An Independent Inside Guide to London Theatre and Concert Venues

Offers May be available - Click Here

Seating Plan Diagram

The seats are arranged in a single large block in front of the stage. Seats in row AA are in front of an ornate gold rail and curtain affair to protect customers from drowning in the orchestra pit. The "acorns" which plagued the view have now been removed according to kind correspondents, so these seats are great for proximity to the stage, and row AA is still outstanding for legroom. This row, and row A has been reduced in price for "Avenue Q", and unless proximity to the stage is a problem has to be a bargain, thinks the monkey. Neck ache can happen, but less in row A than AA for those prone to it.

Note that row A is "top price" during "off peak" Monday to Thursday Evenings - slightly less of a bargain, feels the monkey. On the plus side, though, at off-peak Friday Evening and Saturday Afternoon performances rows A, B and C become £35 - far cheaper than usual if you can't get the cheapest seats in row A.

From row AA a reader says,
"sat in seats AA 21 and 20, a very good view in my opinion for the price. Do watch out for a face full of dry ice though, if you don’t think you would like this sit somewhere else, although it is only for a minute."

Reader Tony Williams reports from the discounted seats in row A:
"We had seats in the second row of the stalls (row A) thanks to a recommendation from Theatre Monkey. Those seats have to be the bargain of the year. The view was perfect and we only had to look up to see the TV screens on a couple of occasions. To think that the people sitting right behind us paid over twice as much for their tickets!"

Another reader agrees,
"Row A seats 15 and 16. Bang centre of Row A, it was the most amazing seat anyone could possibly ask for at a West End show. Everything was so amazingly close, which made this warm musical even more personal. For £20 they are the best bargain anyone could possibly ask for, and I would highly recommend them to everyone. You don't really have to look up apart to see the screens. Absolute Bargain...

...I loved the show so much I went again a few nights later, this time taking Row G seats 9 and 10. These seats were really good, although if we hadn't gotten them for £20 (thanks to a very helpful guy at the box office) I'd have rather sat in Row A for £20 than pay for seats of the same quality for £47.50."

Another reader says of row A,
"I pre-booked row A14 and was quite surprised by the great legroom (I'm 6ft 2" tall). The seats were comfortable and I had a great time at the show, although the sound was not loud enough for my taste. It was hard to understand at some parts."

While a final reader adds,
"We sat Stalls row A 16, 17 and 18... the stage is a bit high but you get used to it..."

Theatremonkey regular Liam says,
"Got Row C of the Stalls (the last 4 seats of the row but still excellent and almost seemed central)."

Another reader also likes row C, saying,
"I was in C23 of the stalls, AMAZING seat for an incredible show! I saw absolutely everything - occasionally I missed a few facial expressions but very rarely."

The rake (or slope of the floor) is noticeable from row F - and pronounced from around K. Seats are elevated enough to see over the rows in front quite well. This ensures more than just the rear view of someone's head for most customers. A high stage in the theatre also helps. 

Reader Paul Nicholls says,
"seats E11 and 12 in the stalls. A shade too close to the stage for my liking but, wow, I've never had so much leg room. You could almost lie down!"

Another reader says,
"Our seats were in the stalls, row G, 7 to 10. Very good view and wouldn't hesitate getting these again if offered."

Rows G and H seats 11 to 20 are "premium seats" - sold at slightly higher prices. Your choice, feels the monkey. You do get a free programme and avoid a booking fee when using the box office phone number / online service, though...

Reader Mark comments,
"stalls K19 to 22 were as good as the monkey seating plan indicated and ideal for seeing actors expressions as well as everything that takes place on stage. Good rake at that level too so that the Munchkin and our other two friends were all able to see everything without any obstruction. And quite comfy seats too even if I did find myself sinking further down in them as the show progressed (though I think that is more to do with me and my poor posture than the well padded seats)."

Stephan Nicholls, on the end of row L notes,
"The view was fine; we could just see Kate at the top of the Empire State Building though she was also on a handily placed plasma screen as well."

