. Legroom was ok for me, but I'm 5 foot; it was cramped for my taller friend.

We moved to the Dress Circle box at the interval, and though views to the sides were limited we had a much better view, much closer to the stage, and plenty of room to stretch out."

and one more reader adds,
"We were given C 7 and 8. Good view as the theatre is not that high, though there was a couple of sequences that were at the very very front of the stage which we could not see. Legroom was a bit cramped and I am not even that tall."
 

Upper Circle Boxes
Both offer a clear but side-on viewing angle to the stage and are good value if you prefer a little more legroom than the circle provides for the same money, and are willing to compromise on view a little. The monkey is.

Legroom is good in all seats

 


Notes

Total 440 seats (and who knows what on the sofas!)

Air-conditioned auditorium.

No disabled facilities except guide dog sitter, touch tours of set and occasional signed performances. A member of staff knows sign language but is not always on duty. Wheelchairs are not allowed in and users can transfer to Dress Circle seat F17 if they can get up five stairs from a fire exit. Fuller details at www.theambassadors.com or 0844 8717 677, Artsline 020 7388 2227, email artsline@dircon.co.uk.

 No food except ice cream and confectionery.

Two bars. Stalls and Upper Circle.

5 toilets in all; Stalls 1 gents 1 cubicle, 1 ladies 2 cubicles; Dress Circle 1 gents 3 cubicles, 1 ladies 2 cubicles; Upper Circle 1 ladies 1 cubicle.

 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Getting to this Theatre
Find this theatre on a Street Map
Nearest Underground Station Buses Car Park
Nearest Underground Station:
Covent Garden - Piccadilly Line (dark blue).

Plan your tube journey to this station using the button below:
 

An ILLUSTRATED PHOTOGRAPHIC version of this route is available by clicking here.

For mobility impaired audience members, the Society of London Theatre provide a "photo map" - illustrated walking route to this venue from a near landmark and also Waterloo Station (the nearest fully accessible station) on their website www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk, via the theatre's listing page on that site.


On leaving the station, turn right and walk into the large pedestrian plaza that is Covent Garden. If you see a long road with cars in front of you, wrong way.

On entering the plaza space, turn to your left and walk along the collonaded area (cut across if it is not raining). If you see Tesco Metro Supermarket or a bank, Wrong way.

Keep walking ahead as far as the collonaded area will allow (it forms the outer part of the market Square). Follow it to the right. At the end of the building is Russell Street. Walk along Russell Street, crossing one road, until you reach a street corner with the Fortune Theatre to the left and the Drury Lane theatre ahead of you on the opposite side of the road. 
______________________________

A photographic illustrated version of an alternative route from Temple underground station is available by clicking here.

Plan your tube journey to this station using the button below:
 

 

Buses:
6, 11, 13, 15, all stop on the Aldwych. Walk towards the Strand Theatre and walk up the street next to it, uphill, past the Duchess Theatre. Drury Lane Theatre is on the right side of this street, at the end corner. The Fortune Theatre is just past the Drury Lane Theatre, to the right of it on the crossroads at the end of the street. If you see the Aldwych or Lyceum Theatres, wrong way.

 

Car Park:
Parker Street, under the New London Theatre. Exit the Car Park and stand with your back to the main foyer of the theatre. Cross the road ahead of you and turn to your right. The street corner is there ahead of you. If not, wrong way. At the corner of the street, Turn left into Drury Lane and walk along it. If you pass the New London Theatre, wrong way.

Walk straight on, crossing Great Queen Street. Continue down Drury Lane. Please cross to the other side of the street and continue, crossing over Broad Court and Martlett Court until you come to a four way crossroads.

Turn to your right at these crossroads. Do not cross any street. Just walk ahead down Russell Street. Cross Crown Court and continue straight on, the Fortune Theatre is on your right on your side of the street. If you come to Covent Garden Piazza, too far.

 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

   

 

 

Site © Theatremonkey.com 2000 to 2008. All rights reserved. Information on this site may not be reproduced in any form, by any distribution media, in whole or in part, without permission. This means that you MUST NOT copy graphics or text for posting on another website. Opinions expressed are those of the site owner and / or contributors, and are not those of the site host or service providers. Tickets sold from links on this site are the responsibility of the supplying company, not theatremonkey.com. Comments about this page are welcome  Contact Us. No responsibility is taken for accuracy of information, No liability can be taken for loss relating to individual use of data contained on this site. Use of this site constitutes agreement with the above. E&OE. Last Update: 13 May 2008 15:43