STALLS
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row L making the top of the proscenium
invisible from row T back.
For "The Habit of Art" until 6th April 2010 and "The White Guard" until
12th April 2010:
Rows A to D are narrower, have no armrests and are not raked. At bottom price
row A is good value, rows B to D fair. Avoid the first and last four seats in
each row as they are either outside the proscenium or offer inferior views from
a strangely side on viewing angle. No further reduction is made when this
happens, so choose a more central location where possible. As a last resort
consider the Dress Circle level slips.
A reader notes that in the past, the front stalls suffered noise.
From B, one reader says,
"B27: Seat was great view wise. The comfort in the front rows of the
National leave a lot to be desired."
The prime stalls seats are in row H. Then pick stalls rows J, K, L, G, F, M,
and E in that order. Theatremonkey also recommends considering Dress Circle rows
A to C simultaneously with these selections - they are cheaper too. for a
similar view. Stalls row O is comparatively
poorer value
being further from the stage for the same money.
A reader reports from row E,
"E 9 and 10 for the play I saw ('Habit of Art,' November 2009) I would
rate the seats green - a great view and close enough to hear every word
the actors say, even when they are talking with their back to the
audience."
Regular theatremonkey seat reporting reader Mark says of row F,
"F25: On a £10 student standby! Very good clear view of the stage."
Theatremonkey regular seat connoisseur James reports,
"Sat in Stalls K12 and K13 for “The Pitmen Painters” (January 2009).
Excellent seats, very comfortable with good legroom and a good rake. I
would prefer to have been one or two rows further back as it’s quite a
wide stage, but the view was very good from here in any case."
Choose Dress Circle row D and E
before rows T to V as they are much cheaper, and the rear stalls feel far from the stage
at the price charged, in the monkey view. Strongly consider the cheaper Dress Circle again
along with stalls rows P, R and S too,
and think seriously about choosing Dress Circle row G too at a lower price before taking the rear
stalls seats.
A reader comments,
"S10 - Got for £10 on the day, was a great seat - could see everything."
For previews when all seats from row E back are the same price, simply try
for prime tickets first to row L, or take rows A to E in the Circle before
Stalls M to P. Then consider Circle F and G alongside rows R and S; and
take circle over rear stalls from row T back.
During reduced price previews when most rows are the same price, Stalls rows
O to V and Dress Circle rows F to J become "white" for value in the monkey
opinion, but it prefers the circle as it feels the distance from the stage is
about the same but there is no overhang to contend with. Vertigo sufferers and
stalls lovers generally might prefer the rear stalls still, and the monkey has
no quibble with that, it just states here its preferences for the record.
Reader Hannah M comments,
"I sat in seat R16 which has a very good view and leg room."
For all performances of "After the
Dance," plus performances from 19TH APRIL 2010 of "The Habit of Art" and
from 26th APRIL 2010 of "White Guard":
Rows A to D are narrower, have no armrests and are not raked. At bottom price
row A is good value, rows B to D fair. Avoid the first and last four seats in
each row as they are either outside the proscenium or offer inferior views from
a strangely side on viewing angle. No further reduction is made when this
happens, so choose a more central location where possible. As a last resort
consider the Dress Circle level slips.
A reader notes that in the past, the front stalls suffered noise.
From B, one reader says,
"B27: Seat was great view wise. The comfort in the front rows of the
National leave a lot to be desired."
The prime stalls seats are in row H. Then pick stalls rows J, K, L, G, F, M,
and E in that order. Theatremonkey also recommends considering Dress Circle row A
at the same price, or B and C simultaneously with these selections
(these two are cheaper too), for a
similar view. A re-pricing from April 2010 sees stalls rows P to S increased to
top price - comparatively
poorer value
being further from the stage for the same money.
A reader reports from row E,
"E 9 and 10 for the play I saw ('Habit of Art,' November 2009) I would
rate the seats green - a great view and close enough to hear every word
the actors say, even when they are talking with their back to the
audience."