Back a row, one reader notes,
"We sat in seats L17 and 18. Great seats, you can see all of the stage and the actors/puppets expressions clearly and you are pretty much central along the row. There is limited space for each seat even though legroom is good. I was constantly being poked in the side by the woman next to me who it seemed had made it her mission to battle me for arm room."

Further along that row, reader Rochelle rated L22 and L23 highly too.

Reader Ali says,
"Row O 10 and 11 - excellent legroom, a bit narrow, and for some unknown reason, I had quite an aching back afterwards. The view was unobstructed, and we had no problem seeing the top of the building when Trekkie Monster and Kate at the Empire State building appeared - Kate was shown on the screens anyhow, so you wouldn't miss it anyhow. I would like to be further forward, about row K next time, so I could see the actors expressions better."

In row P, reader Stephan Nicholls says,
"We used an offer and paid £25 for stalls P2 and P3 (note there is no P1). The view was fine; we could just see Kate at the top of the Empire State Building though she was also on a handily placed plasma screen as well."

The view from all seats fairly reflect the prices charged, with even those in the last rows feeling reasonably close to the action. When action is missed, prices reflect this - for "Avenue Q" this happens a bit from row Q back (but TV screens on stage keep you up with happenings!). 

Reader Abbie Mason feels that, 
"It's true you don't feel far away, but I would describe rows R and S as restricted view - the circle overhang obscures the top half of the stage area. It may be the case that third price is the going rate for a restricted view in the West End, but these seats should be advertised as such."

Rows Q and R drop in price substantially, and rows S and T drop to bottom / almost bottom price (except on Saturday evenings), to allow for this - good hunting if you don't mind missing a bit of the top of the stage, and miss out on row AA seats, feels the monkey.

A reader says,
"We sat close to the back of the stalls (Row Q) so we had to bend to see the top of the stage – but this only really caused problems in one scene (Trekkie Monster appears at the very top of the building. Overall, the value for money was excellent – our tickets were only £27.50 at the time, whereas the row in front of us paid £47.50! Bargain!"

Of what is missed in rows S and T, one report says,
"Half the stage is missing if you are sitting in Row S or T in the stalls so you can barely see the Trekkie Monster during his scenes (unless you bend down), you can't see Kate's school sign near the end or the gigantic Kate Monster catching the bouquet in the "Purpose- propose" scene! Not majorly important I guess and people usually find a seat a bit closer to move to anyway."

Reader Mel adds, for "Avenue Q":
"We sat in the middle of the Stalls, row M and had a perfect view of the stage including the top. We are both quite short, so luckily the rows have an incline from row K upwards! Any rows further back I’m not sure if you could see, but there are plasma TV screens that come down which show what's happening up top in certain scenes. I wouldn't sit in the front row of the stalls as dry ice/smoke could be in your face in a couple of scenes. "

Reader Alf goes further,
" from about from J or K the rake suddenly becomes a lot steeper, giving a much better view. However, the stage is fairly high as it is. I would recommend avoiding the rear stall (row Q etc) as the dress overhang chops off the top half of the stage, which is used (but not too much). Don't worry about being too far forward (for "Avenue Q") as nothing happens low down on the floor during the show."

In row M a reader says,
"We bought our tickets from TKTS and paid £27.50, getting M13 to 16 in the stalls. The view was fantastic, the rake allowing all my group to see, but close enough to the action to not miss a thing. Legroom was excellent (I'm 6ft 6 tall), so a comfortable night for me... Or at least it would have been if I hadn't had to share my seat with a lady with, shall we say, a fuller figure in the seat next to me. Never mind, I would recommend these seats and say they are worthy of full price, but an absolute steal at half price."

Reader Carol Morrison adds,
"We sat in the middle of stalls row O and had a perfect view. Although the Dress Circle overhangs the back of the stalls we were still able to see all the action on stage, even the scenes at the top of the empire state building. We didn't need the additional TV screens at all although they may have been a help to the back 2-3 rows."

