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

PLAYHOUSE THEATRE


 CLICK HERE TO BUY THE
1983 Original Broadway Cast CD

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (musical)

Georges son wishes to close his father's nightclub, thus ending a peacefully colourful existence for Georges and star drag-artiste Albin. The club performers conspire to hide their lifestyle... but how long can they keep doing so?

An amazing score features the wonderful "Song on the Sand" as well as the infamous "Popeye" number... when sung badly...

First seen at the Menier Chocolate Factory, this production now gets a West End transfer. It is the first full version seen since the sad and premature closure of the London Palladium version in the 1980s.

Graham Norton joins the cast from 19th January 2009.


 

Theatremonkey Opinion:

Hopefully London attitudes have changed, and crunch-affected pockets will be sufficiently deep to allow this production the run it deserves. The stalls have most fun (the monkey won't spoil it by saying more) but every corner of the theatre will be touched by the melancholic glitz at some point. Relaxed rather than confrontational, everything is kept illusory yet has enough to say to carry the evening. Unfair to single out any individual performance, they are all strong enough to carry an evening which should delight all but the most bigoted theatregoer.

 

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

The latest four reviews are below. For earlier ones, click here.

My partner took me to see 'La Cage aux Folles' and I had no idea what to expect. But I am pleased to report....I LOVED THIS SHOW! We went on a Monday night so Albin was being played by the understudy, who I have to say was very good. I cannot fault his performance and did not feel let down that I had not seen Douglas Hodge. The show was hilarious and I loved the dancing and singing. The staging was traditional with maximum feathers and pizzazz! If you like a proper, light, big hearted musical then this is the show for you - I am definitely going to go and see it again as I want to see how Graham Norton fares as Albin (Hmmmm!).

We sat in one of the cabaret tables in front of the stalls next to the stairs. It was amazing as you felt like you were in the show and occasionally you were! If the cast were at the front of the stage you had to look up a lot but for the most part it was fine. If you like something a bit special and want to be in the thick of the action then the cabaret tables are a good choice.

HB
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Monday 15th December 2008: Having never seen this production anywhere before, or the Hollywood film 'The Birdcage,' I was entering the Playhouse Theatre on a completely blank open minded canvas. We had seats in the stalls row L11 through 14 and have to say that they were comfortable and a perfect view of the stage. I don't think anywhere in the stalls would be a problem as this is a fairly small theatre.

The audience was made up of people from all ages, from couples to groups of middle aged women and a contingent of gay men. I won't say too much about this production because I'd like people to go along with an open mind and soak up this exceptional piece of theatre.

To me this is what going to the West End it all about. Sparkly costumes, great music, a heart warming story with performances that have you laughing long after you have left the building. It's very simply staged in terms of set but is very clever at the same time. The whole cast deserve awards and Douglas Hodge is truly magnificent. I loved this show and so did everybody else and showed it my getting on their feet the instant the show was over.

Would this show win over the hardest hearted hetero male, I don't know, but they'd certainly think differently on leaving the theatre. This show deserves to run and run and on the Monday night we were there it was packed to the rafters - and am glad that word of mouth is getting about.

I will be going back to see this when Graham Norton takes over to see what his take on the role of Alba/Za Za will be. Don't think he'll reach the dizzy heights of Mr Hodge but he'll bring his own brand of humour to the role.

Everyone should go see this NOW!!!!!! 10 out of 10.
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We went to see 'La Cage' at the Playhouse last night (30th December 2008). A lot of the cast have been struck down by the flu/bronchitis/laryngitis since Christmas and there were no fewer than SIX cast changes. They include both the main leads as well!

So, the replacement for Georges was extremely good as a portly middle aged queen, I dare to say possibly even better than Denis Lawson who I just can't visualise in the role. The replacement for Aubin was none other than Graham Norton who has gone up immeasurably in my books; with not enough preparation time, he did fantastically well and when he joins the show full-time, I'm sure he'll be much more relaxed about the whole thing! Even when his shoe buckle broke in the middle of a dance number and Georges forgot a verse of one song, oh and a technical hitch/pause for five minutes too. The director had come onstage beforehand to warn us of the problems they had been having in the last week.

