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The theatre is a vast fan-shaped auditorium divided into front and rear
blocks by a wide gangway in front of row J.
FRONT STALLS
(called the "Lower Tier" in this venue)
Layout:
The front block is of concrete steps rising from the stage.
The block is split into a central and two side blocks by aisles.
Grassy banks either side of the side blocks provide further seating
if not used in the production and the grass is dry.
Legroom:
Good for all but those over 5ft 10 or so in all seats.
Best legroom is in rows A and J where it is almost unlimited. Row J will
possibly suit the longer legged better, feels the monkey, as the seats
are set slightly higher than row A.
Side block aisle seats have extra space for one leg.
Choosing Seats in General:
Centre Block:
New seating gives a little extra height to all seats, improving the view
over the row in front.
Choose the centre block row D first, then C, B and A for those who enjoy
a close look at the stage. Row D looks just nicely down onto the stage
when they are using the slightly raised plinth type stage commonly in
this theatre's set designs.
Others also like E, F and G for a slightly wider perspective.
Row J is inserted in the aisle space in front of row K. Positioned in
the aisle space between front and rear stalls blocks, against the metal
rails of the rear section. It has an excellent view and better legroom
than other seating, and a reader who sat there agrees! The view from
these end sections is a little side on from outermost seats perhaps, and
you are at the same height as side block seats in row I in front, but if
available, the legroom is worthwhile feels the monkey... if nobody tall
takes row I, maybe...
Side Blocks:
These have been reduced in price for 2020. They offer a good, if
slightly angled view, and if you want to save a few bananas, take the pairs
of seats off the centre aisle in these blocks in rows D to E, then back to
I, first. Irritatingly, stage action normally happens towards the centre,
meaning those at the sides don't always see actors faces full-on. Otherwise,
row choice order is the same as the centre block - and always go as central
as possible.
One reader also noticed that the 2010 set for "Into The Woods" blocked views
from A1. Poor scenic design on future shows could obviously cause an issue
here, notes the monkey. On the other hand, A 1 to 4 and 21 to 24 are often
sold at a discount. Cheaper, the monkey likes A 4 and 3 / 21 and 22 in that
order.
Four wheelchair spaces can be inserted into row J replacing seats 9 to 11,
20 to 23, 20 to 23, 33 to 36 and 46 to 48 as required. Monkey advice is to
take 20 to 23 and 33 to 36 first, as they are nice and central. Other seats
in row J from 1 to 14 and 43 to 56 are the same price as those in front,
fair value.
Do look at the rear block row M seats 26 to 44 then L 24 to 41 before
picking rows H, I and J since the rake (elevation over the row in front) is
better - though be aware row L looks through a bar at the front of the
seating section and isn't suitable for those under 5ft 6 or so.
Also worth knowing is that the grass banks beside the seats are also sold if
it's a dry day and they are not needed for the production. A side view, but
a way to see the show for those willing to sit on the ground.
General Hazard Notes:
The stage is an adaptable space on a grassy base. If extended outwards
by boards, it can form a diamond shape that sometimes comes to a sharp
point in front of the centre seats in row A. It is low enough not to
affect sightlines too greatly, though a few purists might want to avoid
A 11 to 14.
Be aware that speakers on the grass bank under the stage can be loud
for those in the front rows.
Holes in the metal drain covers on the concrete public gangway in
front of row A are stiletto hazards.
If it has rained, water collects in the cracks in the concrete in front
of row A particularly.
Changes for the current production:
The monkey will
update as available.
For productions before previews begin: At the current time, the usual
front two rows and two seats in the outermost side blocks are not on
sale. These are put on sale once staging and sightlines have been
established around the time of the first preview.
"Dragons and Mythical Beasts": All seats are a single price, so take the
most central in D to G first.
(photo:
David Jensen. Sound of Music 2013)
Reader Comments:
“Stalls: (Craig). Stall
seats were comfortable, all now have integral cushions. All stall seats
are individual seats with wooden arm rests."
"A3 to A6. Although you are to one side of the stage, you do not miss
out on anything!"
