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Main Auditorium
Once an old underground Ballroom frequented by "The Sex Pistols" and "The
Clash," then a church hall, then a clumsily created theatre; it is amazing what
professional know-how, thought, time, money and sheer love of theatre can
achieve.
This is now one of the most comfortable auditoriums in London. Brand-new
seating, well positioned (also heavily bolted down, sadly, and thus so far un-stealable - the monkey
tried as it wanted a pair for its lounge) impress greatly. The "night sky" colour scheme of the ceiling helps make
a fairly low room seem open and airy, and contrasting carpeting with acoustic underlay
help the sound reach all parts of the theatre clearly.
The theatre consists of a central block of seats in long rows facing a wide,
shallow-ish stage. Either side of the central block are two areas of "slip
seats." The auditorium is not raked, but seats are positioned "offset" to those
in front, and the stage is high enough to prevent viewing problems. To date (and
with many full houses) no problems have been recorded.
To enhance things further, in May 2010 the venue adjusted the seating to
introduce small 50cm or so) gaps between some seats in some rows. The effect is
to "stagger" seats even more, improving sightlines by arranging things so that
most seats are not directly behind the ones in front.
One reader says,
"Might be worth while pointing out to people that, given the size of the venue,
it would be difficult not to feel part of the action. Except of course in those
side seats 'cos you'd be looking at the opposite wall. LOL"
In the central block of seats, the front row shouldn't prove a "neck ache"
experience for anyone. Behind, in row B, the only issue the monkey noticed was that with
scenery in position making the stage smaller, the last few seats in the row have
a slightly lesser view of the performer. It doesn't anticipate this being an
issue for most productions, though.
A reader says of central row B,
"Lovely comfortable seats with lots of leg room."
Moving back through the theatre, every seat has a clear view. The real
purists might decide that the first and last four seats a little less central,
but the actual view is fine - best once past row D. Monkey advice is a row F
back if you are taking ends of rows, as these show off the stage to best
perspective.
Theatremonkey regular seat connoisseur James says,
"D16 and D17 are a good place to see a show from."
Another reader adds, for Alex Gaumond's gig (May 2011),
"D7: I'd heartily endorse your general comments on the main auditorium; a very
comfortable space, with outstanding acoustics and a surprising amount of legroom
for a flat auditorium. Sightlines are excellent and I think you'd be
hard-pressed to find a bad seat in the house. I was in D7, and was extremely
pleased -- and, for £20, you really can't snip at the value for money! It's an
intimate venue to say the least -- where I was felt very much "in the action". I
probably wouldn't have wanted to be much further forward though... row A and B
were *extremely* close to the front of the stage and I think might be slight
candidates for neckache, but also extremely atmospheric.
Speakers hang in front of B4 and B22 on the stage wall / extended proscenium
arch (for this event only, notes the monkey). If you're in these seats for a gig
and have sensitive hearing, you might want to think carefully about your choice.
The sound was "comfortably intense" in D7, but I wouldn't have wanted to be much
nearer the speakers to be honest!
Even though it wasn't the warmest or the coolest of nights last night though,
the air-conditioning was rather breezy at times in a mostly-full house."
Reader Anne Gross reports,
"The Theatre is cosy and comfortable, plenty of leg room and a good view from
our seats. H17 and 18."
At the rear of the central block, a sound desk position is well away from any
seating, and won't distract, and six seats in row R, with nothing in front and
easy access by the entrance stairs may
attract envious glances. R4 here, and Q8 are the nearest public seats to the
exit.
The "slip seats" either side of the main block have instantly become a monkey
favourite. An unbeatable combination of price, view and legroom, monkey like. On
the "high-numbers" side, two rows of eight seats run parallel to the wall,
facing the main seating block front-on across a wide aisle space. Viewing is
side-on to the stage, and the seat nearest the stage may be conscious of a
pillar beside it, but there is no impact on view. Best of all, the seats
furthest from the stage have a great viewing angle... and are almost within
arm's-reach of the bar.
On the "low-numbers" side, an interesting arrangement sees six seats in a
line parallel to the wall (as on the other side of the theatre), with a row of
three and a row of two behind that. There is then a gap, and two rows of
front-facing seats (one of five, behind of four) are angled to face the stage.
The monkey liked the two nearest the aisle in particular. Perhaps because the bar is but
a sparrow-hop away from them...
Legroom is comfortable in all seats for all but the very tallest (over 6ft 5
or so). Very best legroom are the front rows of the slips, and the first (1 to
4) and
last (22 to 25) seats in row B, which have nothing in front of them, with 5 and
21 also having only a sliver of seat to the side in front. The new seats are also
wide, "accommodating most broader figures admirably," as the politer
advertisements might say.
"The Lounge" Auditorium
Once forgotten storage space, now a small room any performer with common sense
will be fighting to work in.
Rows of chairs with red padded seats gather around a small floor playing area with projection screen behind.
These can be moved about and pulled in close to create an intimate atmosphere.
All are un-numbered and seating is first-come, first served each evening.
Right in front of the stage are two rows of chairs, sometimes gathered around
tables at the sides and centre to create that cabaret feel.
Behind these, in the centre of the room, are two pillars. Between the
pillars, a backless padded bench has space for five people (or about two
potential gastric-band candidates). The monkey felt the chairs looked more
comfortable, and the bench is also a bit lower compared to them... somebody
large on a chair in front might crowd out the view a bit. Outside the pillars
are a few more chairs.
In the far corner of the auditorium is a stool and niche for sound equipment.
These won't bother anybody.
Beyond this row, two more rows of individual chairs are arranged either side
and between the pillars to provide a decent view of the stage. The back row is
against the wall of the venue. Likely to be popular are two seats on the right
(looking from the stage) of it. These are closest to the bar -
which itself helps create a warm 'club' atmosphere.
Every chair has a clear view of the performer, and the performer has a clear
view of every seat. Legroom is unlimited everywhere.
From one-person stand-up comedy and plays to solo
song-fests, presentations and press launches, the monkey knows it can be hard to get a booking for "The Basement," for either
producers or audiences as it is a wonderful space with a great programme of
work.
Notes
400 Seats in the main auditorium.
65 seats, plus standing space, in "The Lounge"
Air Conditioned. One reader describes it at "rather breezy at times" in the
main house.
No disabled access, though staff are working on this and other facilities as quickly as they can.
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.
No food except bar snacks and Ice Cream.
2 Bars in main auditorium, 1 bar in Basement auditorium.
2 Toilets; 1 gents 2 cubicles, 1 ladies 7 cubicles.
The monkey gratefully thanks the new owners for their help in compiling this
information.
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