|
STALLS
The stalls is divided into front and rear sections by an
aisle in front of row E. The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row M,
and does not affect the view of the stage from any seat.
The front section of the theatre, rows AA to D is flexible and design
depends on production. For "War Horse" rows AA to D are present,
wrapping around and raked to a thrust stage. Central D offers the best of the views
usually.
The rear section of the stalls is also divided into a central and two
side sections, and is almost unchanged since "Cats" closed and the
theatre reverted back to a standard format. New seating has narrowed the
aisles slightly, and some rows have been raised a little as well,
improving sightlines further.
In the front row at "Warehorse" (March 2009) a reader comments,
"AA17 to 20. Amazing seats, must be the best in the theatre for this
show. We were not watching the show "WE ACTUALLY FELT WE WERE IN THE
ACTION!!"
Another reader says of row A for "Warhorse" (March 2009),
"From our seats in row A of the stalls, the incredible skills of the
puppeteers could be appreciated in even more detail."
Another agrees, for the same show, SPOILER POTENTIAL:
"We were in Row A 5 and 6 so second row and on the aisle, which were
perfect seats being so close to the action with at one point having the
two Tommies sitting on the edge of the stage right by us."
Again at the same show, a little further along, another reader
reports,
" A 9 to 12: I would say that most of the seats in rows A and B are
perfect but looking round the auditorium, every seat seemed to offer
great views. The first row, AA might leave you craning your neck up a
bit much especially if you’re below average height. Our seats in row A
were in the middle section of the stalls and I think we had among the
best seats in the house, it was a totally immersive and intimate theatre
experience. The actors and horses use the every part of the stage, often
coming right up to the very edge of it so they are within 6 feet of
you."
with another adding,
"A19 and 20: We were within touching distance of the stage, so we could
see really clearly the detail of the horses and at one point thought we
were in the trenches too!"
The centre rear block of stalls offers a good rake. Rows F 19 to 34,
G
20 to 36, H 22 to 39, I23 to 46 and J 23 to 46 are as good as centre front block
row D. There are stairwells at either end of these rows but the
view is fine.
In row D for "War Horse" a reader says,
"D 3 and 4: Were brilliant. I felt close but not too close to the stage;
we could see everything perfectly. There seems to be a good rake on the
first four rows of the stalls, we were in row D and the people in front
did not affect the view at all. I think the row behind us was on the
same level though so I don't imagine the view from row E would have been
as good."
In the same seats, again for "War Horse," another says,
"D3, D4 and D5: We paid £57 each (November 2011) for our tickets (an
extra couple of quid per ticket was added because of 'insurance' which
we forgot to deselect when booking our tickets online). We had a great
view of the entire stage apart from at a couple of points when the
actors where on the ground at the front of the stage and the person's
head in front of me kept getting in the way (my mother and sister on
either side of me had no such issues luckily). I'm 6ft tall and felt the
legroom was fantastic, I could even stretch out, easily the best of any
theatre I've been in."
Another reader confirms:
"Warning.....seats in row E are almost on the same level as seats in row
D so be prepared for a blocked view!!"
A warning worth heeding, feels the monkey, who was depressed at the
results of an experiment carried out to test this report. Central rows E,
F
and G are
sold at "Premium" prices (£85) at all performances, with row H also at
that price on Saturdays. Your call on rows F, G
and H, feels
the monkey... row E really isn't a good idea at the price, it feels.
At the end of row F for "War Horse" (March 2009) reader Paul says,
"F49 in the Stalls – priced at £25. Absolutely excellent value for
money, considering that two seats further into the centre the price
jumps to £40! Yes, you do see some of the action ‘side-on’, but the
sight lines are so utterly brilliant that you miss very little. These
side stall seats are so close to the stage, that when the horses wander
around, you can see the detail so clearly – I would actually rate the
£25 seats in F and probably E as ‘green’ seats – what you get for what
you pay is far superior to seating of similar price in other West End
houses. Be warned if you sit in Row E, you need to keep all belongings
under your seat and your legs tucked in as actors use the walkway
numerous times during the show."
A row behind that at the same show, another reader thought the view
fine from row G too.
Row E seats 23, 24, 45 and 46 have only gangways in front - no seats -
and, being elevated, offer a combination of prime views and comfort.
Row J seats 11 to 15 and 41 to 45 are behind stairwell walls with a bar
on the top. Thanks to generous legroom, the view is unaffected - the
distance cancels out any issue - except for those under five foot tall,
who will find the bar in front mildly annoying.