"A10: "On the Town" (June 2017). Seat A10 was in the very front row
and wish there was a clear view with plenty of leg room, I would suggest
you avoid the front row, as there is a very high stage and you can not
see the feet of the performers."
"C27: "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (July 2019). Very close to the
stage with excellent view and lots of leg room. Possibly too close as
the opening music is very loud and low and hurt my ears."
"D33 and 34: "Into The Woods" (August 2010). Really good. As the action
sometimes takes place on the high walk ways I was glad not to be right
at the front!"
"E 4 and 5: "The Sound Of Music" (August 2013). Following the Monkeys
sage advice, we booked seats E4 and 5 for the current, Sound of Music
production, as it was heavily sold out. The view was great, far better
than the rows in front of us, and good value for money. Given the final
scene, it was a fantastic place to seat! Don't forget to pack a bin bag
to sit on though, because if its been raining during the day, the
upholstered seats remain very damp."
"G6: "Into The Woods (August 2010), (Mark). Got for £8 as the 'Breeze
Night' discount for young people. Great seat, very close to the action,
go for central seats at full price, but the seats in the side block were
absolutely fine."
"I20 and I21: (James – regular reader). Excellent!"
"I25 and 25: "Jesus Christ, Superstar" (July 2016). Good view from
seats I25 and 26."
"I30 and 31: "Crazy For You" (2011), (James – regular reader). Perfect,
but do take a waterproof blanket to put on the seat if it has been
raining in the afternoon!”
"J39: "Peter Pan" (2015). Sat in J39 for an afternoon performance. It
was the first really hot day of June and those on the other side of the
theatre (i.e. with the lowest-numbered seats) struggled as they
sweltered. I had the perfect seat! It was in dappled sunshine and then,
as the play progressed, pretty much full shade. Access is step free and
there is nobody immediately in front of you (it's a gangway), so
unlimited legroom. View was superb. Worth noting that the seats here are
very wide – the person next to me was huge but still managed to sit
comfortably without overflowing onto my seat. Easy to make a quick
getaway at the end – you are seconds from the exit."
REAR STALLS
(called the "Upper Tier" in this venue)
Layout:
A wooden walled, with
metal rails at the front of it, concrete
grandstand split into five blocks by gangways.
A high rail runs across the front of this section, badly blocking views
in row K.
Blocks adjacent to the centre one have stairwells let into them, taking
a bite out of seats in rows J to N.
Aisle seats have low black metal safety rails beside them. These are low
and should not affect the view - the colour should help them fade into
the dusk, in fact.
The very first and very last seat in the whole row (which are all
located in the outermost blocks) are NOT on an aisle, there is just a
wooden wall next to them.
Legroom:
Adequate in almost all seats for all but the very
tallest over 5ft 10 or so, best in Row T seats 14, 15, 16, 43, 44, 71,
72, 73, 100, 101 and 102 with nothing in front.
Seats T42, 45 and 74 have far less legroom for one leg, plus a metal
upright post in front of them, right in the "split the difference" zone,
as it were. Ladies in long skirts, and men who move clumsily should
avoid these seats in particular.
Choosing Seats in General:
The view won't disappoint from most seats, but as usual when all seats
in a row are priced the same, insist on the best.
(photo:
David Jensen. Pride and Prejudice 2013).
Centre Block:
Behind row O the seats rise steeply. Value is fair in all seats except
row K and those behind the stairwell in rows O and P, but
rows S and T do feel remote from the action (you notice it when climbing
down from your perch there!) - sound is normally good, though.
So, all that said: In the most central block, row L seats 10 to 48, row M seats
11 to 51, row N seats 11 to 54, O 33 to 53, P 34 to 55 and Q 36 to 58
are the same top price as the front section of the theatre. Some may
welcome the opportunity to sit further back for the same money - and the
view is decent enough - but the monkey rates the tickets only average
value here - and would skip O to Q all
together at those prices.
In the most central block R 37 to 6, S 39 to 63 and T 46 to 70 are at second
price. About fair, particularly row R - but remember there are closer opportunities in the outermost blocks
for the same money.
Adjacent Centre Blocks:
Either side of the main block, this pair were at second price back in 2007,
now established at top price back to row O, plus the outer ends of P to Q as
well. Expensive from O to Q (particularly O25 right by the restricted view
seats) are over priced, it feels. You are further from the stage, don't get
armrests and yet pay the same money.
