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

PRINCE EDWARD THEATRE


 
 CLICK HERE TO BUY the
Jersey Boys Original Broadway Cast CD

CLICK HERE TO BUY other Jersey Boys items
including poster, mug, clothing and jewellery

JERSEY BOYS (musical)
CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE, MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR THOSE AGED UNDER 12 OR THE EASILY OFFENDED.

New Jersey is a state close to New York. A group of working class boys grew up there, and became Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. This is their story, featuring their music and telling the tale of the birth of Rock-and-Roll in their own inimitable style.

Featured songs include "Oh What a Night" and "Walk Like A Man" among a host of others.

Click here now to view video clips from this show.

 

Theatremonkey Opinion:
It's OK. If you like the music and are happy to hear the group's story with plenty of excerpts from their catalogue, then this is an enjoyable enough evening.

Staged with more style than usual in a "compilation" show, the performances are strong and the simple set is fine given the dramatic economy of the whole production. That isn't to say anybody is short-changed by performer, writer or director - just that they all resist any need to be excessive...

... except in language and volume... There is plenty of both and that could be a problem for some sections of the regular London theatregoing audience. "Compilation" musicals are usually family style and this really isn't for the youngest members of the tribe. For everyone else it is a chance to see a big Broadway show and maybe re-live youth a little. Not a bad choice for those who prefer this style of musical and accept a more adult approach to them.

 

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.
__________________________________________________________

Just got back from 'Jersey Boys' with a group of 113 (15th April 2008). The general comment was that everyone I spoke to afterwards loved it but like others who have commented here, there were several complaints about the unnecessary level of swearing. I did feel they have tightened the show up since preview when I last saw it. It is really slick and I enjoyed it much more this time than before.

It helped being in the centre of row L which meant we had no seats in front of us so I could really stretch out and this time there was no obstruction from large heads or horribly annoying smells of disgusting savoury snacks. The old diaphragm did take a bit of a pummelling at times from the drumming which is definitely louder in row L than it was in row V, where I sat last time, but it was really only on two numbers.

Looking at the photos in the programme I think we had Scott Monello as Frankie rather than Ryan Molloy, When he came on I felt sure he was different to the preview performance but if it was Scott then he was excellent and I don't think anyone of my party realised that he was the alternative Frankie. They seemed so pleased with the level of the standing ovation that I got the impression that perhaps a Matinee audience might possibly be even more appreciative of their performance than an evening audience as so many there were fans back in the 60's. It certainly applied to many of my group.
___________________________

I had read a lot of mixed reviews about 'Jersey Boys' so went with low expectations.....and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Granted, I did feel the first half of the first act was a little long but it needed to build slowly to give the impact of the story. The four main actors and singing were excellent which carried through the slower bits. The strengths in my opinion of course were the songs and I must say I particularly liked the fact that the story had some substance rather than the ridiculously silly stories that accompany other similar musicals such as We Will rock You and Mama Mia. With regards to the swearing - I didn't feel that there was that much and felt with was in line with the context. The show had been given a '12' rating to accommodate this - to be honest I was expecting more swearing so was bit disappointed - although I was probably the youngest person in there by 20 years so maybe that is why it didn't bother me so much!!

We sat in row C seats 13 and 14. The stage was VERY high and as a result the view was restricted although we had paid full price. When the actors were in the centre stage you could only see them from the thigh up and our necks were craned throughout. I would suggest that if you usually like front stalls seats that you go for row F and back as you will still be close but see the full stage and not be looking up so much. However, on the positive with these seats when the cast were at the front of the stage you were incredibly close so could see all their expressions/spit etc.

Overall I think 'Jersey Boys' is a good, solid musical (nothing spectacular but not terrible) - If you like the music of this era then you can do worse than a night out at this show.

Bas
____________________________

Saw Jersey Boys yesterday afternoon (5th July 2008).

First of all the seats - Sat in Loge 5 seats 1 and 2 - a little to the side but great view, except for when the people in Loge 4 leaned forward. Good legroom (This is important). However, for 'Mary Poppins' I said that Loges 3 and 4 were well worth the money and should be Green seats - for 'Jersey Boys,' I would say Loge 5 is good, but not outstanding. The band sequences are very much directed at the middle stalls. Still worthy of top price without a doubt though. Seats 3 and 4 However, having no obstruction in front would be fantastic.

An aside note - the people in front brought a child aged roughly 5 or 6 - this show really isn't appropriate, not least for the language and sex references (punctuated yesterday with "Mummy, he said *****), but also the wordy nature of the non sung sequences meaning that little people may easily get bored.