Regular theatremonkey seat reporting reader Mark says of row F,
"F25: On a £10 student standby! Very good clear view of the stage."
Theatremonkey regular seat connoisseur James reports,
"Sat in Stalls K12 and K13 for “The Pitmen Painters” (January 2009).
Excellent seats, very comfortable with good legroom and a good rake. I
would prefer to have been one or two rows further back as it’s quite a
wide stage, but the view was very good from here in any case."
Choose Dress Circle row D and E
before rows T to V as they are much cheaper, and the rear stalls feel far from the stage
at the price charged - even with a pound or so knocked off from April 2010, in the monkey view. Strongly consider the cheaper Dress Circle again
along with stalls rows O to S too,
and think seriously about choosing Dress Circle row G too at a lower price before taking the rear
stalls seats of T to V.
A reader comments,
"S10 - Got for £10 on the day, was a great seat - could see everything."
For previews when all seats from row E back are the same price, simply try
for prime tickets first to row L, or take rows A to E in the Circle before
Stalls M to P. Then consider Circle F and G alongside rows R and S; and
take circle over rear stalls from row T back.
During reduced price previews when most rows are the same price, Stalls rows
O to V and Dress Circle rows F to J become "white" for value in the monkey
opinion, but it prefers the circle as it feels the distance from the stage is
about the same but there is no overhang to contend with. Vertigo sufferers and
stalls lovers generally might prefer the rear stalls still, and the monkey has
no quibble with that, it just states here its preferences for the record.
Reader Hannah M comments,
"I sat in seat R16 which has a very good view and leg room."
For "The Power Of Yes":
Rows A to D are narrower, have no armrests and are not raked. At bottom price
rows A to D are fair value. Avoid the first and last four seats in
each row as they are either outside the proscenium or offer inferior views from
a strangely side on viewing angle. No further reduction is made when this
happens, so choose a more central location where possible. On the other hand,
Dress Circle row H is the same price... the monkey would take those first unless
a "close up" view is preferred. As a last resort
consider the Dress Circle level slips.
A reader notes that in the past, the front stalls suffered noise.
From B, one reader says,
"B27: Seat was great view wise. The comfort in the front rows of the
National leave a lot to be desired."
The prime stalls seats are in row H. Then pick stalls rows J, K, L, G, F, M,
and E in that order. Theatremonkey also recommends considering Dress Circle rows
A and B, then C simultaneously with these selections. Rows O, P, R and S are comparatively
poorer value
being further from the stage for the same money.
Speaking of row S, the monkey would save a few pounds by skipping it
in favour of row T with current pricing, but it would choose Dress Circle row
D to F
for the same price, even G to J (for less) before rows T to V as these
feel far from the stage.
Wheelchair users get four spaces at the ends of row V. See notes.
The view is fairly poor. Transferees can move to any aisle seat. Rows G to L are commended to them.
Legroom is good in rows E to V and A. It is just adequate in rows B to D
DRESS CIRCLE
Called the CIRCLE in this theatre.
Nothing overhangs this theatre circle.
The rake is steep giving all seats a clear view of the stage.
For "The Habit of Art" until 6th April 2010 and "The White Guard" until
12th April 2010:
Prime seats in the whole theatre are rows A and B seats 6 to 31. At second
price the value for money is great, in the monkey view.
In all rows seats numbered between 6 and 31 are the ones to aim for for the
usual reason - pay the same price so you may as well be centrally seated.
All seats in rows D to G are preferable to the rear stalls row T back. G in
particular becomes better value under the price structure used.
A reader notes,
"Sat in the centre row B of the Dress Circle. The view was fine, but leg room is
limited. The rake is good, but the seating is not offset so you have the
possibility of a big head in the way if there is someone tall in front".
Reader Bas agrees,
"We sat on the second row of the circle. You could see everything well
(although you are far away) and the pitch was adequate."
Reader Sam comments,
"B31: I just want to confirm theatremonkey's assessment. Very good seat.