Seats in row K, behind the fence posts in particular should be
avoided at this new top price. Also, be aware there is fencing around
the stairwells and front of the block section too.
The blocks adjacent to the central one are also the ones containing
stairwells. Worth avoiding are seats row O 20 to 25 and 62 to 66, P 20
to 25 and 67 to 72, and for purists Q 22 to 26 and R 68 to 72 which get
commanding views of the stairwell rails (and over the lighting box top)
- cutting heads off; and O 20 and 66 in particular also notice the rails
down the sides as they look to the stage. Fortunately, the box office
sell most of these horrors last! O 20 to 24 and 62 to 66 are bottom
price as they are very restricted view but central. Your call, feels the
monkey, who would probably go for the outermost block's seat option back
to R first.
New pricing puts the 8 seats off the centre aisles back to Q at top
price, and the 8 in R at second price, S and T at third. Pay more to be
further from the stage... not a good idea, feels the monkey. Restricted
view seats in row P and Q aside, take S then T at third, before the
second price R, or taking a look at the most central seats on the ends
of rows L and M on the outermost side blocks.
At third price, the monkey would also look to the extreme outer
blocks rows N and O first if only wanting a pair or trio of seats (the
other 2 are a bit too far over, usually).
The extra legroom seats T 14, 15, 16, 100, 101 and 102 are a bonus
added to saved bananas, it feels. Aside from these seats, it would
explore the outermost blocks aisle seats further forward before others
in row T, perhaps.
Outermost
Side Blocks:
Re-priced for 2020, and now mostly fair value, feels the monkey.
At second price, M 9 and 10 / 59 and 60 then L 9 to 6 / 53 to 66 in that
order are worth a try for being closer to the stage than the others at
the same price.
The third price stuff remains fair value back to row P but gets
expensive for Q to S and also the outer seats in K to M. Too far over
for the money, it thinks. Go as close to the aisle and near to the front
as possible - N then O then P.
Fourth price seats have seen changes. Two seats further from the
aisle have dropped a price. That means you will be two seats closer in
when looking for a fourth price ticket in rows O to S. Still better than
paying more to be at the back of the centre section, even if the view is
a little more to the side, so don't write off anything 6 or more seats
from the side aisle, where the price drops. K 1, 2 and 27 and 28 are
pairs at fourth price. Not great due to the rail, feels the monkey.
Similarly, instead of row T at bottom price, it would also consider
outermost seats from O back if vertigo isn't a problem (they are next to
fence preventing a fair drop to the ground, so sufferers should only
take P at best). Also worth a glance are O 20 to 24 and 62 to 66: very
restricted view but central. Your call, feels the monkey, who would
probably go for the outer seat option back to R first.
The alternative bottom price tickets are at the far ends of row O back.
If choosing these, try for as close to the aisle as possible - and be
aware that in row T foliage can get in the way / shed leaves on you at
the extreme ends of the row. Tending towards expensive in the far
corners now, too, feels the monkey.
General Hazard Notes:
Those sitting in the outermost seats from row N back may find the
view between the rails induces vertigo. Seriously, don’t even THINK of
sitting in the very end seats if bothered by heights. The monkey has
seen the results, and feels very sorry indeed for those suffering.
Claustrophobics should also avoid extreme ends of rows, as there are
no aisles there and the blocks ahead are large and enclosing in a full
auditorium (which the park usually attracts).
The blocks adjacent to the central one are the ones containing
stairwells.
Worth avoiding are seats row O 20 to 25 and 62 to 66, P 20
to 25 and 67 to 72, and for purists Q 22 to 26 and R 68 to 72
which get commanding views of the stairwell rails (and over the lighting
box top) - cutting heads off; and O 20 and 66 in particular also notice
the rails down the sides as they look to the stage. Fortunately, the box office sell most
of these horrors last!
The whole of row K, with rails splitting up the view.
A sound desk can replace row T seats 57 to 61, extending out of the
technicians hut above and behind the seating area. Avoid seats around it
- T56 and 62 in particular.