Reader Hannah M says,
"We sat in stalls seats Q 23 to 25 at £27.50 each, which are really good. The overhang of the circle cuts off the very top of the stage, but I could still see everything that went on without stooping. The only thing I couldn't see were the plasma screens on stage, but there are two more on the walls for people in these seats anyway. For anyone really tall in these seats, the one bit of action that occurs high on stage is also put on these screens. I personally don't think that the seats further forward are significantly better to warrant paying £20 more. As the theatre is so small you feel close to the action in row Q anyway. If I was really on a budget (i.e. not seeing it with my parents) I would consider the seats further back, but do be aware you will need to watch some of the action on the screens."

Reader Thom comments,
"sat in stalls G 7 and 8. Excellent seats, right in the middle of the action"

A desk beside seats S 15 and T 13, and behind R 3 to 14 may make these seats missable for the picky, too. 

Legroom is good throughout the stalls. Row AA seats 12 to 17 have a particularly good space for a stretch when it is in use! A 6ft 6 tall reader rated M 13 to 16 excellent too.

A larger reader opines,
""big enough seats in the stalls, slightly cramped but I suppose O.K."

Stalls Boxes
Boxes A and B are just above stalls level either side of the stage. When in use, those sitting here cannot see a quarter of the edge of the stage nearest to them. The view offered is now below average value for money and boxes should be considered only if extra legroom is needed or rear stalls at the same price are unavailable. One reader comments, "Don't touch them as they are extremely side on (and I'm a great fan and user of boxes)."

DRESS CIRCLE 
Called the ROYAL CIRCLE in this theatre.

The Upper Circle overhangs row F. This does not affect the view from any seat.

The Dress Circle is split into a main central and two small side blocks by aisles.

The view is good from all seats, though rows F, G and H are normally far enough from the stage for the discerning ticket buyer to wonder why they are being charged top price. Think twice before paying it in these circumstances.

Row B seats 10 to 19 are "premium seats" - sold at slightly higher prices. Your choice, feels the monkey. You do get a free programme and avoid a booking fee when using the box office phone number / online service, though...

For "Avenue Q" though, reader Lee comments,
"I was in the centre of the Royal Circle on Row G and it was a great place to see the show from didn't feel far away at all, seats were comfy and even though I am 6 foot 1" I had more than enough legroom. I tried the seats at the back few rows of the Stalls and they felt much further from the stage than being in the Royal Circle for some reason. If a friend asked me I would say go for anywhere centre Royal Circle or front middle Stalls for this show."

That makes the monkey give G a higher rating, given the extra space available.

Be aware of Row A 1,2,3,4,5,27,28,29,30,31, Row B 1,2,3,26,27,28, and Row C 3,27. Part of a small group of seats located either side of the main block, these seats are at the edges of the circle and have a sideways view of the stage. They are sold as second price tickets, (top price during "off peak" periods) though may be worth considering as the view isn't that bad except at the extreme edges of row A. Not ones for a special night out, but still worth a thought as they are closer to the stage than the rear stalls for the same money. In particular, for "Avenue Q" (June 2006) peak periods the first and last 2 seats in rows A and B are reduced further - those in B are worth a glance, thinks the monkey, all warnings of restricted views duly noted before purchase, though. At second price off-peak they are maybe worth a glance but there are better...

Reader Pez says,
"I was sitting in row B of the royal circle, Seat 27,  It was actually a very good view, We had quite alot of leg room, and most importantly I could see every of the actors expressions, and we were quite close to the stage."

Reader Rochelle opines,
"C11 and C12. The view was great here; the only downside was the leg room (I have very long legs!)."

Reader James comments,
" have seen "Avenue Q" many times, once from the stalls (central row M) and the rest of the time from the Dress Circle (usually around rows B to D). Whilst the stalls seats weren’t bad by any means, I prefer seeing the show from the Dress Circle as you can take in more of the stage and with the puppets naturally being smaller than the actors I feel they’re seen better looking down from the Circle. I’ve never had a bad seat experience there yet and even F24 and F25 in the Dress Circle, whilst not marked as green, gave me a great view."

Another reader says,
"We went to see Avenue Q on the Dress Circle row G. I think for £17.50 I paid this row provides a superb view for the stage. Views are totally unrestricted and although it’s at the back of the area the theatre is quite small. I think this is better than the back of the stalls."