Rows J to L offer a good view at a fair price. Perhaps take the first
and last few seats in K and L second if you are shorter and are worried
by a stairwell in front, but for everyone else these rows are a must,
feels the monkey. Rows M and N feel a little further back, but still
nicely close to the thrust stage. As ever in this theatre, rows O and P,
feel a fair way from the stage due to the rake. The very ends of these two rows may be disturbed by folk clomping
up the aisle, but no good reason to miss them. The central view has been
noted as highly desirable by several readers who have commented.
In J, a reader says,
"J24 and 25: we cannot complain about either the view or comfort as
there's plenty of legroom and it gave us a great view of the stage."
The rear section side blocks of the stalls wrap around the sides of the
theatre, curving inwards to give a good intimacy with the stage. The
only problem is sometimes in the first and last few seats - the monkey estimates
around four or so in each row can't see into the space behind the
proscenium arch. Being further back is the way to
go here and the seats nearest the centre aisle are the first to aim for
the monkey feels. Be aware that most centre block seats are priced the
same, though, and try for them first.
Well discounted, for "War Horse" (March 2009), row ends are fair
value considering price and view, to the monkey mind, but it urges
caution if buying as a "special treat." These are for the impecunious
and keen theatregoers in particular, it feels.
A reader reports for this particular show,
"Me and my two younger sisters sat in H 8, 9 and 10. These seats are
normally £35, but £25 if you’re under 18 / look a bit like you might be
under 18, at some performances. These seats were great, really close to
the stage and you still see everything even though you’re off to the
side. However, for £35, I would say it might be better to go to the
seats next door ( 5, 6, 7) and pay £10 less, or pay £10 more and sit in
the middle. My parents and older sister (can’t get away with pretending
to be under 18) sat in I 5, 6 and 7, and they said these seats were
great too, with a good view. I would say that it’s definitely worth
sitting in the stalls for this production because it’s all about
emotions and the horses, so it’s great to get a close-up view. I’d
definitely go the side seats rather than similarly priced seats in the
circle."
Beside them, reader Gary reports for the same show,
"H 3, 4 and 5: close to to the stage at the side for less £25 each (face
value). Quite good, but when some of the scenes took place centre stage
it was difficult to hear the dialogue at times. The scene were Albert
and horse are galloping, slow motion like - which looked in impressive
on the video trailer - totally lost sitting at this angle. I suppose for
these reasons this is why these seats are much less to pay for than the
centre. Worth seeing, but get discounted centre stall seats."
Behind them, reader Richard Bradbury says of "War Horse" (March
2009),
"I63. A fantastic view of the stage and you are close enough to really
feel part of the production and to see the detail and expressions of the
actors and the puppets. Even though it is on the side of the stage, for
£27.50 midweek I thought this seat offered excellent value for money."
At the same show, in the same row, a reader adds,
"I 29 and 30. A fantastic view: Central to the stage and on eye level
with the actors. The rows are well graduated, with the seats in front of
me being quite low, i.e. their heads were level with my knees, so no
chance of being obstructed by the viewer in front. I think this is
really important, and this theatre has got it spot on. Plenty of leg
room. Forgot I was even in a theatre during the performance. The perfect
seats in my opinion, and if I'm lucky enough to go again then I will try
and get these seats again - can't give them a bigger thumbs up than
that! They could easily sell as 'premium priced.'"
The monkey hopes the producer doesn't get ideas from this comment...
Further over at "War Horse" (March 2009) another reader adds,
"I (as in after H!) seat 61: I went for this
seat at £27.50 It was an excellent seat in one of the best theatres
I have ever been in for first class sight lines and seating (stadium
style and, being 6ft 3,” lots of leg-room). The view couldn’t have been
better and was very close to the stage but not intimidating so. If
only all West End theatres offered views like this. As I was sitting
there waiting for it to start, taking it all in, my phone went and
it was a couple of friends sitting 10 seats to my right. At the
interval we had a chat and they were very miffed after asking me how
much I paid as there’s were £65 each and the view was virtually the
same!"
Another reader says,
"Our group was spread among rows H, I and J and central to the stage
setting. Most agreed they were the best theatre seats we have ever had
or could possibly have. It was just like watching Cinerama for those old
enough to remember that. Absolutely central and a steep rake so all of
us had perfect unobstructed views with full peripheral vision of the
highly extended stage."
One reader reports for "War Horse" (March 2009),
"In rows J / K we felt really close to the action. Great seats...but not
cheap!. Not a problem with the seats, but marginally with the
production, is that in one scene in the second half the area immediately
in front of the front row of the stalls becomes 'the trenches,' and it's
not easy to see the actors. It doesn't really matter, but we could see
that some others in the theatre could hear the actors but couldn't work
out where they were . and when they did couldn't actually see them."