Falling leaves / overgrown branches can affect sightlines at the ends
of row T, depending on season and pruning that has or has not taken
place.
Changes for the current production:
A sound desk is likely to replace T 57 to 61 for all productions.
"Dragons and Mythical Beasts": All seats are a single price, so take the
most central first from L back, unless you feel tall enough to see over
the barrier in front of row K.
Reader Comments:
"K31 and 32: "Ragtime the
Musical" (July 2012),
(Chris B).
Great, completely unobstructed view of the entire
stage. A little raised so you can appreciate everything going on at
once, as there are often lots of actors on stage at the same time. There
is a walk way directly in front so no heads to block the view. The
safety barrier for the walk way does provide a foot rest as there is
also plenty of legroom. Coincidently these seats don't face the sun
throughout the matinee performance so no sun in your eyes which is a
bonus."
"L 3 to 5: "The Sound of Music" (August 2013): The first performance
got rained off part way through, always a hazard with open air theatre,
but they did stop and start it a few times and people began to comment
that if it carried on like that they would have to leave before the end
anyway to catch trains .The second was the very last one on 14th
September which was a bit chilly. Some people had blankets which was a
good idea. Always take a bag to sit on (you can buy seat covers but
theatre visits are expensive enough without unnecessary extras)." The rake is steep enough that I would be
surprised if anybody had a bad view, the downside being you can end up
with a knee in your back/shoulder if the person behind is particularly
tall. Our seats were £35 because they were outermost side blocks, but
the view was excellent, wouldn't bother to pay more. However. if you
suffer from vertigo don't go too far back. Would recommend for something
a little bit different, even though my teenager turned to me with water
dripping off her head and said "Is this supposed to be fun?"
"M7: "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" (July 2015). 15.08. I booked
the ticket rather late, so M0 was the best seat I could get. Sure it’s
rather high and off to the side, but the show is staged in a way that
you pretty much see everything from any seat. An aisle seat would’ve
been preferable for legroom, but as the Monkey has noted, you can sit
quite comfortably in the theatre. Sidenote: I test-sat K16 and O21 to 23
after the show. I think I might have a decent view from those seats (I
have a rather long upper body) and I’ll probably give them a try next
year, if the price is right."
“7 Brides” is a whole lot of fun. No more, no less. Sure, the story is
somewhat silly, and it’s not the kind of musical you see for deep
emotions. But I dare you to try and sit still during the musical
numbers."
"O21 and 22: "Henry V" (June 2016). We chose these seats on the
grounds that they were £17.50 cheaper than those just to one side of
them, taking the risk that the bar restricting the view was worth the
saving. And we were very pleased with our decision. Both of us over 6'
and could easily see over the bar, it didn't restrict the view at all.
Even if a shorter person took the seats I think it would be a minor
inconvenience to bob up or down a little to get a clear view for the
sake of the big saving to be had. I would jump at these seats if I
decided to visit again. But I confess this would be unlikely. It was a
grey evening and a bit windy, which made for a very brooding backdrop,
but it also meant that the sound from another event's sound-check nearby
drifted into the auditorium for the full duration of the performance.
Disco music did not create the right mood for the aftermath of the
battle, and quite honestly spoiled it for me, a first time visitor.
Incidentally we thought about moving to more expensive seats, plenty of
which were available, but in the end decided that the ones we had were
as good as any of the others. The venue itself was wonderful and I'm
very glad I went."
"O24: "Running Wild" (May 2016). Feeling very brave, I’ve booked O24
(only £25 compared to £50 for O25), and wasn’t disappointed. Legroom is
pretty much the same everywhere and I’m somehow able to sit comfortably
and still look over the stairwell rails. In the future, though, I might
go for O23 or 22. They are directly in front of the lighting box, which
looks like its top has the perfect height to stretch one’s legs over."
"O53 and 54: "Ragtime" (May 2012). We paid £30 each for our tickets
through the GILT summer offer. Fantastic unobstructed view of the entire
stage, good legroom because of the aisle (I'm 6ft tall). The seats were
wet due to rainfall but the theatre gave out free seat covers (normal
cost is 50p each)."