As for the show, its very slick, very entertaining. It is kept moving at a fast pace by imaginative staging and snappy performances. All four leads were excellent (No Ryan Molloy - we saw the alternate Scott Monello - or at least we think we did, no announcement made). I came to this not as a 'Four Seasons' fan, but mainly because of ignorance of their music aside from the obvious big hits. The reaction of the audience to the "concert" style sequences left me in no doubt that the producers and cast had got the look and sound just right. I was surprised by the emotional punch that came with each rise and fall of the groups fortunes. So overall, a great show, worth seeing by anyone who thinks they could enjoy 2 hours of Frankie Valli. Ok, it is another Jukebox show, but with more class than most of the others around.
______________________________

I went this evening again to see 'Jersey Boys' and once again thought it was fantastic.

There is some swearing but then doesn't life - from those times - have swearing in it. I thought the music was amazing and it is so slick one cannot get bored. I personally think this must have been one of the hardest shows ever to produce because it would be a mammoth task to find someone who can sing as well as Frankie Valle, and they have.

It's an excellent show and would thoroughly recommend anyone to go. I went this evening (17th July 2008) and it was a huge range of ages; and had a standing ovation, which I believe is the case in every performance. I don't think anyone could fault this show. Whilst it might not be everyone's 'cup of tea,' I would say, 'do your home work.' You obviously have to like their music to go, and those who do will not be disappointed

Christina Brooks
Highgate


 

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
Tuesday and Saturday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Runs 2 hours 30 minutes approximately.

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

 

Ticket Prices:

Offers May be available - Click Here

View this information in diagram form

Seat Prices (includes a 75p per ticket theatre restoration levy)

Stalls:
rows C to X: £60 except
Premium Seats row L 8 to 21: £85 including programme and no booking fee.
restricted view seats C 1 to 4 and D 1 and 2: £32.50 
rows Y to ZB (except ZA18 and ZB17): £52.50
seats ZA18 and ZB17: £32.50
Row B severe restricted view due to high stage: £20. Sale of this row may be restricted to personal callers at the theatre on day of performance.

Dress Circle
rows A to K and lodges: £60 except
Premium Seats rows B and C 13 to 20: £85 including programme and no booking fee.
row L plus row M seats 7 to 23: £52.50
row M seats 1 to 6 and 25 to 30, plus rows N and O: £42.50

Dress Circle slips (partially restricted view): £52.50

Upper Circle (Monday to Thursday performances)
Centre Block rows A to G and side block row A: £42.50
Side Blocks rows B to E (except restricted view seats): £32.50
Side Blocks row F, plus all seats rows H to N: £20

Upper Circle (Friday and Saturday performances)
Rows A to F (except restricted view seats): £42.50
Centre block rows H to L: £32.50
Centre block rows M and N, plus side block rows H to L: £20

Upper Circle restricted view seats and slips: £20

Boxes £60 per seat, except Stalls boxes (restricted view) £52.50 and Slip Boxes £42.50 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.delfont-mackintosh.com provide their own service for this theatre.

Booking fees per ticket for online bookings:
£1.50 per ticket. This covers the cost of seasonal changes, thinks the monkey.
No booking fee on £85 "premium seats."

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

When the box office does not have seats available, or you require an alternative choice of seats, the Theatremonkey Ticketshop agency service can offer seats with a variable "per ticket" service charge - £6 on £60 tickets, £4.25 on £42.50 seats). More than the box office, but well worth trying as it often has tickets when other companies do not! 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 seats with a £2 per ticket booking fee.

Alternatively, through Ticketmaster with a sliding scale of per ticket booking fees: Full priced performances: £3.50 on £60 seats, £3 on £52.50, £2.50 on £42.50 seats, £2 on £32.50 seats.

A £2.50 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 £60 seats with a £15 fee, £42.50 seats with a £10.50 fee, £32.50 seats with a £8 booking fee per ticket - plus optional UK postage of £1 per booking, not per ticket, available if time allows. "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 5151
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. This covers the cost of seasonal changes, thinks the monkey.
No booking fee on £85 "premium seats."

For personal callers or by post: Old Compton Street, London. W1V 6HS
No booking fee for personal callers. By post the usual £1.50 per ticket booking fee applies.

Special Access Needs Customers:
Wheelchair users and other registered disabled theatregoers can book their seats on 0870 011 7574 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.delfont-mackintosh.com is the official theatre website.

www.jerseyboyslondon.com is the official show 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 Notes
STALLS 
The Dress Circle overhangs the stalls at row L, cutting the view of the top of the stage from row S back.

The stalls are split into front and rear sections by an aisle across the stalls in front of row L.

The front stalls rows B to K are arranged in fan shaped, long continuous curves. All seats are angled to face the centre of the stage. Row B is much cheaper to allow for the high stage - these seats are NOT suitable for those shorter than around 5ft 8 or so, the theatre say.
 

