STALLS
The Dress Circle overhangs the Stalls at row U. The view of the top of the
stage is only affected very slightly from row AA back.When seating is used, the stalls are split into sections by aisles. The front
section is divided off by an aisle in front of row J, and contains a central and
two side blocks. The middle section from row J to R has four blocks - two
central, two outer. The rear section has six seating blocks. It is
divided from the middle section by an aisle in front of row T, except in the two
central seating blocks, which are connected to the middle section by some
seats instead of the aisle. This little link to civilisation has been designated
row S!
The front section one central and two side blocks. Of these theatremonkey
rates front section central block seats in rows D to H particularly worth buying. The prime rows are F to
K (which involves moving into the middle section of seating a little), offering a fine view and a good rake. Then try rows
L to M, then E or N, then D to A in that order
before choosing the inside aisle seats in the front section.
The two front section side blocks have been moved closer into the centre of
the venue, so more seats have an improved view. Seats closest to the inside aisle
have a fair
view, but for the same money, choose the central blocks. Closer to the ends of
the rows, some seats are angled so as to restrict your view into the rear
quarter of the stage.
Restricted view seats in the front block are: row A seats 1 to 4 and 25 to
28; row B 1 to 4 and 34 to 37; and row C seats 1 to 4 and 37 to 40. In row A
seats 3, 4, 25 and 26 may be worthwhile if you are trying to sit as close to the
stage as possible, and don't mind the slight lack of view. The box office note
they can also be very noisy as the speakers are often placed here...bring
earplugs is the advice!
The middle section again has two central and two side blocks. In the
central two, rows J to M are worth buying. Row J seats 11 to 36 in these blocks
combine good views and extra legroom. The rest of the central blocks offer just
average value, try for the front section seats mentioned above first before
taking rows P to S. To be fair to the venue, all rows in the stalls feel
relatively close to the stage considering the size of the place, but if all
seats are the same price, why not sit as close as possible?
The two outer blocks in the middle section offer poor value as again they are
mostly outside the proscenium with a poor viewing angle. The rear section is split into six
blocks, with row S in the central two blocks of this section connecting them
with the middle section of seats. Again the architecture allows them
all to feel fairly close to the stage and, if not able to see performers faces,
at least to see more than just a moving matchstick. The two central
blocks are pretty reasonable to sit in. The last two rows, AA and BB can offer particular value at a low
price for those like theatremonkey who feel in need of a bargain. Take these
before the back of the Dress Circle for the same money, though watch for row BB
seats 34 to 45 which have the sound desk behind and could be a noisy place to
sit. The rest of these blocks
are also fair value.
The next two blocks out from the centre have also benefited from being moved
slightly closer into the middle. When the venue is filling up fast, they are
worth a thought, though they do provide a slightly distant and
off centre view of the stage for the same money at the blocks next to them.
Finally, in the corners of the rear section are the blocks of seats furthest from the stage. They are close to the exits and block 12 is near the ladies toilets, 17 near
the Gentlemen's. These are the advantages. Take these seats only if you really,
really must.
Behind the rear blocks is a section for wheelchair users. It has two chair
spaces, with two companion seats beside them. These have an acceptable average view,
with the advantage of being slightly elevated. See notes.
Behind this is space for two rows of 60 people to stand. Arrive early so that
you don't have to stand behind the sound desk!
Legroom is good throughout the stalls, best in rows A, J and in row T seats 1
to 19 and 40 to 58.
DRESS CIRCLE
Called the CIRCLE in this theatre.
This overhangs the stalls at row U. It is divided into front and rear
sections by an aisle (and barrier) in front of row G. The front section is split into five
blocks, the rear into six. There is a low safety rail at the end of each aisle
in the front blocks. The monkey has had no complaints about the view being
affected by these. Smaller children may find the sloped wall at the front of
the circle a little high to see over if in row A or even B for the smallest. Those over about 5ft tall should be fine.
In the front section, block 9 rows B to F and the six seats just off the
centre aisles in blocks 8 and 10 offer the best value in the circle. The rest of
the seats in all blocks are fair value. The distance from the stage means a
comfortable viewing angle, but theatremonkey feels for the same price that the
stalls blocks 23 and 24 offer better value for money, being closer to the
action.
In the rear section rows soar towards space with a dizzying rake, a remnant
of this theatre's previous life as a cinema. The barrier in front of row G may
annoy some shorter people. Theatremonkey prefers the stalls
blocks 14, 15, 19 or 20 to any of these rear blocks at the same prices. If the
choice is between stalls blocks 12, 13, 16, 17, 18 and 21 or the circle it
becomes less clear cut. Circle blocks 2, 3, 4 and 5 rows G (if the barrier
is not a problem) to N are
preferable to stalls blocks 18 and 21, but in the circle row O back is a long
way from the stage so the rest of the seats are a choice between distance, view
and comfort. The stalls is closer and more comfortable. The circle has a wider
view of the stage. Theatremonkey takes the stalls, accepting both options are
not great.
The two corner blocks in the circle 1 and 6 are worth avoiding. Far
away in the corners of the theatre the viewing angle is poor and the value
worse. As the last seats available take the centre aisle rows L to P then rows G
to J before anything else, but prepare for disappointment.
Reader Robbie feels:
"Block 1, row 0
seat numbers 79 and 80 which I was quite worried about (as these are right in
the very corner of the circle in a place) I thought
the seats were O.K. I could see very clearly. The circle isn't really that far
from the stage either , the centre blocks would be better but I think
wherever you sit in the circle you will have a good view, as all seats are one
higher than the row in front. This means that the
person in front of you does not block you from seeing like it would do in
Wembley in the flat floor seating."
Row K seats 11 to 13, 24 to 26, and 64 to 66 and row L seats 54 and 55 are
behind stairwell walls. These restrict the view for those under five foot seven
and legroom for those taller. Avoid. The other seats worth avoiding in all
blocks are rows X to Z for being closer to Hammersmith Flyover than the stage.
Take these last when all other seats have gone.
Standing place tickets will generally be marked "GA" for "General Admission". They are often sold on
the Ticketmaster system as "Circle Standing", just to be clear, though! Legroom is average in all seats, poor in row A and Row K seats 11 to 13, 24
to 26, and 64 to 66 and row L seats 54 and 55. Those over 5ft 10 or so may find
all seats uncomfortable, alas.
Notes
Total 3326 seats, with 298 standing places are also available, 120 in the stalls, 178 in
the Dress Circle, should the box office choose to sell them. When all stalls
seats are removed, around 3000 standing places are created, taking venue
capacity to about 5000 in total.
Not air conditioned.
Guide dog sitter available and some signed performances. Wheelchair access is
via a fire door and over a small ridge to a 12% ramp into the stalls. One adapted
toilet. Theatremonkey rates
facilities as "trying very hard to do the best they can" in this venue
- rare and praiseworthy in London. For more information, and to make
bookings, wheelchair users can call 020 8563 3806 for booking and access information and details of
any concessionary prices available to them. Please DO NOT use this number for
any other enquiries. Fuller details are also available at www.theatre-access.co.uk,
Artsline 020 7388 2227 email access@artsline.org.uk.
No food except ice cream and confectionery / popcorn. A reader notes that
hot-dogs are also available.
Two bars, Stalls and Dress Circle.
Toilets on both stalls and circle levels at the sides and back of the
auditorium.
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