An Independent Inside Guide to London Theatre and Concert Venues

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Seating Plan Diagram

The front block of seats consists of rows A to J. Rows A to C are on a flat floor. Though staggered to allow viewing between the seats in front, the shorter visitor - especially children - would probably be advised to avoid rows B and C completely, just to guard against having anyone tall in front of them.

Row A looks directly up at the low stage. A few may find it a bit of a neck ache, but compared to other theatres, there is little problem, and inventive pricing can often make them pretty good value, in monkey opinion.

Next, it would normally take F, E, G then D, in that order, seats 3 to 10 being most central. Moving back in this block, rows H to J seats 3 to 10 offer good views too, being about a third of the way back and just adequately raked to look slightly down on the stage. Before buying in the rear of the front block, though, it might just be worth considering the row behind...

...the front row of the rear block of seats. Row K, as the theatre have named it, is on a wide aisle and looks over the block in front and down onto the stage at comfortable height. The combination of nobody in front, a lower price and extra legroom makes the monkey feel this is the row it would choose.

For the rest of the rear block, rows L to N seem to have a slightly shallower tiering than row P back. 

Moving further back, rows R and S seem a little further from the stage, but S is cheaper, so skip R and save a few pounds for a similar view!

The final two rows of the section are divided by a wall with space to place a drink on it. For those in row W, this could mean a shower as well as a distant view of the stage. Behind, in row X, this means a comfy place to enjoy refreshments and the show at the same time - provided you are tall enough to see over the wall! 

Row X has two extra problems worth noting. A sound desk is normally directly behind the central seats, and behind that is a bar serving drinks and refreshments. This means double noise from technicians both audio and alcohol service proficient. Not an atmosphere the monkey feels it would enjoy watching a show in. 

Legroom is pretty generous to all but the tallest in rows A and K - the tallest should pick K, just about adequate in all other rows, slightly more in row X.

Stalls Benches
Either side of the front stalls are two raised alcoves containing benches. About a quarter of the rear stage is missed from here, but the seats are often cheap when available. At second price though, there are better seats available.

Be willing to arrive early to stake your claim to a portion of bench.

There is only one row in each bench area, but it will be called "row A" in the computer booking system...

SIDE BALCONIES
Above the stalls, along the longest side walls run narrow balconies. These overhang the stalls aisles, and so do not interfere with the view from the seats beneath. A low bar runs across the front - again, the view is not affected in the least by it.

Seats are arranged in single file, one behind the other, and are not raked. To see anything, you lean outwards over the edge - makes a change from leaning forwards, felt the monkey.

Around a fifth of the nearest side of the stage is not visible from these seats. Factor in the problem of those in front of you leaning outwards to see more, and anyone seated here may have a hard time enjoying the show...as well as needing an appointment with a physiotherapist at some point!

Wheelchair users are seated in Balcony 1. See notes. The monkey isn't sure how a user would see very well from this position, though - a plinth or cushion may well help here.

Legroom is good in each seat.

Notes
Total 276 seats.

Air conditioned.

Wheelchair access is flat from the foyer to the viewing position in Balcony 1. The entrance door is wide, and the disabled toilet is close by on the same level. The only problem is that part of the street outside is cobbled, making pushing harder. Steep stairs down to the auditorium may make access for transferees difficult. Guide dogs are welcome.

No food except bar snacks in the auditorium, but a full restaurant is available adjacent, open until 2.30am with live music on many nights.

Two bars, Rear stalls (opening into the auditorium) and foyer.

3 Toilets in all. 1 ladies, 1 Gents, 1 unisex disabled.

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

Leave the station by following signs from the platforms to the STRAND street exits. Walk straight ahead into the underground shopping arcade and keep going straight on into the light. If, underground, you pass Davenports Magic shop, turn around and walk the other way.

Take the right-hand staircase up to street level. At the top of it, you should see a semi-pedestrianised street sloping downwards to Embankment underground station. If you see instead a very busy road, the Strand, with Brook Street Employment Agency to your right, turn around and face downhill instead - you took the left instead of the right hand side stairs.

Walk downhill a very short distance, looking up and to your left for a silver, semi circular sign with "The Arches Shopping Centre" on it. 

This juts out over the street and marks the entrance to the tunnel where the theatre hides. At street level, a small sign to the right of the tunnel entrance confirms that you have the correct place.

Below the silver sign is a wide, brownish, sloping path into an area of small shops and restaurants - all snugly tucked into this railway arch beneath the station bridge above.

Walk almost to the end of the shops, and the theatre entrance is to your left.

To your right will be Charing Cross Railway Station. Don't be tempted to enter it, just stay outside the railings and walk past it (mind the taxis as they enter and leave). 

Keep going to the far side of the station. At the corner of it, to your right, is Villiers Street. The Brook Street Employment Agency ahead of you on the corner will confirm it - don't walk any further than this blue fronted landmark!

Villiers Street  is semi-pedestrianised and slopes downwards to Embankment underground station. Turn right into it, and walk around the stairs set into the centre of the street - they lead to the underground station, and nowhere else. 

Walk downhill a very short distance, looking up and to your left for a silver, semi circular sign with "The Arches Shopping Centre" on it. This juts out over the street and marks the entrance to the tunnel where the theatre hides. At street level, a small sign to the right of the tunnel entrance confirms that you have the correct place.

Below the silver sign is a wide, brownish, sloping path into an area of small shops and restaurants - all snugly tucked into this railway arch beneath the station bridge above.

Walk almost to the end of the shops, and the theatre entrance is to your left.