A reader agrees,
"the stage is extremely high (hence cheaper front row no doubt). No orchestral pit, either, but enough legroom so you’re not facing a wall even though that’s what it feels like. It must be about four feet high… I needed to ask for a booster cushion! It’s a very steep look up and I would def. advise against front row (B) stalls.

I did notice that in C you are looking between shoulders of B but it didn’t really matter as with such a high stage I don’t think B isn’t even a factor - you look right over their heads to see the high stage!"

For "Jersey Boys" (February 2008) the first four seats in row C and two in row D are also discounted. This is due to the set, which cuts the view from these seats. The cut view due to set also goes for row B seats 25 to 28 too.

A reader says,
"In row B, granted, the farther upstage the actors are, the more you lose sight of their feet and lower legs."

another reader notes that for "Jersey Boys" those in row B can't see the orchestra at the back of the stage, and must look sharply upwards - but feels the price charged is very good value and that nothing of any importance is missed by those sitting here.

Another reader feels from a previous production,
"We sat in Stalls B3 and B4 which is the front row, but it does feel like you have your own personal orchestra, which can be slightly off putting at times, I did notice the voices did seem quiet in this row, and sometimes it was hard to hear what was being said... for the price row B is a very good choice."

Row C and D seats have also had complaints about the high stage during previous productions, though most people have been happy, notes the monkey.

For "Jersey Boys," reader Bas says,
"Row C seats 13 and 14. The stage was VERY high and as a result the view was restricted although we had paid full price. When the actors were in the centre stage you could only see them from the thigh up and our necks were craned throughout. I would suggest that if you usually like front stalls seats that you go for row F and back as you will still be close but see the full stage and not be looking up so much. However, on the positive with these seats when the cast were at the front of the stage you were incredibly close so could see all their expressions/spit etc."

Reader Ali says of C18 and 19,
"The seats themselves were fine – good legroom, and wide enough."

Of row E, reader Richard Bradbury writes:
"We sat in stalls Row E seats 4 and 5 for the performance of "Mary Poppins" on the 24th October 2005. Tremendous view and Mary flies over you at the end plus you get to watch all of her journey to the top of the theatre which was magical. You also get a spoiler as to how Bert does what he does in the second half."

Reader Sam adds for "Mary Poppins",
"Stalls Seat E4. Let me first say that the theatre is absolutely beautiful. This is very good seat, and the legroom is amazing. The best legroom I had ever. I think it would accommodate even NBA players lol. But because the stage is quite high you can't see the actors' feet. And it would have been better to be more central, and little bit further back. But I felt very satisfied with it. You are very close to the stage. The view is excellent, and you get to see the facial expressions very well. I got this ticket for only £30, so it was a bargain, but if you are going to pay full price then I believe the theatremonkey's assessment is accurate."

PeaJay18 agrees,
"We were sat in row E, seats 13-16 and, as others have stated, the legroom is more than generous. The staggered seating meant no one is sat directly in front of you. My only complaint (and it's minor one) was being that close to the stage meant that some of the effects lost a bit of their impact as you could see how they were achieved."

For "Jersey Boys," reader Lizzie opines,
"Row E of the Stalls and the view of the stage was very good - we could really see the whites of their eyes. However personally I would have preferred to have been a few rows back as you do tend to look up most of the time and some parts of the set were a little more difficult to see being low down. Having seen 'Mary Poppins' in the Dress Circle (Row E) I would think this would be a good view too for this show."

another reader comments of "Mary Poppins" before the current production,
"Have now seen the show three times, once in the Dress Circle (which was OK) and twice in the stalls, must agree that the stalls are definitely the best value for money. We sat in row D in the stalls on the first occasion, and row E on the second. Certainly row F was the better of the two as it seemed to have more leg room and the view of the stage was far better."

The rake becomes noticeable at row F and theatremonkey nominates top price rows F to K seats 5 to 28 as best, but all in theses rows offer fair value.

Reader Celia Robinson felt that:
"We were in seats F15 to 21 in the stalls, very good view of characters but  ideally would have benefited from being three or four rows back to be higher and see the stage itself plus getting a better overall view of some of the special effects." 

The monkey hadn't noticed this, but some readers with younger children might find the comment of interest.

Reader Dave Butterfield does so,
"Our seats...were superb, stalls row F 26, 27 and 28. Ideally I would possibly have been just one row further back but really you do not miss a trick – and there are many! I’m 6ft 2 with an accompanying leg length. Leg room was found to be acceptable although not overly generous, the pitch sufficient to allow an averagely sized under ten a good view, possibly with the aid of the provided (free) booster seats."

Another reader says:
"We sat in Row F of the stalls numbers 15 - 18 and that was the most fantastic position (and bags of leg-room - enough for people to come past without having to turn sideways and crunch up against the seat) not too close to the stage but close enough to see all the expressions and sweat!"