As for seating, we were in E10 to 12 in the Stalls which I would definitely recommend - close enough not to have to crane upwards and far enough away to be able to take in the sometimes very energetic action spread about the stage.
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26th December 2008, 2.30pm. This was my third visit to La Cage. Was this production really as good as I had thought?  Was the performance of Douglas Hodge as Albin as exceptional as it had seemed? Was this the best thing I saw in 2008? YES, YES and YES. Please catch it before Hodge leaves in mid-January!

David Hurrell.



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.

Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm
Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm

Runs 2 hours 30 minutes approximately.

 

Ticket Prices:

Offers May be available - Click Here

View this information in diagram form.

For performances until 17th January 2009:
Stalls:
Cabaret Tables in front of row B: £57.50 (Over 18's ONLY can be seated at these).
Rows A to P (except row J): £54
Row J: £56.50
Row Q: £39.50

Dress Circle:
Row A 7 to 23, plus all centre block seats in rows B to J: £54
Rows F to J 6, 7, 21, 22; row K, plus Row A seats 1 to 6 and 24 to 29: £39.50

Upper Circle:
Centre block all seats: £29.50 except:
Restricted view seats A 10, 16; B 9, 16; C 9, 17; D 9, 18; E 7, 17; F 6, 17; G 5, 17; H 4, 17: £17.50
all other seats: £17.50

Boxes:
Dress Circle C and D: £39.50 per seat.

 

For performances from 19th January 2009:
Stalls:
Cabaret Tables in front of row B: £58.50 (Over 18's ONLY can be seated at these).
Rows A to P (except row J): £54
Row J: £56.50
Row Q: £39.50

Dress Circle:
Row A 7 to 23, plus all centre block seats in rows B to J: £54
Rows F to J 6, 7, 21, 22; row K, plus Row A seats 1 to 6 and 24 to 29: £39.50

Upper Circle:
Centre block all seats: £29.50 except:
Restricted view seats A 10, 16; B 9, 16; C 9, 17; D 9, 18; E 7, 17; F 6, 17; G 5, 17; H 4, 17: £17.50
all other seats: £17.50

Boxes:
Dress Circle C and D: £39.50 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:
Ambassador Theatre Group, the theatre group's own website provide the service for this theatre.
This site allows you to choose your own tickets from those available.

Booking fees per transaction for online bookings:
A £3 per transaction (not per ticket) fee is made.

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

Ticketmaster offer an alternative with the same booking fee as via the venue. Online charges are £3 per booking, not per ticket, handling fee. If you use this method, 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.

When the box office does not have what you require, the Theatremonkey Ticketshop offers an extra selection of £54 seats with a £5.40 per ticket booking fee. Slightly higher than the box office, but lower than most agencies. Worth checking if the box office cannot provide the exact tickets you might require. 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.

Another alternative is www.seetickets.com / telephone 0870 830 0200 which offers £54 seats with a £5.40 per ticket booking fee (£3.90 on £39 tickets) and £1.60 per booking (not per ticket) postal charge.

Encore Tickets offer £55 seats with an £14 booking fee per ticket (£7.50 on £30 seats) - plus optional UK postage of £1 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: 0870 060 6631
( 020 8544 7424 if you cannot use the 0870 number)
Operated by the Ambassador Theatre group's own phoneroom from 9am until 10pm (Sundays 10am until 8pm). Outside these hours the Ticketmaster agency answer calls on their behalf.

Online: Ambassador Theatre Group, the theatre group's own website provide the service for this theatre.
This site allows you to choose your own tickets from those available.

Booking fees per transaction for telephone bookings:
A £3 per transaction (not per ticket) fee is made.

For personal callers or by post: Northumberland Avenue, London. WC2N 5DE
No booking fee for personal callers.

Special Access Needs Customers:
Wheelchair users and other registered disabled theatregoers can book their seats on 0871 297 5477 and enquire about concessionary prices that may be available to them. The wheelchair users line connects directly to the theatre chain central phoneroom in London during working hours. See Notes.

 

 
 
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.

One reader records that,
"It's worth noting that for "La Cage Aux Folles" (October 2008) they have built the stage out through the proscenium, slightly over the orchestra pit - which means that the people in the Upper/ Dress Circle will definitely not be able to see at times. However, rather bizarrely they didn't actually use this bit of the stage much at all! In fact, they've actually constructed a second proscenium a little further back, and much of the action happens around there. I hope that makes some sort of sense! I sat in C8 of the Upper Circle, and actually the view was fine, apart from when they used the extended bit of stage."