Reader Alf feels,
"outstanding view from all seats: great rake, not too far back from the stage, masses of leg room in row A by the way. Slips aren't too bad if you are happy to lean a bit"

Reader James in Finchley feels the same,
"Sat in Dress Circle A19 and A20.  What a fantastic place to see the show from.  No-one in front of you, no steel bar or high front to obscure the view.  Sound is excellent from here and you can see all the actor and puppet expressions.  Didn’t find legroom a problem at all.  Definitely my new favourite viewing point!"

The monkey wasn't as keen on row A legroom - feeling it cramped, so welcomes another viewpoint and has raised the rating of these seats accordingly.

Legroom in row A is cramped (though see above for a different view); the other rows all have just acceptable levels of comfort - a bit more legroom in row G (reader Lee at 6ft 1 felt comfy sitting here), and in the very first and last two seats of rows B and C - the outer edges of the side blocks - may help the taller, with row G preferable for them.

Reader David Fisher felt of row E seat 9,
"the view was excellent however I found that the seat had little leg room and my knee pushed into the seat in front. I only have short legs as well."

Dress Circle Boxes
Boxes C and D are either side of the stage at Dress Circle level. Boxes L and M are at the rear of the Dress Circle.

All boxes have a restricted view. From C and D you cannot see into the back corner quarter of the stage, nor is the nearest quarter edge of the stage visible; boxes L and M are to the rear of the circle, are recessed and the overhang of the circle affect the view of the edges, top and front of the stage.

Box M can take a wheelchair, see notes. The view may be better than most wheelchair positions, but access is hard. 

Where not used for technical equipment all boxes except L and M are sold at second price, getting heavy in this monkey's opinion. Take box L or M first, but only if you have to - it is tending to expensive at top price. The view is slightly less than perfect but extra legroom compensates.

Box Connoisseur Alf adds,
"box M is great! It is NOT rear of the dress, but about in line with row D or E, has a full, clear view of the stage, is nice and roomy (with your own curtains) and is a really good way of getting in to see the show last minute. Still a bit greedy as first price, but arguably better than rear dress or stalls."

Fair comment, feels the monkey.

UPPER CIRCLE
Called the GRAND CIRCLE in this theatre

A high circle with a good rake. The balcony overhangs to row B but does not affect the view from any seat.

A single metal bar runs across the circle affecting the view in row A. Seats A 6 and 23 and S 14 and 15 should be particularly avoided as a double bar protects the end of the aisle. The rest of the seats in the centre block represent acceptable value for money.

A reader reports,
"The view from the front few rows of the Grand Circle is dizzy but excellent value for money - certainly in the preview week." (referring to when they were cheaper for "Avenue Q" at just £20 in June 2006 - editor).

Reader Alf feels,
"much higher than the Dress...I would only take the first 3 rows of it. Avoid the slips here too if you can."

Note that row F seats 10 to 17 and the whole of row G are not available as lighting is positioned there. Purists might want to avoid seats around it, but the monkey has not registered any complaints so far.

Reader Ian Grace indeed finds much to recommend,
"We were in seats E13 and 14 in the Upper Circle. These are marked red on the plan because of the lights behind them but the lights weren't a problem and this meant that immediately behind our seats was a very handy shelf where the seats in row F would normally be and where we could place our coats and bags. Quite a plus point with winter coats etc.

Visibility was very good (we had fairly average sized people in front) but not having anyone sitting behind meant we could also lean forward or shift about without having to worry that we were blocking the view of others behind us.

I haven't been to that many London theatres but these seats felt very high up in the building (there are higher!) which could just possibly be an issue for those who suffer from vertigo, especially when standing up getting to some of the seats."

Row AA is a set of 28 seats curving around the side wall of the theatre on a narrow ledge extending from the front of the circle. Known as 'Slips' the view is best from seats 9 to 20. At low prices these are usually a bargain for those willing to accept a precarious perch...not for the unadventurous or long legged, though...

Reader Gavin comments,
"Went to see Avenue Q... I bought a £10 ticket at the box office and sat in the Upper Circle slips - view was practically nonexistent, backache severe so probably not even worth a tenner."