Reader Silvia is another row F fan:
"We sat in row F seats 24, 25 and 26 of the stalls and we could see it perfectly; my 3 years old daughter too."

A row back, reader Avril says,
"We were in Stalls row G seats 21 to 23 and had an excellent view. Plenty of leg room and heads level with the actors, so no stiff necks."

Monkey regular seat connoisseur James says,
"Sat in J26 and J27 for “Jersey Boys”. Fantastic seats! Obviously it would have been better to be slightly more central but they didn’t feel too side on and it’s amazing how close to the stage row J seems. The sound was excellent from here too."

Another reader speaks up for row J too,
"J 28: I was surprised at how close I seemed to be to the stage - more than I would have expected in J row, and the rake was good at that point as well."

The rear stalls row L to ZB are split into centre and two side blocks by aisles.

The centre block rows L to N offer fair value - equal to the front block. Row L has aisle space in front of the seats. Rows O to T are just acceptable at the price, while rows U to X at top price are further from the stage. For "Jersey Boys," the top of the stage is cut off, but nothing is missed. Just enough to pull them off "avoid" to the monkey mind.

In row L, a reader says,
"It helped being in the centre of row L which meant we had no seats in front of us so I could really stretch out and this time there was no obstruction from large heads or horribly annoying smells of disgusting savoury snacks. The old diaphragm did take a bit of a pummelling at times from the drumming which is definitely louder in row L than it was in row V, where I sat last time, but it was really only on two numbers."

The central seats (L 8 to 21) are at "premium price" - your choice, feels the monkey.

Further along the row, another reports,
"We sat in L26 and 27 for "Jersey Boys" - and had a good view of the stage. Sight lines at seat 27 were reasonable but not the best - missed the video screens on stage right and a little bit of the action that went on stage right upstage. Sight lines from seat 26 were fine.

Leg room very good because of the aisle in front (main reason for choosing this row). However the seats are very low for some reason, and if you pull your legs in - your knees end up near your ears (perhaps that's a little bit exaggerated - but you know what I mean). So although you can stretch out - actually it wasn't that comfortable!

Note also that these seats are right in front of the loudspeakers - and I would recommend ear-plugs if you sit here - 'Jersey Boys' is a very loud show!

There is also a rather funny aisle that runs down the side of the auditorium that you haven't shown on your plan."

The aisle is a legacy of when the theatre was made narrower, thinks the monkey - who would welcome expert comment on this.

A reader comments on "Mary Poppins":
"Row M seat 3 (right side facing stage) was an excellent seat for 98% of the show, but NOT AT ALL for the fantastic final scene - I was sad that I had only had a brief glimpse of this special effect, and had to crane my neck for that. 

It seems clear to me that the best seats for this show are Stalls through row J, preferably center and left sides facing stage, and any of the first few rows of the Dress Circle".

Reader J Denton says,
"I managed to get seat P33 in the stalls (a side-seat with a reasonably good view - only the top left corner of the stage was obscured by the boxes)."

From row T a reader says,
"We were in the stalls row T as far to the left as you can get, slight restricted view but didn't spoilt what was the most fantastic show."

Reader Richard Bradbury defends these, though:
"We sat in stalls seats Y8,  9 and 10. Excellent seats, great view of all the stage, no problems with disturbance from the sound desk and good leg room."

At second price rows Y to ZB offers just adequate value; try row L seats 8 to 22 of the Dress Circle first at the same cost. The stage is again a long way back for the money. 

A sound desk in the rear stalls has in the past rendered row Y 11 to 21, Z 19 and 20, ZA 19 and 20 and ZB 18 and 19 less desirable as noise can be experienced during the show. ZA18 and ZB17 are discounted to allow for desk intruding into view. Only purists will worry, though.

In the side blocks rows L to N are as acceptable as centre block seats. Comments about rows O to ZB in the centre block also apply to side block seats, with the added advice to take the first and last four seats in the side blocks from row O back last, as the architecture make these seats seem isolated from the stage action.

As usual with side block seats, insist on the centre block at the same price first. It is your money so get the best value you can from it.

Row V for "Jersey Boys" isn't bad, though, as a reader says,
"I thought seats V 3 and 4 might not be very good; there was, however, no problem at all . Some of the drumming affects your diaphragm so I feel this is one show where being further back is not a bad place to be. There was ample leg room and I am 6' 2". I did however have a 20 stone man mountain with a head the size of a medicine ball in front of me which would have been ok if he hadn't inclined his head all the time to the right (fortunately he moved one seat to the right in the second half and I had a perfect view )."