Wheelchair users have a choice. Either row N seats 1 and 2 can be
removed, for a chair to be parked, or else a normal office style chair
with arms can be placed there for wheelchair users to transfer into.
This is a pretty good viewing position as wheelchair spaces go, though
it is a bit of a shame that the old row F position has been removed - it
was that bit closer to the front. See notes for
further information.
Theatremonkey regular seat connoisseur James reports for "Imagine
This" (November 2008),
"O32 and T33. Perfect sound from here and a fantastic rake
ensures a perfect view. I thought it felt a little distant to be paying
top price and I was lucky to get them at TKTS for half price which I
thought was a very fair deal. The only shame is that the overhang of the
circle hides some of the fabulous set but you don’t miss any of the
action. Also, there are some small lights at the back of the stalls
which stay on during the performance which were a little distracting but
definitely good seats to go for, especially at discount."
and,
"K25 to K28 for “Imagine This” – excellent, unobstructed view and
perfect sound."
another reader agrees about row O for "Warhorse" (2009),
"O 31 to 33 were really very good indeed. I am over 6ft and had decent
leg room as well as a splendid view and the full effect of the lights
and sound."
another satisfied 'War Horse' visitor remarks,
"M23: Seat was absolutely brilliant, and would have gladly paid more.
The rake in the New London is very good, pretty much every seat in the
central section will be good!"
Further along the same row at the same show, a reader adds,
"M43: When I went to door marked "rear of stalls", my heart sank. It
shouldn't have done. The rake made for a great panoramic view. Couldn't
see some of the cast that were joining in from the lower stalls, but in
some ways it just made their appearance more magical."
Legroom is good in most seats, slightly less in rows O to P. It is
excellent in rows D and E and row I seats 23, 24, 45 and 46.
DRESS CIRCLE
Nothing overhangs this circle. It is still a narrow shelf,
unchanged since "Cats" left, except that the side additions which
extended outwards are now gone.
The circle is split into a large central, and two side blocks, by
aisles.
A high metal bar runs across the front of the centre block of the
circle, and beyond it is a short lip of concrete before the plunge to
the stalls. The view in row A is affected by the bars but the extra concrete ahead may re-assure the
vertigo sufferer seated here a little. Those in row B may not be too
keen on the bars in view either, but it is far less and the stage is
clear beyond them.
Reader Teresa says,
"I saw 'Gone with the Wind' from the middle of row A next to the aisle.
We had a perfect view of the stage and there was a lot of space for our
legs!"
The bars at the front of the circle increases to double height at the
ends of the circle aisles. Along with the metal posts at the ends of
rows B to D, they cut into the view significantly. In fact, the monkey
rates D 1 and 44 as the two worst seats in the place - enough metal in
view to keep an orthodontist happy for years.
The central block is a narrow ledge of five well-raked rows. Choose row
C 7 to 43 or D seats 5 to 40 first. Along with row C, though, also
consider central block rear stalls at the same price too. At lower
prices, think about row A if bars are not a problem for you. Row E does
not feel too remote from the action if the bars are a problem.
A reader says of row D,
"D25.
Froze for the entire 3 hours 40 minutes running time as I sat under
an air conditioning vent."
Reader Lizzie remained warmer, and says,
"central seats are good – I think I was in Row D 25 and 26. The side
seats are possibly not so good although the way the show is performed
means there are no really bad views. Only thing to remember with the
Dress Circle is that there are a lot of stairs to negotiate to get to
your seats so not recommended for those with any problems in that area."
Further along the row, another reader adds for "Warhorse,":
"D 30 to 33: A really good view of the stage, and nothing missed. The
seats were really comfy and had high backs to them - which made it feel
like an armchair. Pretty tight on legroom though, although I wasn't too
cramped - like I have been in certain venues."
In the side blocks, watch again for rails blocking views - and
consider central block seats for the same top price where possible.
Well discounted, as for "War Horse" (March 2009), allowing for rails a little, really "fair value."
Only row B 72 to 76 and C 1 to 4 and 50 to 59 seem a little pricey at £39.50. You may
as well put up with the bars / other restrictions on view and pay quite
a lot less to sit further along the row.
A reader says for "War Horse" (March 2009),
"A16 and 17: A decent view from the side - if you can put up with
peering through the metal mesh in front to see some bits of the stage -
and you do feel close to the action in a way that you wouldn’t do in
many circles. The legroom will have anyone over 5ft 6 longing for the
interval, and the seats are not very well padded, but at £16 a ticket
they are still good value."
