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Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

NOEL COWARD THEATRE
(formerly the Albery Theatre)

 

 

CALENDAR GIRLS (play)

Yorkshire Women stress the second syllable of "Institute" in an unusual fundraising scheme for a great cause.

First a hit calendar, then a film, the story now comes to the stage with a starry cast.

When booking through the theatre, the whole £1.50 booking fee is donated to Leukaemia Research. The only time the monkey feels a booking fee is a great idea.


 

Theatremonkey Opinion:
Less surprising than the original concept of the Womens Institute producing a "nude not rude" calendar in support of a widow's favourite cause. As with the calendar itself, on stage you pretty much get what you'd expect - a well produced production that raises a laugh for a few minutes, but then simply records time passing by.

This is the safest commercial theatre available. Fortunately, being all-British, it avoids the inevitable "packaged plus added sugar" which might have been its fate exported from Hollywood. A far meaner opiner than the monkey would dismiss this out-of-hand, for there are good things to be said. The performances extracted from an experienced cast, the worthiness of the cause and the provision of simple light entertainment from and at a time it is most needed.

Seek great writing and demanding theatre? There are other works out there. Accepted as the charitable play equivalent of the many compilation musicals catering to a similar audience, and you can't go far wrong. If nothing else, booking online through the theatre boosts a good cause, so your efforts in seeing this cannot be entirely wasted.

 

Your Reviews: Add your own by clicking here.
Important: Some reviews below can contain "spoilers" - please don't read if this bothers you!

(2 reviews)

Saw 'Calendar Girls' on 13th May 2009 and really enjoyed that. Linda Bellingham and Gaynor Faye were especially good – once again really recommend it but probably not so suitable for men although the man sitting next to me (who incidentally went with  29 women) really enjoyed it.  We had stalls seats and they were very good.
_____________________

What fun! We went to see 'Calendar Girls' on Wednesday 1st July 2009, having taken advantage of a Theatremonkey offer for tickets. I have to say at this point they were very good value ,and I wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of other Theatremonkey offers.

Having carefully perused the comments on the seats available (the choice being the very back of the stalls or seats 9 and 10 row E of the grand circle I chose to save money and go for the grand balcony. I have to say they were well worth the money; yes, it's high (but not as high or steep as the Palace Theatre where you need a mountaineering kit), and I didn't need to sit forward in my chair to see the edge of the stage - and I'm only 5'4". We could also perfectly see the expressions on the actresses faces, though if you don't wear glasses 20/20 vision is a must; don't be vain - get the specs out!

On such a hot day we were blessed with air-conditioning at it's most effective and it was a perfect temperature but it may be a little too cold on cooler days. Water is £1.50 a bottle which is about average and the seats comfy and legroom reasonable for a theatre.

The show was really good fun and very true to the film version. There was the right amount of coarseness without being offensive, and the nudity scenes were very tasteful and hysterically funny. I have to admit choosing the grand balcony was in part so as not to be too close to the action, though the actresses are remarkably blemish and wrinkle free (or from this distance anyway!!).

The second half of the show is predictably less fun and takes a serious turn, but it works well and had some people moved to tears, to judge by the sniffing and hanky blowing in nearby rows.

Ultimately it was a great show, well cast (including Patricia Hodge, Julia Hills and Lynda Bellingham) And if I have to make one criticism it would be that from our seats we couldn't see the tops of the first two photos to drop down in the finale - but then we wouldn't have seen them from the back of the stalls due to the overhang of the balcony above. It's a minor detail that really makes no difference to the enjoyment of the show.

One thing I would advise - and this actually has nothing to do with the show - is that if you are walking up the Charing Cross Road back to Tottenham Court Road station, walk up the left side of the road as they are doing loads of remodelling work. If you don't cross over the road and continue to walk up the right hand side, when you get to the top you have to follow a diversion through some wrought iron gates and down an alley as they have closed the pavement to pedestrians.