Excellent legroom".
Two conflicting views of the same row, notes the monkey, who feels the truth on
legroom rather depends on the individual (see further comments a few paragraphs
below).
With the current pricing structure Rows H and J (beloved haunts of the monkey
for years), now become poorer value. Some distance from the stage, it is greedy to
charge third price for these tickets. Never before have these seats been offered
at anything but bottom price. The policy was introduced in the reign of Mr
Nunn... who should probably be slightly ashamed of himself. Stalls row A, seats
10 to 26 should be considered before these seats. The price is lower, the view a
little worse, but better value overall than the overpriced rear circle.
Reader David notes,
"G9 of the Circle enjoyed comfort and leg-room without feeling divorced
form the action."
Reader James says,
"We had back row of the Circle and the seats were fine
with a really good view and a decent rake so we weren't disturbed
by heads."
For previews when all seats from D to J are the same price, simply try
for prime tickets in rows D or E, or else stalls back to row P. After
that, simply try for best available stalls or circle, Stalls R and S
alongside Dress Circle F and G. Then take Dress Circle H and J - or opt
for the cheapest seats in the front stalls over those in the rear circle
for a few pounds more, unless a distant view and
comfort is preferred to neck ache and no arm-rests...your call, feels the
monkey. This last course is possibly most preferable if stalls rows T back are
the only other tickets left to the monkey mind.
For all performances of "After the
Dance," plus performances from 19TH APRIL 2010 of "The Habit of Art" and
from 26th APRIL 2010 of "White Guard":
Prime seats in the whole theatre are rows A and B seats 6 to 31.
From April 2010 the National have realised this, and raised row A to top
price again. The monkey would certainly still sit there, and take any
seat in A over rear stalls from O back for the same money. At second
price the value for money is great in B and C, with B now even more desirable as
cheaper than A for the same sightlines, in the monkey view. Even better,
it's a pound or so less this season than last... a price fall on great
seats in London
- well done Mr Hytner!
In all rows seats numbered between 6 and 31 are the ones to aim for for the
usual reason - pay the same price so you may as well be centrally seated.
All seats in rows D to G are preferable to the rear stalls row T back. G in
particular becomes better value under the price structure used.
A reader notes,
"Sat in the centre row B of the Dress Circle. The view was fine, but leg room is
limited. The rake is good, but the seating is not offset so you have the
possibility of a big head in the way if there is someone tall in front".
Reader Bas agrees,
"We sat on the second row of the circle. You could see everything well
(although you are far away) and the pitch was adequate."
Reader Sam comments,
"B31: I just want to confirm theatremonkey's assessment. Very good seat.
Excellent legroom".
Two conflicting views of the same row, notes the monkey, who feels the truth on
legroom rather depends on the individual (see further comments a few paragraphs
below).
With the current pricing structure Rows H and J (beloved haunts of the monkey
for years), now become poorer value. Some distance from the stage, it is greedy to
charge third price for these tickets. Never before have these seats been offered
at anything but bottom price. The policy was introduced in the reign of Mr
Nunn... who should probably be slightly ashamed of himself. Stalls row A, seats
10 to 26 should be considered before these seats. The price is lower, the view a
little worse, but better value overall than the overpriced rear circle.
Reader David notes,
"G9 of the Circle enjoyed comfort and leg-room without feeling divorced
form the action."
Reader James says,
"We had back row of the Circle and the seats were fine
with a really good view and a decent rake so we weren't disturbed
by heads."
For previews when all seats from D to J are the same price, simply try
for prime tickets in rows D or E, or else stalls back to row P. After
that, simply try for best available stalls or circle, Stalls R and S
alongside Dress Circle F and G. Then take Dress Circle H and J - or opt
for the cheapest seats in the front stalls over those in the rear circle
for a few pounds more, unless a distant view and
comfort is preferred to neck ache and no arm-rests...your call, feels the
monkey. This last course is possibly most preferable if stalls rows T back are
the only other tickets left to the monkey mind.