Legroom is good in all seats, best in row L which has an aisle in front - though a reader felt the seats being low made it less comfortable. A reader also felt row E had a little extra too. Reader Dave Butterfield notes of row F: " I’m 6ft 2 with an accompanying leg length. Leg room was found to be acceptable although not overly generous." 

 

Stalls Boxes
Two at the rear of the stalls. Seat 4 each.

These suffer restricted views of the top of the stage. Expensive, when sold at top price, feels the monkey.

 


DRESS CIRCLE 
The Upper Circle overhangs the Dress Circle at row F. It restricts the view of the top of the stage from row K, and is particularly restricting in rows N and O.

The Dress Circle is split into front and rear sections by an aisle in front of row F.

The front section is split into two blocks by a central aisle. Choose row B first, then C, D and E. Ignore row A for having very poor legroom, despite a slightly lower price in some seats, and also refuse the first and last six seats in each row for being too close to the walls of the theatre to have a viewing angle justifying their price - even discounted. 

Wheelchair users may either park in a box, or transfer to row A. See notes.

A reader notes that the front row of the dress circle should be avoided not just for poor leg room, but also because the wall in front seems to be unusually high, meaning you have to sit bolt upright to see the whole stage. The reader feels this is worth noting for shorter folk and those with children especially, who may choose the front row if the poor legroom is not a consideration. The box office now caution that those under 5ft 3 tall should not sit here. Another problem is that equipment is bolted to the front of the circle - one or two shorter people may find this irritates too.

Reader Lizzie agrees:
"We thought the seats in the circle were very good although don’t sit in the front row if you are not tall as there is a handrail and it can make viewing difficult – need to be about 4 rows back, but the circle is very good to view the fantastic special effects"

A row behind, reader Paul Jones says,
"We were in Row B of the Dress Circle seats 8/9/10/11 and had an excellent view. Booster seats were given out to children in rows A and F first as they had the handrail issue, but we got given one just before the performance began which helped with our younger child. Had a little trouble with the 'leaners' in Row A but they got tired of leaning after a while."

Back another row, Monkey seat reader and reporter extraordinaire James says,
"Sat in Dress Circle C12 and C13 for “Jersey Boys”. The sound is excellent from here and the view is good, but not being particularly tall I would still have preferred to be a row back. I also think that as the theatre is so big you feel quite a way from the stage in the Dress Circle and perhaps it’s a show that might be best seen from the Stalls."

Reader Hannah comments,
"We were sat in the circle C 20, 21, 22 which were really good seats. If people in front lean forward they can come into your sightline slightly, but it wasn't really a problem. You get a really good overview of the action, especially as a lot of it happens up high on the rooftop set. Having said that, I would have chosen to sit in the stalls over the circle, but that is personal preference and no reflection on the quality of the seats."

The central seats (B and C 13 to 20) are at "premium price" - your choice, feels the monkey.


Reader James F comments for "Jersey Boys":
"I sat in E 13 and 14, and some things were slightly obstructed (e.g. poles, front of the stage, back of the stage) and I’m sure a stalls seat would offer a better view."

He means the set design as viewed from there, not physical obstructions in the auditorium, the monkey notes.

Another reader, also called James, comments:
"Sat in Dress Circle seats E15 to E17 for "Jersey Boys". Definitely better in the Stalls.  View is good but I wouldn't say excellent. Sound is better downstairs too."


The rear section of the circle is split into a central and two side blocks by aisles. A bar runs across row F, which may bother some shorter people, though the monkey has had no negative reports.

In the central section row F seats 16 to 18 have a view down the centre aisle of the block in front - bars are either side of these seats, and the aisle safety rail is in view (though not a problem to any except the purists. The rest of the central block of row F is acceptable if a Dress Circle seat is required and the front rows are full.

Reader Jazz agrees:
"row F of the dress circle...very good view...especially for the flying scenes!!"

Rows G to K should be chosen only if stalls rows B to T are unavailable, as they offer less value for money.

Reader Tamara endorses this:
"Sat dress circle row G centre block, poor value for money in my opinion"

Reader Frances disagrees:
"We sat in the Dress Circle row G, centre block. When I booked the tickets I looked on Theatremonkey and saw that they were supposedly 'OK' seats, I came back on this site a few days before the show and saw what Tamara had written about those very seats..."Poor value for money in my opinion"...This worried me, expecting my friends to moan at me when we got to the theatre only to be put in "poor value" seats. But we all thought they were good seats with a decent view of the whole stage. So for those worried about booking seats in Dress Circle, row G, don't be! We could see straight down the centre of the stage as we were in the middle of the row (seats 15 to 19), the leg room was a bit better than I expected but I suppose a taller person would disagree. The only annoying thing was the very tall Dad sat in front of me! Luckily I swapped with a friend at the interval!"