The problem with this alley is that you walk past a tattoo parlour and a pub and the actual alley is always full of rather inebriated men, and if you are a woman on her own it could be intimidating. Especially when you get to the other end and find the gate (or escape route) locked! There were five of us, all strangers who having walked into the lions den then walked back out together to what felt like safety (and I'm a rocker and have tattoos so I'm not being too rude here), but why put yourself in dangerous situations if you don't have to? Cross the road.

Jos Hockley,
East London
 


 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Performance Schedule:
The monkey advises checking performance times on your tickets and that performances are happening as scheduled, before travelling.

Tuesday to Saturday at 7.30pm
Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Runs 2 hours 25 minutes, including one fifteen minute interval.

 

Ticket Prices:

Offers May be available - Click Here

View this information in diagram form

Stalls
Rows AA to R: £48.50 except:
from 28th July 2009 "Premium" seats rows G, H and J 11 to 20: £61.50 (including a programme).
Rows S and T: £38.50

Dress Circle
All seats: £48.50 except
Side blocks row A 3, 4, 28, 29; B 1, 2, 27, 28: £38.50
Side blocks row A 1, 2, 30, 31 (restricted view): £31.50

Upper Circle
Centre block rows B to D (except first and last two seats): £48.50
Centre block row A, plus first and last two seats in rows B to D and row E seats 5 to 24: £38.50
Upper Circle row F, plus first and last two seats in row E and slips row AA (restricted view) seats 11 to 18: £31.50
Upper Circle slips row AA (restricted view) seats 2 to 10 and 19 to 27: £5

Balcony
All seats £24.50
slips £5

Boxes
Boxes L and M (normally bookable in advance), and boxes A, B, C and D (normally bookable only by personal callers at the venue): £48.50 per seat.

 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Buying Tickets Online:

Other Box Office Information

Tickets offered differ between outlets. Outlets also may offer different seats via their phone and online systems. Offers may be available click here.
Theatre Box Office:
www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk provide their own service for this theatre.

Booking fees per ticket for online bookings:
£1.50 per ticket. The whole booking fee is donated to Leukaemia Research. The only time the monkey feels a booking fee is a great idea.

Other Online Choices (with S.T.A.R. genuine ticket agencies):

www.seetickets.com / telephone 0870 830 0200 (FREE call if using BT.com Calling Plan at your chosen times) offers seats with a booking fee of £4.85 on £48.50 (£3.85 on £38.50 seats). A £1.50 per booking, not per ticket, transaction charge applies on all purchases.

When the theatre does not have the tickets you desire available, the Theatremonkey Ticketshop offers tickets with a £4.85 per ticket booking fee on £48.50 seats - moderate by agency standards, though higher than box office fees, worth trying as they often have an alternative choice of seats available! Simply select the show from the "drop down" menu in the centre of the page. Note that this system will confirm exact seat numbers prior to purchase.

Alternatively, through Ticketmaster with a £3.15 per ticket booking fee on £48.50 (£2.50 on £38.50 seats), plus a £2.25 handling fee for your booking on top of that. If you use online booking, be aware that the computer offers tickets at random. If you are unhappy with its choice, keep re-selecting using the "Back" button on your browser, NOT the "reselect button" on the page, until you get tickets you consider worthwhile. Note that the tickets offered may differ between phone and online sources.

Encore Tickets offer £48.50 seats with a £12 booking fee per ticket (£6 on £24.50 tickets) - plus optional UK postage of £1.50 per booking, not per ticket, available if time allows. Discounts and "Meal and Show" packages may also be available. Quality and Value hotel / theatre ticket packages are also available.

Other Independent S.T.A.R. ticket agencies may also offer an alternative choice of seats.


 

Box Office Information:
Tickets offered differ between outlets. Outlets also may offer different seats via their phone and online systems. Offers may be available click here.
Theatre Box Office:
Telephone: 0844 482 5141
(020 7812 7498 if you cannot use the 0870 number)
Operated by Delfont-Mackintosh Theatres. At busy times / outside working hours - 9am to 8pm, See Tickets may answer on behalf of the venue.

Booking fees per ticket for telephone bookings:
£1.50 per ticket. Consider booking online, as the whole booking fee is donated to Leukaemia Research that way. The only time the monkey feels a booking fee is a great idea.