Another reader says,
"Row F 18 and 19 provided a very good view (although probably wouldn't be worth it if they were paying full price of £27.50 for them, I felt they were a lot more distant than our previous £20 seats in the front rows of the stalls)."

Legroom is acceptable in rows B to F for those of an average height, poorer in row A and tight in all seats for those over 5ft 10 or so. In row S it is uncomfortable except for 14 and 15 which have the advantage of being the ends of the row nearest the aisle.

BALCONY
Around 90 feet from the stage - straight down! These seats are tucked up high on a shelf directly under the theatre roof. The climb up the stairs is VERY long. Those not in best health should not buy these seats.

A double height metal bar runs across the circle, this becomes a triple bar at the ends of the aisle and in front of rows A seats 3 and 19. Seats here have been renewed...rather comfy.

Reader Alf elaborates,
"very distant and very high. Especially for Avenue Q, when much humour is in the expression of the actors (and puppets!). The price seems a bit greedy. HOWEVER, for anyone that likes bit of extra legroom or a wider seat, the first and last seats of the central block (e.g. Row A; seats 3 and 19, Row B; seats 3 and 21 etc) are double width - literally twice as wide as the rest of the seats - they are like sitting on a throne! The one next to them (Row A seats 4 and 18 etc) are also a tad wider than normal."

Reader Jan goes further,
"We went to see this show in August 2006 and sat in row D in the Balcony. Not recommended simply because you can hardly see anything from that distance, let alone any expressions on the faces of the actors. The sound was good though which was just as well as there wasn't much to look at. Nice view of the very decorative ceiling though!!! These seats should be free they are so bad. Avoid the upper Balcony like the plague."

A distant view is possible from all central seats. The bars at the front of the circle do intrude for everybody, but sitting in row D or E minimises the problem most - D 7 to 22 being optimum, then E 6 to 20. Take D first, then E, C then B.

Like the Upper Circle, slips are available along the walls at the edges of the circle between seating and stage. They offer just below fair value with the same drawbacks as mentioned above. They are benches, so arrive early to stake your place. Take these only when other seats are unavailable.

Legroom is acceptable for those up to around 5ft 11 or so, and probably only slightly cramped for those taller -except in row A where it is cramped for anyone over 5ft 6 or so. The very tallest may still find lack of room a problem and require the stalls instead.

Notes
Total  872 seats and 21 standing in rear stalls. 

Air-conditioned. Audiences have noticed that the theatre is still hot in summer, though, alas! A reader says,
"The air conditioning is non existent though so make sure you sit on the aisle and not hemmed in by other hot people"
As of early July 2006, though, reports are that the system is now working properly and conditions are back to normal - this was confirmed by a reader in September 2007.

No food except Ice cream and confectionery. "Picnic boxes" can often be arranged for couples in the bar at the interval. Details from the theatre Hospitality Department on 0870 950 0950.

Three bars. Two in the Stalls - one at the back, one on the stairs leading down to stalls, One in the Dress Circle.

Infrared headset system for the deaf. Occasional signed performances. Guide dog sitter available. Wheelchair access to box M in Dress Circle (2 spaces or 1 plus 1 non-chair escort). A steep portable ramp is needed to gain access via St Martin's Court. An adapted toilet is available next to the cloakroom just past the Royal Circle entrance - with flat access to it. The "registered disabled" concessionary price policy here is generally (though can be subject to change) for a quota of accessible best seats to be made available at the lowest regular price charged. This quota is increased for designated performances such as signed / audio interpreted. Check with the box office at time of booking. Fuller access details www.theatre-access.co.uk. or Artsline on 020 7388 2227, e-mail artsline@dircon.co.uk.

8 toilets; Stalls 2 gents 1 cubicle in each, 1 ladies 3 cubicles: Foyer 1 ladies 4 cubicles; Upper Circle 1 gents 1 cubicle, 1 ladies 4 cubicles; Balcony 1 gents 1 cubicle.  

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

A photographic illustrated version of this route is available by clicking here.