Row L at second price is preferable to the stalls, as it feels closer to the stage for the same money. Row M offers similar value but the rake begins to make it seem farther away then they actually are. Theatremonkey knows it is only a difference of a few feet, but theatre rakes are strange things.

Seats in the side blocks of the rear circle all feel stuck in a corner and make theatremonkey feel utterly lonely and unloved, aaaah. Take rows F and G seats 5 to 8 and 25 to 28 / H to J 4 to 7 and 26 to 29 if you must and better stuff has gone, otherwise insist on centre block seats for much better value for your hard earned cash. Also consider L 3 to 6 and 25 to 28 for less cash.

Rows N and O are set in an alcove at the back of the theatre and is good for courting couples who are not particularly interested in the show or those with "kids from hell" who want a segregation unit for them. The armrests between each pair of seats should be removed in this monkey's opinion to allow either canoodle access...or easy swiping for parents...

Come to think of it, the former could turn into the parents of the latter if they are not too careful in these rows!

Reader RH says,
"We sat in row N of the Dress Circle which the theatre monkey dismisses in its reviews but we all felt that they were bargain seats. They are half the price of seats three rows in front and although the top of the stage is cut off, you rarely miss much action. We didn't feel as far back as we thought we would and the voices carried very clearly. Would definitely recommend these seats as a cheaper alternative."

Legroom is barely adequate in all rows especially row A, which should be avoided by anyone who values their circulation below the waist. The lowest numbers of row M have a little more legroom, according to the theatre.

 

Dress Circle Lodges
A unique feature of this theatre. The lodges are five short rows of seats projecting on tiered ledges from the front corners of the Dress Circle. Each row is self-contained like a private box, enclosed by walls and metal rails.

The view from these seats is adequate but "side on" to the stage with bars in view for many. 

These rows can be labelled "A, B and C" rather than 1, 2, 3 on some plans.

A reader says,
"Sat in Loge D to the right of the stage (4 seater), Dress Circle.

Fantastic view of the action, feels very private but a clear view of the stage. I sat in the seat nearest the wall therefore had a very slight restriction of view on the right hand corner but this was noticeable only on one or two occasions, and being so close to the action this didn't matter. The others in the seats further along had no such problem. This is a superb position for the final flypast. Best of all there was no one behind my seat to moan about the tall person in front! Definitely worth full price, I would highly recommend sitting here."

A later visit, to a different show, brought the additional comment,
"Sat in Loge 5 seats 1 and 2 - a little to the side but great view, except for when the people in Loge 4 leaned forward. Good legroom (This is important). However, for 'Mary Poppins' I said that Loges 3 and 4 were well worth the money and should be Green seats - for 'Jersey Boys,' I would say Loge 5 is good, but not outstanding. The band sequences are very much directed at the middle stalls. Still worthy of top price without a doubt though. Seats 3 and 4 however, having no obstruction in front, would be fantastic."

Legroom is barely adequate in all seats.

 

Dress Circle Boxes
Three each side of the stage at Dress Circle level and between Dress and Upper Circle level. Online booking systems may list the boxes as "CBA" and "CBB" - "Circle Box 1" and "Circle Box 2"; "SBA" and "SBB" - "Slip Box 1" and "Slip Box 2"; and "GBA" and "GBB" - "Grand Circle Box 1" and "Grand Circle Box 2". This is to avoid confusion between the box and the seat numbers, apparently!

Boxes at the side of the stage offer an angled view of the action with the closest side not visible. Choose upper level over stalls as the extra height helps the view, but take these seats as a secondary choice. The box office feel them superior to the last row of the Dress Circle, but they are top price....many are impressed by them, though.

Slip seats:
Not bad for the view and price. Cheaper than other side boxes and the theatre are fans of these... worth a thought...

A reader says,
"Dress Circle Slips at £20 each (last minute discount). What fantastic value, yes you have to lean forward slightly but the view of the stage is unobstructed, you get great space and you also get a real feel for how the audience are responding to the show."

 

UPPER CIRCLE
Called the GRAND CIRCLE in this theatre.

This circle is divided into front and rear sections by an aisle in front of most of row H. Both sections are split into centre and two side blocks by aisles.

In the front section all seats in all blocks have a clear view of the stage with only Rows A to F seats 1 to 4 and 34 to 37 worth avoiding for being to close to the edges of the circle to have a comfortable viewing angle. Pick row B first, then C to E, then A (if legroom is no worry) then F.

Reader Stephen comments,
"We were in Upper Circle row C seats 15 and 16, a good central view of the stage."