For personal callers or by post: St Martin's Lane, London. WC2N 4AH
No booking fee for personal callers.

Special Access Needs Customers:
Wheelchair users and other registered disabled theatregoers can book their seats on 0844 482 5137 and enquire about concessionary prices that may be available to them. The wheelchair users line connects directly to the Delfont-Mackintosh Theatre Group Helpline in London. See Notes.

www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk is the official theatre website.

 

 
 
Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Theatre Seat Opinions:
Please remember that cheaper seats often do not offer the same view / location quality as top price ones, and that ticket prices are designed to reflect this difference.

Seating Plan Diagram

Stalls Dress Circle Upper Circle Balcony Notes
STALLS 
The Dress Circle (Royal Circle in this theatre) overhangs the stalls at row G but does not affect the view from any seat. New seats in October 2005 are rather comfortable, and an interesting shade of pink.

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. Neck ache can happen, less in row A than AA for those prone to it.

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."

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

Reader Pip continues,
"A16. An excellent view, right in the centre. Could see everything and almost touch the actors. Comfortable seats with a respectable legroom."

and a final one comments,
"Seats A19 and 20, having secured a cheap deal (£32.50 each for the show I saw in 2007). I'd say this was about fair value for money - definitely not a first choice at full price. Legroom was more than adequate for both of us."

A row behind, a reader comments,
"Sat in the stalls in Row B seats 10 to 14. None of us had any problems what so ever. The sound is perfect and the view is outstanding. Also the theatre is very cool here, especially as it was boiling outside. These are the most comfortable seats I have ever had in a theatre, and the ones with the most legroom. In fact we had about 10 bags between us, and we didn't have to pick them up or stand up ourselves to let people by, because there was enough space to walk round us. The view is incredible. I recommend them every time!"

Endorsed by another reader,
"Row B seats 10, 11 and 12. Absolute perfection, best seats in the house."

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. 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."

From 28th July 2009, a limited number of "Premium" stalls seats, rows G, H and J seats 11 to 20, are available priced £61.50 each, including a programme. Your choice if you wish to pay that much, feels the monkey.

Further over, someone reports,
"Row H last 2 seats: The view was rather good (even for a short person like me)."

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."

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 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 set. 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 for stalls P2 and P3 (note there is no P1). The view was fine."

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.

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 S and T are cheaper to allow for any problems during "Calendar Girls" (April 2009). Sometimes the overhang can cut the top off the stage in these rows.

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. Overall, the value for money was excellent when we paid less than £30."

Reader Mel adds:
"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. "

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 stalls  (row Q etc) as the dress overhang chops off the top half of the stage, when used for a show with high sets."

In row M a reader says,
"We bought our tickets from TKTS for the show we saw in 2009, 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."

Reader Hannah M says,
"We sat in stalls seats Q 23 to 25 at £27.50 each, for the show we saw in 2007, 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. As the theatre is so small you feel close to the action in row Q anyway."

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

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.

For "Avenue Q" though, in 2008, 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 top price, and an OK alternative to the rear of the circle. At second price, the outermost two in B, and A 3, 4, 28 and 29 (third for the outermost pairs in A) are 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. All warnings of restricted views duly noted before purchase, though.

In row A, reader Pip says,
"A3 and 4. I see that it's red rated on the diagram, and I know they're at the side, but the view was brilliant! I didn't miss anything but one entrance. And there seems to be more legroom over here then in the centre and you can lean forward if need too and not bother anyone. Seats very comfortable and are cheaper than the middle."

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 a lot 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!)."

Another reader agrees,
"My seat was in the middle of Row C, the seat was great as I could clearly see the whole stage with nobody blocking my view as the cambering of the seats is first class."

Reader James comments,
"Have seen "Avenue Q" many times (2006 to 2009), 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. 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 in 2008 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 expressions.  Didn’t find legroom a problem at all.  Definitely my new favourite viewing point!"