 

Seating Plan Diagram

Stalls Dress Circle Upper Circle Notes
STALLS 
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row M but is high enough above to avoid affecting the view from any seat. Those in the front rows may find the stage a little high - sit further back if shorter and wishing to avoid neck ache. Reader Andy found the seats themselves uncomfortable, too.

For "La Cage Aux Folles" (October 2008), tables are installed in front of row A, between stage and seats. Over 18's only are permitted to sit here.

Reader HB reports from these,
"We sat in one of the cabaret tables in front of the stalls next to the stairs. It was amazing as you felt like you were in the show and occasionally you were! If the cast were at the front of the stage you had to look up a lot but for the most part it was fine. If you like something a bit special and want to be in the thick of the action then the cabaret tables are a good choice."

Prime seats the monkey feels are in the centre from around rows F to K. The monkey rates as 'fair' the extra £2.50 required to sit in row J seats 5 to 18 - seats around it are just as good, really.

A good rake results in clear views from almost all seats in the stalls. It is worth avoiding the first and last four seats from row E to P as these are outside the proscenium and suffer an awkward viewing angle. 

Reader Rob Mumford endorses this:
"A word of warning before you book - as the monkey says, when the front rows have been removed from the stalls. We were in row C (2nd from the front) and while we got a good close up view of the action you might want to consider sitting a few rows back so you can see everything which is going on." 

Reader Stu also makes a similar point,
"I was seated in row B seats 13 and 14 which I would recommend ( row AA and BB were too close to the stage in my opinion)"

Further back, a reader says,
"We sat in Stalls D18 and E15 respectively. We’d booked at slightly different times using the same special offer of £10 a seat for the production we saw. View was excellent and plenty of legroom, although the seats were certainly on the shabby side."

From E another reader says,
"E10 to 12 I would definitely recommend - close enough not to have to crane upwards and far enough away to be able to take in the sometimes very energetic action spread about the stage."

Regular theatremonkey seat connoisseur James reports,
"K11 and 12 for “La Cage Aux Folles” (October 2008). The rake felt a little shallow but staggered seats really helped -  good view and great sound from here."

In L, another reader reports,
"L11 through 14 were comfortable and a perfect view of the stage. I don't think anywhere in the Stalls would be a problem as this is a fairly small theatre."

Sound desk avoiders might like to miss P1 to 18 and Q11 and 18 too.

G1 and 24 are wheelchair places. The view could be much better. Transfer is possible to any aisle seat. See notes.

Other seats offer at least fair value for money.

Legroom is good in all seats, for all but the tallest.

 

Stalls Boxes
The Gladys Cooper and Prince of Wales boxes are at stalls level either side of the stage. The view from all boxes is reasonable, if sideways on, with just the nearside rear corner invisible. Fair value at second price, expensive at top. The monkey would take rear stalls first. Both boxes have four seats.

 

 

DRESS CIRCLE 
The Upper Circle overhangs the Dress Circle at row C; it cuts the view of the top of the stage from row G back.

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

The central block offers fine views of the stage in rows A to E. Pick B first, then C, D, then E or A depending if legroom / looking over the balustrade is an issue. Choose stalls before accepting row G.

 Reader Lizzie agrees,
"We were in the Dress Circle, second row from the front. The centre section (avoid front row – as there is a rail) is the best - or if you have to get the side sections take a few rows back as there are banisters either side which restrict the view. It is a small theatre but perfect for a show as it had a friendly atmosphere."

Note that for "La Cage Aux Folles" (October 2008) row A 1 to 6 and 24 to 29 are cheaper and bookable in advance... the monkey likes 4 to 7 and 24 to 26 particularly at lower price - but strongly advises those shorter folk who would have trouble seeing over a balustrade to avoid these seats.

In the side blocks Row D seats 1 to 4 and 18 to 20 have walls of bars in front of them making these seats unsuitable for those under five foot tall - everyone else may well like them, though - row E in particular.

In rows F to K the first and last four seats are situated in the far corners of the theatre, with a restricted view -again through bars. Sold at a very large discount they make a fair budget choice if other seats are too expensive, though be aware that you do get exactly what you pay for with this option. Consider row C of the Upper Circle instead of side block ends of rows F to K at the same price.

Legroom is just adequate in all seats, the balustrade effect front of the circle provides toe-space in row A. Aisle seats in rows B to K offer stretching space for one leg!