Regular theatremonkey contributor Chris May backs up this opinion:
"Upper Circle C19, for the price it was a wonderful seat, clear view of the whole stage and I think that nothing was missed at the top of the rear of the stage, maybe a projected moon or two, leg room ain't that bad either". 

as does another for "Mary Poppins,"
"I sat in D 15 the 1st act, and then I saw the friend I was supposed to meet at 6:30 during the interval, so I moved to B 27 to sit with her. Both of them were great seats - I could see everything, even the INCREDIBLE moment in Step in Time, and heard everything wonderfully. I wish I could've seen facial expressions a little more, but a pair of binoculars at 50p made that possible."

Another reader, Ken, felt:
"Our seats were in the Upper Circle, not cheap at £37.50 each. Usual limited legroom, even for a short person like me... the sound quality in the Upper Circle was quite poor with a lot of words disappearing, especially at the start. They made Mary Poppins fly, so why didn't they fly speakers for the (not) cheap seats."

A comment another reader makes from the cheapest seats at the back, too, notes the monkey (see further on, below).

For Monday to Thursday Evening performances of "Jersey Boys" (March 2008) front section side block row F is cheaper and the monkey likes F7 to 10 and 22 to 31at lowest prices.

Row G appears to have been added to the back of the central block at the last minute where an aisle was meant to be. The view is fine but everybody has to clamber over you to get to his or her own seat. At current prices, on weekdays these are fair value - avoid the seats at top price on weekends, perhaps...

...In the rear section central block rows H back centre block are cheaper, and rows H to K at fourth price are worthwhile, it feels.

A reader reports that for "Mary Poppins":
"We were sat in Row H of the Grand Circle and the seats were perfect - the little one is scared of heights and having the rail there made her feel ok about the height, but didn't restrict the view at all."

Over the aisle in the side blocks are cheaper still for Friday and Saturday performances, and worthwhile, the monkey feels. It would take H and J 4 to 6 and 26 to 28 before rows M and N. At Monday to Thursday performances, these seats make a good choice too if centre block isn't available for the same price.

A reader agrees,
"We sat in seats H4, H5, H6 and H7 in the Upper Circle and for just £25 each they were a bargain. We had a total clear view of the stage. The only slight problem was for my younger sister. She is 7 and had problems seeing over the safety bar at first, but a booster cushion greatly helped her to see better, so they are great seats but if you have younger children it's best to get them a booster seat. (The woman who gave it to us said they only had 10 for the whole Upper Circle so its best to get them quick.)

Rows M and N are a very long way from the stage. For "Jersey Boys" the theatre feel row M 1 to 19 offer a particularly good view for the money - the monkey agrees.

Monkey regular and reliable seating connoisseur Will Cooper reports,
"We were seated in row M seats 15 and 16 of the Upper/Grand Circle and found  the view to be comparable to the cheap and cheerful non-restricted seats in any of the larger West End playhouses, although at £25 these are some of the  most expensive furthest-from-stage tickets in London. The sound quality for "Mary Poppins" was not great, however."

Row L seats 1, 2, 34 and 35 are above stairwells with a wall in front. Cheapest tickets in the house as they are restricted view. Take these before row AA as the view is marginally better - but they are NO bargain for this show.

Seats B 10 and 28, C 10 and 28, J 7 and 25 and K 7 and 25 are also restricted view, but more expensive. Perhaps try the Dress Circle lodges or even stalls "behind the conductor" if you want to miss the edges / middle of the show respectively, or wish to be closer to the stage for the same money.

Readers Colin and Asa McCarthy-Burton comment:
"We were sitting in the Upper Circle and felt that the prices paid for our seats were, like the Upper Circle, a little too steep."

Row AA slip seats 1 to 5 and BB slip seats 6 to 10 are at the edges of the Upper Circle. Designated restricted view because less than half the stage is visible as you peer around the walls of the theatre. A "take only if you need to see the show and everything else is sold" option. The theatre report those in AA 1 and 2 and BB 9 and 10 in particular will peer through the lighting rig.

Legroom is very poor in all seats, and exceptionally bad in row A. Reader Adrian G of Surrey says,
"Having read the reviews, I was keen to see Mary Poppins. Unfortunately, against my better judgement, I bought seats in the Grand (aka Upper) Circle.

Consequently, this review is mainly about discomfort! I am 6 ft 3, and these seats were utterly inadequate, with the smallest amount of legroom I have yet encountered in any theatre. My feet were pinned against the back of the seat in front, and due to the steep rake of the seating, my knees entered the airspace around the heads of two guys in front of me. They were understanding, since they were in the same boat. Even before the show started, I was worried about getting muscle spasm or cramp.

After about 40 minutes, I was in so much discomfort, I was just willing time on, and couldn’t concentrate. By the penultimate act, where the toys come alive, I didn’t even notice, because cramp was starting in my left hamstring, and I just wanted to get out, before my leg locked up fully. I only just kept the cramp at bay until the end of the first half.