Another reader agrees,
"Sat in A 21 and 22. Great seats (and at top price they should be!)  I have to say I thought the leg room was very generous for a front circle seat.  I'm only 5ft 4 though so had loads of room.  6ft Husband with laptop bag also seemed to think there was a decent amount of room for him - legs, laptop and all!"

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 at second price. At top price for "Calendar Girls" (May 2009) the monkey would try for Stalls or Dress Circle first.

A reader reports,
"The view from the front few rows of the Grand Circle is dizzy."

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."

Reader Paul comments,
"B 5 and 6: The seats offered a good view, we could see everything. Although the numbers are 5 and 6 this was on the end of a row - I asked specifically for seats with extra legroom. As it happened, unless I sat in the seat sideways there was no extra room here than any other seat, but it was perfectly adequate. The rail in front was slightly distracting for about the first two minutes but then I didn't notice it."

Another reader says,
"I sat in Row D seats 20 and 21. I personally think they are JUST fair for money as you can see everything but the corner of the stage. I think the price could be lower. However, the view is acceptable and for a second time to a show worth the money. Otherwise, first timers avoid here because you won't see as much expressions (which are vital for musicals and comedies). There is no legroom, but otherwise seats are comfy. Sound is fine."

Reader Ian Grace indeed finds much to recommend,
"We were in seats E13 and 14 in the Upper Circle. 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."

Reader Jos Hockley comments for "Calendar Girls" (July 2009),
"E 9 and 10: I chose to save money and go for the grand balcony. I have to say they were well worth the money; yes, it's high (but not as high or steep as the Palace Theatre where you need a mountaineering kit), and I didn't need to sit forward in my chair to see the edge of the stage - and I'm only 5'4". We could also perfectly see the expressions on the actresses faces, though if you don't wear glasses 20/20 vision is a must; don't be vain - get the specs out! On such a hot day we were blessed with air-conditioning at it's most effective and it was a perfect temperature but it may be a little too cold on cooler days. The seats comfy and legroom reasonable for a theatre. If I have to make one criticism it would be that from our seats we couldn't see the tops of the first two photos to drop down in the finale - but then we wouldn't have seen them from the back of the stalls either due to the overhang of the balcony above. It's a minor detail that really makes no difference to the enjoyment of the show."

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 in 2007... 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 upwards for them."

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 when much humour is in the expression of the actors. 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 a 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.

Reader Pip says,
"Row B seats 15 and 16 (I think): I personally don't see what the problem is. I was dreading sitting up so high from all the reviews, but it really isn't as high at some theatre's I've been too. It's also closer to the action then other balconies I've been in. Could see everything; yes the bar got in the way, but the price makes up for that. Legroom is brilliant and the seats are so wide and the best ever. I kept forgetting that they weren't folding ones so had an amusing time thinking the seat would fold as I sat down."

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  886 seats and 21 standing in rear stalls. 

Air-conditioned.

No food except Ice cream and confectionery. Bar snacks also available.

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 helpline at time of booking. Fuller access details 0844 482 5137, 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.  


 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

Getting to this Theatre
Find this theatre on a Street Map. The theatre is to the right (above) the arrow.
Nearest Underground Station Buses Car Park
Nearest Underground Station:
Leicester Square - Northern (black) and Piccadilly (dark blue) lines.

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.

 

Buses:
24, 29 and 176 stop on Charing Cross Road. Walk to the Wyndham's Theatre. Go down St Martins Court (the alleyway at the right hand side of the building). The Noel Coward theatre is on your left.

 

Car Park:
Newport Place, China Town. On leaving, use Gerard Street to get you onto Shaftesbury Avenue. On Shaftesbury Avenue look to your right. The brown brick building to your right is the Palace Theatre. Don't bother crossing the road, but turn to your right on Shaftesbury Avenue and walk in the direction of it. When you come to the main road intersection in front of Shaftesbury Avenue, cross Charing Cross Road at the traffic lights. Now turn to your right and walk down Charing Cross Road, crossing Litchfield Street as you go.

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.


 

Top Performance Times Ticket Prices Where to Buy Tickets  Seating Plan Seat Opinions Getting Here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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