 

Dress Circle Boxes
The George Bernard Shaw and Marie Tempest boxes are either side of the stage at Dress Circle level. The view from all boxes is reasonable, if sideways on, with the nearside rear corner invisible. Fair value at second price, expensive at top, but worth considering for Dress Circle views with added legroom. Both boxes have four seats.

 

UPPER CIRCLE
This is fairly high above the stage, and the rake makes the seats from row F back seem a long way away.

The circle is split into centre and two side blocks by aisles. Metal posts and safety bars at the ends of aisles affects the view from some seats. If sold very cheap, some may find them a bargain - but remember the view is a problem. If you are picky, all aisle seats in rows B to H of the centre block are the ones to avoid, as are the three outermost end seats in the side blocks.

All seats (except on the aisle ends) offer officially "clear" views of the stage. From row F back the rake makes the view uncomfortably steep for the vertigo prone - and the architecture also makes these seats feel embedded in the roof. Reader Catherine Jones actually notes: "Don’t sit in the Upper Circle if you suffer from vertigo – lean forward too far and you could end up on the stage yourself!" another opines, "Avoid the Upper Circle if possible. Most seats do not have a clear view of the stage and some, when people in front lean forward, have none. Not that the theatre is going to tell you that!"

Rows A to D offer a fair view at lower prices. The monkey would choose rows B, C or D - or even E 9 to 15 first; vertigo and legroom are less of a problem than in Row A.

One reader says, for "La Cage Aux Folles," despite an extended stage:
"C8: actually the view was fine, apart from when they used the extended bit of stage."

Nostalgics will remember that Row K was a bench at the top of the theatre. When in use, if it is the same price as other seats...last choice...and arrive early to stake your claim on a bit of seat - never know if it will be invaded! Not often sold - it isn't at the moment (October 2005), but still there.

The side blocks are tucked snugly behind the extra high Dress Circle box walls. Avoid the first and last unreduced price seats in rows A to E, and also the restricted view ones (usually priced cheaper) unless you can't get other seats at the same price further back and more central. Accept other seats here only if the centre block is totally full. The corners of the Upper Circle rows H and J are often the cheapest in the house - and expensive. Luckily they are sometimes removed for lighting. For "La Cage Aux Folles" spotlights are in the centre section, making G10 to 13, H 9 and 12 and J 7 and 12 avoidable for many.

Legroom is cramped in all seats, the balustrade effect front of the circle provides toe-space for those in row A, but even those 5 foot tall will suffer!
 

Notes
Total 790 seats.

Air-conditioned auditorium.

Infra-red system covering the whole theatre. Guide dogs allowed in auditorium or dogsat. Large print information available. Wheelchair access is via foyer (cheers) Adapted unisex toilet in foyer.  Fuller details from the theatre helpline on 0844 8717 677,  www.theatre-access.co.uk or Artsline on 020 7388 2227  e-mail artsline@dircon.co.uk

No food except Ice cream and confectionery.

Four bars; basement, Stalls, Dress Circle and Upper Circle.

7 toilets; basement 1 gents 2 cubicles, 1 ladies 3 cubicles; Foyer 1 unisex disabled; Dress Circle 1 gents 2 cubicles 1 ladies 5 cubicles; Upper Circle 1 gents 1 cubicle, 1 ladies 2 cubicles. Readers note the poor condition of those in the stalls and the long lines in February 2008.

 

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
Nearest Underground Station Buses Car Park
Nearest Underground Station:
Embankment - Bakerloo Line (brown), Circle Line (yellow), District Line (green), Northern Line (black).

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

Follow the signs from the platform to the exit into Villiers Street. On leaving the station turn left: 

and walk into the covered area "Embankment Place" - it has a taxi rank and cafes on one side:
  

Cross to the taxi rank side of the road and keep walking:

The theatre is on the corner at the end of the street, to your right:

Should you choose not to turn left on exiting Embankment Underground Station,  you  will walk uphill and find a sunken entrance to Charing Cross Underground Station . This is the wrong way, so turn back!

 

Buses:
3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 24, 29, 30, 53 stop nearby.

 

Car Park:
Spring Gardens. On leaving the car park walk into Trafalgar Square. Cross Whitehall, a busy street. Walk on and take the next turning on the right, Northumberland Avenue. The theatre is half way down this road on the other side of the road. Call Westminster City Council car parks on 0800 243 348 or see www.westminster.gov.uk/carparks for details. At this car park, 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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