Even further to the extreme sides of the theatre, not quite peering through
lighting as they were for a previous production, row A 6 to 13 / 80 - 87
and row B 7 to 14 and 87 to 94 are separate small blocks with an
adequate view for the price. Bench seats still, though, so be wary if you have
back problems and arrive early to claim your bit of them. Again, well
discounted, for "War Horse" (March 2009), making them fair value.
A reader says of these for "War Horse" (March 2009),
"A84: Paid £16.30 including booking fee. If looking straight at the stage, this is front row side circle,
left hand
side of the stage. The front of the stage curve is a couple of
metres to
the right from this seat.
My first visit to this theatre, and I reckon that I got good value
for money.
For the price I expected a more restricted and uncomfortable view,
but, with
the front "wall" being metal wire square, there was visibility to
action
below - although I think those in row B would have missed quite a
bit. I had
clear view of around 80% of the action. Also, as a "larger" person,
this was
the most comfortable seat I have had in the West End. Wide enough, plenty
of leg room, and soft enough seat. I'm a notorious fidget but hardly
shuffled here! Temperature fine too."
The monkey compared the feel of this circle with that of the Olivier
auditorium at the National Theatre. If you are happy seated in rows D or
E of that theatre, then D and E here are comparable, it feels.
Just adequate legroom in all seats, much more in row A if the bars
aren't an issue with you.
Notes
944 seats, plus wheelchair places.
Air-conditioned auditorium.
Infrared headsets available. Occasional signed performances. Guide dog sitter
available. Adapted unisex toilet - sadly they could not find space to fit two,
gender segregated ones. The existing one is well equipped, though.
Access to auditorium for chair users is difficult. Users enter via the stage
door, where a portable ramp is placed over two large shallow stairs to bring
your chair down to floor level.
At this point, any chair wider than around 50cm must be surrendered; and the
occupant transferred into a small chair provided by the theatre. This is to
allow users to get into the tiny elevator up to the fourth floor. A 90 degree
turn must also be negotiated in the one - metre square elevator in order to exit
at the correct level.
On arrival at the fourth floor, access to the theatre is gained by a 50 metre
walk / push along a narrow corridor (superb view from the windows!). This
corridor also houses the adapted toilet. Entering via door 4 into the theatre is
flat and wheelchair users have a choice. Either row S seats 1 and 2 can be
removed, for a chair to be parked, or else a normal office style chair with arms
can be placed there for wheelchair users to transfer into. Wheelchair users who
can make the move are also welcome to transfer into normal theatre seats in that
area of the stalls too. The view from all available seats in that area is pretty
good, making the choice a broad one.
Specific information from
www.seetickets.com
or 0844 412 4648 or e-mail customer.relations@rutheatres.com.
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 confectionery and Ice cream.
Two bars at stalls level.
8 toilets in all; Ground floor foyer 1 gents 2 cubicles, 1 ladies 6 cubicles;
Stalls 1 gents 1 cubicle, 1 ladies 4 cubicles, 1 unisex disabled. Dress Circle 2 gents 1 cubicle
each, 2 ladies 3 cubicles each.
One reader comments of the 'Ladies' facilities in December 2007,
"The facilities on our level were along a narrow corridor with the Gents
at the far end; this meant that all the men had to push past and through
the queuing ladies - and Boy! was there a queue. Packed theatre, only 3
cubicles, one of which was out of order. By the time we emerged the
queue stretched down the stairs and they had to extend the interval to
accommodate everyone.
At another performance things were a little better, mainly because the
theatre wasn't full but this time we were on the opposite side and one
of the cubicles had a broken lock so a lot of whistling and shouting was
going on in there. Lavatories none too clean, either, the ones on Kings
Cross station on our way home were much better."
In March 2009, a reader adds,
"We agree with the comment on this site about the toilets. Completely
inadequate (ladies) and hard to get at (gents squeezing past queuing
ladies) in a new build theatre. And it made for a long interval whilst
the front of house manager ensured that everyone had got back to their
seats, although ladies in our party report 'panic' amongst other queuing
ladies that they'd miss the start. So might be an idea if management
informed the queue that they wouldn't start without them!"
Another monkeyette reader suggest in May 2009,
"If you're fed up with the queues for the
loos in the interval on the stalls and circle sections, you can get a
'pass-out' ticket from the steward and relieve yourself in the
facilities located downstairs in the foyer in the area around the back
of the escalator, where there are MANY cubicles and NO queues -
Phew!!!!"
The monkey thanks Berni, Terry and all in the box office for their
help in providing this information. Much appreciated.
|