“O61 and 62: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” (Chris B). There is a good
rake for this theatre and so you can see clearly from most seats. You are a fair way back from
the stage but still close enough to feel involved and see all the
details of the production. It is quite a large stage and sitting a
little further back allows for a better appreciation of the entire
stage.”
"O63: "On The Town" (May 2017). Booked O63, and deliberately so.
Apparently my upper body is just long enough for me to sit comfortably
and still be able to look over the stairwell rail (lucky me, I guess; a
lady next to me constantly had to move her head up or down for an
unobstructed view). Also, the little tin roof over the stairwell looked
and felt solid enough, so I stretched my legs over it from time to time.
Since no one complained and it didn’t crash down, I guess it was kind of
okay."
"O66: "Little Shop Of Horrors" (July 2018). View is Fabulous!! Anyone
over say 5ft 9 will have zero obstruction for Little Shop. I think
referring to it as a "little horror" may be a bit harsh :). That said,
I'd be happy for you to keep it red so I can get it again for whatever
show they decide to do next year!"
"O77: "On The Town" (May 2017), (Tonyloco). Fine, and I was glad I
was not down in the front row underneath what looked like quite a high
built-out stage."
"P48 and 49: "A Midsummer Nights Dream" (May 2012). We paid £19.32 each
through an offer on their official website. Fantastic unobstructed view
of the entire stage, fair legroom (I'm 6' tall). It was a little
worrying having to walk along the tow to get to our seats because only a
few people stood up and I kept thinking that if I lean the wrong way I
could topple over onto the rows below (luckily I made it through in one
piece by taking it slowly!)."
"Q25, 26, 27: "Jesus Christ Superstar" (August 2017). Good seats,
booked high and on that side as my son likes rock music so I thought
he’d like to see the band play. No problem with views here although it
was hard to get the Last Supper pose (which I knew about as I’d seen the
show last summer) and it was seriously hot when the sun shone. I usually
go for the second price seats on the right side, low 70s numbers, to
avoid the worst of the sunshine."
"Q57 and 58: "Jesus Christ Superstar" (July 2016), (Taljaard). My first
visit and wow what an amazing place. Q 57 and 58 were excellent seats.
The rake is very good and the sound fantastic. A word of warning, the
queues for the ladies toilets were biblical!"
"T40 and 41: "Evita" (August 2019). I paid £35 for these tickets when
they were released and although they are on the back row I thought the
view was great value for money. They are high up and therefore a
distance from the stage but it didn't feel too far. They are very
central, the legroom is good and being further back offered a good
overall view of the entire stage. I wouldn't hesitate to sit here
again."
Notes
Seats 1257 plus 60 on lawn when used.
Occasional signed performances. Guide dogs welcome, water bowls and
dog-sitter provided on request.
Radio headsets available for hearing impaired visitors - £5 returnable deposit
required - and must be booked in advance. Level access from entrance or car park to auditorium. Gender segregated adapted
toilets - ALMOST UNIQUE IN LONDON!!! Other theatres take note. This theatre gets it
right. Details of special facilities are available on 0844 826 4242, or fill in
the online form at the venue website.
 (photo:
David Jensen. Bar).
Barbeque and other food available, as well as ice cream and confectionery.
Food service ends 5 minutes before performances begin - though dessert can be
served at the interval. Alternatively, arrive early and bring your own picnic - the grounds open 90 minutes before
evening performances (1 hour before 2.15pm afternoon shows, 30 minutes before
other events including mornings), or order one from the box office...
Food can be ordered before your visit, and a voucher
is issued with your tickets. Simply exchange this at the theatre bar for your
meal on arrival. Call the box
office on 0844 826 4242 or see
www.openairtheatre.org.uk for details.
 (Photo:
David Jensen. Picnic Lawn).
2016 catering options: A summer picnic, with or without champagne) for two, with pre-reserved places at each performance. A luxury hamper option is also
available.
"Dining Club Packages" are bookable (and cheaper) in advance
than turning up without a reservation on the night. They include appetisers, a main course pre-show and coffee and
interval dessert. Pre-show and coffee and
interval dessert.
Burger and Fries (veggie option available) vouchers can be bought in
advance, a saving on the day of performance fee.