I concluded that I could not endure the second part of the show. We were going to leave, but I approached one of the senior staff at the venue. (Alas, I did not get his name). Without hesitation he offered me an ushers seat in the stalls for the second half. I took it!

Although I had slightly limited viewing, I was now able to enjoy the show.

Conclusion; If you are much over 5ft 8, don’t even consider the Grand circle. The stalls give very generous legroom, and the view is far superior."

Reader Jo comments,
"We were in A20 and A21 of the Grand (upper) Circle and in spite of other comments about poor legroom, we were pleasantly surprised. At 5’ 6” and 5’ 9” respectively this can be a problem but not here. Seats were very comfortable and we had an excellent view of the whole stage. Sound was also fine."

to balance the views.



 

Notes
Total 1619 seats. Oddly, the monkey made it 1630 though!

Air-conditioned auditorium.

Infrared loop with headsets available. Occasional audio described and signed performances. Guide dog sitter available if booked in advance. Adapted WC in foyer. Access for wheelchairs via fire exit in Greek Street (so you use the foyer entrance for the toilet, but not to see the show - a quirk of architecture!). Choice of staying with your chair and using a box in the circle, or moving to a seat in row A. Fuller details www.delfont-mackintosh.com, or call the theatre group dedicated phoneline on 0870 011 7574 . The "registered disabled" concessionary price policy here is generally (though can be subject to change) for a quota of accessible best seats to be made available at the lowest regular price charged. This quota is increased for designated performances such as signed / audio interpreted. Check with the box office at time of booking.

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

Free cast lists are available in the foyer. This saves having to buy an expensive programme.

Four bars; two Stalls, one Dress Circle, and one Upper Circle.

7 toilets in all; Foyer 1 ladies 4 cubicles, 1 unisex disabled; Stalls 1 gents 2 cubicles, 1 ladies 7 cubicles; Dress Circle 1 gents 1 cubicle; Upper Circle 1 gents 1 cubicle, 1 ladies 3 cubicles.

 

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Getting to this Theatre
Find this theatre on a Street Map
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 photograph illustrated version of these directions 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. So look for the one showing the Prince Edward theatre. It will be marked "Charing Cross Road West", Exit 2 and is to the right of the electronic underground ticket gates. Go up the staircase. 

At the top, in front of you will be Charing Cross Road. Next to you, notice the Hippodrome Nightclub and a wide pedestrianised street. Turn to your left and walk on,  passing many shops. Follow the road as it curves, pass a red brick covered arcade of shops and keep walking straight on. 

You will come to a large crossroad with the Palace Theatre on your left. Cross the road to this theatre and head for the sidestreets at right hand corner of it. Look for the "Cambridge" pub. Walk towards it and when in front of it, look to your left as you face it. You should see the theatre signboard as this is Old Compton Street. Walk down this road, past the "community Safety Office" and the theatre is in front of you on the next corner to your right. If you see a fire station on your left, wrong way, go back to the Palace Theatre and take the road on the other side of the building.

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If at the top of the underground stairs you see a narrow street with only a row of shops and offices in front of you, this is Cranbourn Street. Turn to your right. Walk to the end of the street. If you see the Hippodrome Nightclub on the opposite corner across a busy road, good, but you don't need to cross the road to it. The underground exit you should have used is on the opposite corner. If you reach the end of Cranbourn Street and see a large restaurant, The Sussex on the opposite corner, Wrong way, turn around and retrace your steps to try again.

If you got it right, then turn to your right and walk on, up Charing Cross Road passing many second-hand bookshops. Follow the road as it curves, and cross Litchfield Street, keep walking straight on. You will come to a large crossroad with the Palace Theatre (home of Les Misérables) on your left. Cross to it, and head for the sidestreet at right hand corner of it. 

This is Old Compton Street. Walk down this road and the theatre is in front of you on the next corner to your right. If you see a fire station on your left, wrong way, go back to the Palace Theatre and take the road on the other side of the building.

 

Buses:
14, 19 and 38 stop on Charing Cross Road by the Palace Theatre on Cambridge Circus. Head for this theatre, and when you reach it, head for the side-street at the right hand corner of it. This is Old Compton Street. Walk down this road and the theatre is in front of you on the next corner to your right. If you see a fire station on your left, wrong way, go back to the Palace Theatre and take the road on the other side of the building.

 

Car Park:
Cambridge Circus. On leaving cross the road in front of you, Shaftesbury Avenue. Greek Street will be almost in front of you, between a newsagent shop and the brown rear corner of the Palace Theatre (a black metal and Glass canopy, and large cast posters in frames give it away). Walk straight down Greek Street, crossing Romilly Street and passing the stage door of the Palace Theatre on your right. At the next corner, the Prince Edward Theatre is obvious, ahead and to your left.
 
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