The escalator from the platforms deposits passengers into a circular space with a number of staircases leading to the surface. Beside each staircase is a vast white panel listing the places accessible from that exit. 

Look for the one showing the Noel Coward theatre. It is marked "Charing Cross Road East" and "Cranbourn Street". When you leave the ticket gates, do a 180 degree "U" turn. This exit is hidden behind you, between the gates! Go up the first little staircase. At the top of it, turn right, taking the "Cranbourn Street" exit (to your right, exit number 4). Go up the stairs. In front of you will be Cranbourn Street, with a row of shops. Cross the road to them, and turn to your left. Follow it round and the shop curves into St Martins Lane! The Noel Coward Theatre is ahead of you!

If you take the other staircase at Leicester Square station then at the top, in front of you will be Charing Cross Road. On the opposite corner, notice the Hippodrome Nightclub and a wide pedestrianised street. Turn to your left. Wyndham's theatre is there. Walk all the way across the front of it. At its far corner is St Martin's Court, a wide pedestrian alleyway of small shops and dustbins. Walk down it. You will pass the shared stage door of Wyndham's and Noel Coward theatres (say hi to the cast). At the end of the alleyway, the Noel Coward theatre is on your left.

An American visitor puts it this way: "Exit Leicester Square tube station via the most leftward exit, up the stairs, turn an acute angle left at the top, placing you in an alley with the shared Wyndham/Noel Coward stage doors straight ahead. This alley is L-shaped to the right. Taking that turn, you face two big red phone boxes and, across another alley, J. Sheekeys. Turn left in front of J. Sheekeys, left again at the street, and you are in front of the Noel Coward, having gone round the building back to front. You will have walked the equivalent of just over one block." Well put and great advice. The only warning the monkey would add is that the alley is a dark and unsavoury place at night. The monkey prefers a "street" route itself..

Incidentally, the left hand exits of the Noel Coward auditorium open into this alley. On leaving through this exit, turn right for the underground station.

Next is Newport Street. Cross that too and head on, crossing Cranbourne Street towards Leicester Square Underground Station. Before you reach the station, though, turn left into Cranbourne Street. Follow it round and the shop curves into St Martins Lane! The Noel Coward Theatre is ahead of you!

An alternative car park is Trafalgar Square Spring Gardens, about an equal distance, the monkey feels.

From the car park, turn up the road on the left to bring you on to Trafalgar Square. Face Nelson's Column and cross the road towards it. In front of you is the National Gallery. You require the road to the right side of it - Charing Cross Road. Do not enter the Trafalgar Square area itself, but follow the pavement round towards the right corner of the National Gallery. Continue along so that you pass the National Gallery on your right. At the junction of roads just by this corner of the National Gallery, cross the road. You should have Charing Cross Road to your left and be facing towards the same side that St Martins Church is on. Walk a few steps past the building on your left and see how the road curves round. This is St Martin's Lane. Turn left into it and keep walking up, passing the Duke of York's Theatre on your own side of the road and London Coliseum on the opposite side of the street. Keep walking and the Noel Coward Theatre is beyond the Duke of York's Theatre on your left.

The "Theatreland Parking Scheme" is in use in both car parks. Call Westminster City Council car parks on 0800 243 348 or see www.westminster.gov.uk/carparks for details. Parking under the "Theatreland Parking Scheme" allows a 50% discount in cost. Spaces CANNOT be reserved at these prices, so choose whether you would prefer to book and pay more, or use this scheme.

If you choose the "Theatreland Parking Scheme", you must get your car park ticket validated at the theatre's box office counter (the theatre attendant will insert the car parking ticket into a small machine which updates the information held on the magnetic strip on the reverse, thus enabling the discount). When you pay using the machines at the car park, 50% will be deducted from the full tariff. You may park for up to 72 hours using this scheme and it is endorsed by the Society of London Theatre.

For a full list of car parks that participate in the 50% off theatreland scheme here see www.westminster.gov.uk/carparks/theatreland.cfm, and for a full list of theatres that participate in the scheme see www.westminster.gov.uk/carparks/theatres.cfm.