STALLS
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at about row N.The stalls are
divided into a central and two side blocks by aisles.
The central block offers clear views from all seats, with row G being prime,
then H, J, F and E. Rows A to D are too close to the high stage to minimise the
disruption caused by the strange viewing angle. Rows A to C are often sold at
second price though. When they are, they are worth considering as the discount
makes them a little more attractive.
In the rear stalls the rake is really noticeable at around row P, giving a good view over the
seats in front and thus increasing their value for money. This is often at top
price though - you can sit further forward for the same money. Row S is the
first available below top price, so take this row first at lower price, then go
back alphabetically.
In row C for "Shoes" (February 2011) a reader says,
"C7: I paid £35 through the GILT ticket offer (runs January to March
each year). I'm 6ft tall and felt that I had a reasonable level of
legroom, and especially with it being an aisle seat, I could also stretch
my right leg out. I was able to see the entire stage and felt only a
little neck ache from the close proximity of the stage and having to
look up. Overall, very good seats."
At the same show, another reader comments,
"F28:
The sound was really dodgy, too overpowering and not well mixed - but
the show on stage more than made up for it!"
A row back, another reader feels:
" we had very good seats in the centre block in row G. I also note that the
circle overhang doesn’t seem to impinge on the view of the top of the stage
except possibly in the last couple of rows."
Reader Sam comments:
"Stalls Seat G18. Excellent in every department. There is not much to add
really.
Side Stalls, rows E to G, seats 24 (and maybe maybe 25 as well), if can be
obtained for cheaper price than the centre stalls, I would elevate to "Green",
because I think they offer good view.
With a review in my mind, I went during the intermission to the back of the
stalls. Of course there was no action, but they looked to me as good seats, and
it didn't feel far at all. So, I think people on tight budget should go for
those seats without fear of loosing out. So, in a nutshell, I agree with the
theatremonkey assessment."
Another reader backs up the opinion of these seats,
"Sat in Stalls G24 and 25, in the front side block, in the second price
bracket,
whereas G23 and the centre block were full-price. View of the stage was
excellent and unobscured, and I'd reaffirm reader Sam's view that these
seats (and probably F24 and 25, and F and G 7 and 8 too) should definitely be considered
'green' based on value for money assuming they are still in that second
price bracket."
A few rows further back at "The Merchants Of Bollywood" (June 2011) a
reader comments,
"J23 and 24: These seats were at the inside of the side block with a
good view of the entire stage. While not completely central this was not
an issue and for this particular show (dance) it was preferable to be
close to the stage. For a play it might have been preferable to be
slightly more central and possibly further back. However for those (like
me) who like their legroom, this could be more than outweighed by the
exceptional legroom in the side blocks of row J – quite luxurious."
From row P, a reader says,
"Row P seats 23 and 24: There is a good rake in the stalls but even
better in row P as the floor then begins to go up in steps. This allows
you too see clearly over heads in front of you. Sound and comfort were
also good as well. I would happily sit here again."
The side stalls blocks have had row H replaced by an aisle. This allows
greater legroom for row J patrons. Avoid the first four seats in all rows as
these are outside the proscenium with a poor viewing angle. If all seats are the
same prices, insist on the central block first.
A sound desk can replace row Z seats 5 to 8 and rows ZA and ZB 6 to 10,
making Y 18 to 24 a "no-no" for those not wishing to be disturbed by extraneous
noise. This applies for "The Snowman" each Christmas season.
Legroom is adequate in all seats, best in the side blocks of row J seats 1 to
7 and 23 to 29 (J23 "quite luxurious" for one 6ft reader"), row C 1, 2, and 26, row D 1 and 29 row E seat 1, and row F seat
31.
DRESS CIRCLE
This is at the rear of the stalls, overhanging at row N.
The circle is split into front and rear sections by an aisle running across
the front of row E. Each section is split into a central and two side blocks by
aisles. Low bars at the ends of aisles don't affect views particularly, though A
1, 10, 11, 22, 23 and 32 may be missable for purists. Bars also run across the
wall in front of row E.
The front section offers clear views from all seats. Being at the back of the
auditorium means these seats are far from the stage. Theatremonkey says choose
the front stalls first for the same money unless a high level view is essential
to you. A reader notes the wide front of the circle, covering lights, in front
of row A may make it less suitable for the shortest.
Avoid rows A to D seats 1 to 4 and 30 to 34 as these are close to the sides
of the auditorium. Choose the centre block row B first, then C, D and A based on
legroom comfort. As normal, take side block seats last if at the same price.
The rear section again has a clear view but feels very far from the stage,
the rear stalls are preferable for the same money. Take the centre block row F,
then G, then E if bars don't bother you, and then back. Avoid rows E to J seats 1 to 4 ( row J 1 to 3) and 29
to 32 for being too close to the sides of the theatre. Wheelchair users are
placed in the back row of the Left hand block (looking from the stage). Getting
to it is a hassle and the view is not great either. See notes.
Legroom is just adequate in all seats.
Dress Circle Boxes
These are at the sides of the theatre between the stage and the front of
the Dress Circle. The view from all of them is side on but adequate.
Choose boxes BL and BR first for the best viewing angle, but take rear
Stalls before boxes. Boxes BL and BR seat 4, boxes AL and AR seat 3.
Notes
Total 1037 seats.
Air-conditioned auditorium.
Disabled facilities are limited to occasional signed and audio described
performances. Guide dogs are allowed in the theatre or can be dog sat.
Wheelchair access is via the Box Office to the back of the Dress Circle. Contact
Artsline for fuller details at
www.theatre-access.co.uk, telephone 020 7388 2227 or email
artsline@dircon.co.uk
for further information. A "venue access guide" from the team who created
book "Theatremonkey,
A Guide to London's West End," is available to download in PDF format
by clicking here.
No food except Ice cream and confectionery.
Two bars, Stalls and Dress Circle.
4 toilets, Stalls 1 gents 1 ladies; Dress Circle 1 gents 1 ladies.
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