Afternoon tea before performances is available, but must be booked in advance.
A glass of Prosecco or champagne can be added at an extra charge.
A Summer Cafe is also available.
A reader notes that there are no refunds for food and drink ordered in advance if a performance
is rained off. This includes if you order interval drinks before the show, but
the show is cancelled before the interval arrives. Please be aware of this when
booking.
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.
Large bar, and the monkey means huge - the whole width of the theatre,
almost!
Ample toilets in separate block.
This theatre is open to the elements. Performances are rained off only when
near storm conditions are reached - if the monsoon strikes with 10 minutes to go
until the show ends, chances are it'll keep going... (the monkey found this out
in 2011 having experienced it personally). If they do cancel then go to the special box office
windows that open onto the foyer area (they are on the pathway that leads from
the theatre entrance down into the foyer / bar area), and change your ticket free
for another date. If you cannot decide instantly, tickets remain exchangeable indefinitely for
any equivalent performance in the future - even years ahead. You can telephone, mail them to the Box Office Manager to make the exchange,
or fill in the form on their website.
Do note that arrangements to do this can only be made via the actual venue if
you telephone, NOT any ticket agency who picks up the telephone for them. Money is never refunded except when the performance is cancelled
for reasons OTHER THAN the weather. In this case, only the face value of the
tickets is refundable. If you have bought discounted tickets through a
promotion, extra restrictions may apply to dates / seats you can exchange to.
The box office will advise at time of enquiry.
In the afternoons the box office sell the shaded (higher numbers)
side first. This is a relative term and long sleeves and very strong sunblock
for face and neck are essential. The sun catches the "low numbers" seats full on
- reflecting off glasses etc - as it moves around 4pm.
Theatremonkey reminds
parents especially to use very strong sunscreen on their children if attending
daytime performances. Even on a very dull day sunburn is a high risk in this
theatre. Better still make them wear 'legionnaire hats' covering the head and
neck - for protection.
A reader notes,
"Having just returned from a matinee (1.30pm) performance on about the
hottest day of the year (30 plus degrees) here are some tips to survive
(and enjoy) a performance without barbequing yourself and your kids.
First, for once don’t buy in the ‘green’ seats (sorry Theatremonkey).
The only seats where you stand of chance of relative shade for the most
time are in the two highest numbered seat blocks in the upper tier.* The
sun factor is different for everyone – other than the people who sat in
lower to mid numbers, bottom and upper tiers, who simply fried for two
hours. I sat in N60 and had sun on my back for the first half an hour
and my left side for the last fifteen minutes. And even then it was
relatively dappled. Bring sunblock and sunglasses and keep water with
you. Water was freely available from the bar – and some teachers were
even spotted with pitchers in their hands. Above all, bring a hat. It
was gobsmacking how many small (and inevitably large) children had no
hats – whole classes of them. Wonder how many were sick on the coach
home."
*Monkey comment: actually, it repeats as above - NO seats are
shaded, it is a "relative" term!
In the evening unless the daytime was 80 degrees plus, a thin pullover is
needed, especially in the last rows of the rear block. A reader feels that,
"It is flipping freezing in the evenings and blanket would be better
advice". They go on to say that the theatre do not hire blankets out any more because some
twit threw them out when they stored them for safe keeping during the last paint
job!
After wet weather the seats will be damp. You will be handed a cloth to dry
them, but theatremonkey recommends taking your own paper towels and putting a
waterproof (old carrier bags or a big bin liner do the job) on the seat before parking yourself in it.
In 2010 the monkey noticed the venue selling a cheap waterproof for £3 at their
souvenir stand too. It's a sort of thin plastic dustbin liner with a hood bit,
and long enough to cover the knees of even the tallest person, though perhaps
not vast enough for the very widest girth.
Further note, in 2012 the monkey turned up to find that its allocated
seat cushion was the victim of an incontinent pigeon. Just ask an usher,
and they can call "a clean up crew" to deal with it.
Do not dress in best clothes for this theatre - they will probably not
survive. Please, please visit the place just once though. The atmosphere here is
both magic and unique.
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(photo:
David Jensen)