Dress Circle Slips
Two narrow ledges above and at the side of the circle outside the proscenium.
Nine seats on each side, first three on one level, then six behind that on
another. They are arranged on behind the other with no noticeable rake. The view
is sideways to the stage and in seats 1 to 5 and 28 to 32, distant.
Take these seats only when all the rest (including the worst in the front
stalls) have been sold. Choose 7 and 34, then 6 and 33, then 9 and 36, then 8
and 35 in that order. Finally accept 5 to 1 and 32 to 28 when you really MUST
get in!
Under the latest price policy, these are sold on the day only; like the monkey
said, a real last resort!
Reader Rob says,
"Sat in the slips, seat 7 on the right side of the auditorium (facing the stage)
– Loads of legroom – good view for only £10"
Legroom is adequate in all seats for all but the tall, though one reader felt it
cramped.
For
"The Power Of Yes:"
Prime seats in the whole theatre are rows A and B seats 6 to 31. At top price
the value for money is fine.
In all rows seats numbered between 6 and 31 are the ones to aim for for the
usual reason - pay the same price so you may as well be centrally seated.
All seats in rows D to F are preferable to the rear stalls row T back, the
monkey would even go for G to J over T back too, as the lower price.
A reader notes,
"Sat in the centre row B of the Dress Circle. The view was fine, but leg room is limited. The rake is good, but the seating is not offset so you have the possibility of a big head in the way if there is someone tall in
front".
Reader Bas agrees,
"We sat on the second row of the circle. You could see everything well
(although you are far away) and the pitch was adequate."
Reader Sam comments,
"B31: I just want to confirm theatremonkey's assessment. Very good seat. Excellent
legroom".
Two conflicting views of the same row, notes the monkey, who feels the truth
on legroom rather depends on the individual (see further comments a few
paragraphs below).
With the "£10 " pricing structure, rows G to J (beloved haunts of the monkey
for years), now become outstanding value again. Some distance from the stage, the price is low,
the view a little further away, but better value overall than the rear stalls,
the monkey feels - though it is a personal opinion.
A reader agrees,
"G 31: View seemed a bit distant but for this show it was good because
of the large cast and you could see the good overview."
Dress Circle Slips
Two narrow ledges above and at the side of the circle outside the
proscenium. Nine seats on each side, first three on one level, then six behind
that on another. They are arranged on behind the other with no noticeable rake.
The view is sideways to the stage and in seats 1 to 5 and 28 to 32, distant.
Take these seats only when all the rest (including the worst in the front
stalls) have been sold. Choose 7 and 34, then 6 and 33, then 9 and 36, then 8
and 35 in that order. Finally accept 5 to 1 and 32 to 28 when you really MUST
get in!
Under the latest price policy, these are sold on the day only; like the
monkey said, a real last resort!
Reader Rob says,
"Sat in the slips, seat 7 on the right side of the auditorium (facing the stage)
– Loads of legroom – good view for only £10"
Legroom is adequate in all seats for all but the tall, though one reader felt
it cramped.
Notes
890 Seats
Air-conditioned auditorium.
Audio described and signed performances regularly. Headset system available.
Guide dog sitter available. All printed information available in large print, on
tape and in Braille. Minicom at the box office. Access to Lyttelton is level
from the lift. Free car parking in centre car park for orange badge holders (get
endorsement stamp at information desk). Lifts from car parks to all levels.
Adapted toilets (unisex, sadly) throughout
theatre. Fuller details from www.nationaltheatre.org.uk,
the theatre on 020 7452 3000 (Minicom 020 7452 3009) or Artsline 020 7388 2227.
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.
Coffee shop at Stalls level and formal restaurant and buffet in complex. Ice
cream and confectionery from vendors just outside auditorium.
Bars at Stalls and Circle level.
Toilets in Stalls and Circle, one gents and one ladies. Unisex disabled
toilet at stalls level.
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